15 Comments
User's avatar
Mr. Troy Ford's avatar

I thought the Z movie was very poignant, especially that ending! Have never read any Agatha Christie but "After the Funeral" looks like a great place to start - thanks, Martine!

Expand full comment
Rebecca Rhoads's avatar

Your eagle-eyed analysis of Christie’s novel has convinced me to at long last read her works. Why I haven’t yet makes me scratch my head with a self-abasing finger. Despite the muse’s fickle fleet feet you’ve managed to cogently write and delight me with this excellent post. I, too, am chasing the muse so the entire premise resonates with me. Damn good, Martine.

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

Thank you Rebecca! Yes, Agatha is worth a visit... Maybe a classic to start? Try The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, it's very very clever (no spoiler, swear it!)

Expand full comment
Terry Odell's avatar

Love Agatha Christie. I think I have all her books/stories in my library. She and Conan Doyle got me hooked on mysteries.

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

All of us...

Expand full comment
Mary Jo Robertiello's avatar

I have read and listened to many Christie's stories. No one plots like Christie. Some of my favorites: Five Little Pigs, Cat Among the Pigeons, At Bertram's Hotel, Murder is Easy. For humor I recommend The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. There's an hilarious scene of mahjong card playing. The story is packed with witty asides. Through her work, Agatha Christie has probably contributed more to the English economy than many other writers. Think of all the TV adaptations, movies, audiobooks. Mary Jo Robertiello

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

I reread The Murder of Roger Ackroyd recently. To see how "she did it" :) - Even knowing the story (no spoiler!), she still sucked me in and I forgot to read like a writer!

Expand full comment
Victor De Anda's avatar

I enjoyed the film of LOST CITY OF Z, now I'm curious to read the book. Great post!

Expand full comment
Zak's Campfire Jam's avatar

Christie's ability to write a genuine fair-play mystery as a short story again & again & again is nothing short of remarkable. It's a skill not often flexed today in short crime fiction & hers are definitely worth close study. AFTER THE FUNERAL sounds delicious, too.

Expand full comment
Richard Donnelly's avatar

"sharp fangs ... kept ... politely out of sight... with a solid dose of black humor" This is practically the definition of good writing : )

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

I enjoy writing the occasional vampire story (it's a welcome change from crime!), it shows!

Expand full comment
Richard Donnelly's avatar

: )

Expand full comment
Tricia Simpson's avatar

On my list now! Happy New Year to you and Jim. 🍾

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

Thank you, Tricia! And best wishes for 2025!

Expand full comment
Rebecca Rhoads's avatar

Thanks! I’m on it.

Expand full comment