- The Body in the Library

Definitely it's a must buy if you are a crime suspence reader, it's classy and easy to go with the flow, the plot was good cuz I have read better ones but a Agatha fan so it's worth it

The dramatic opening of the story is when Dolly Bantry discovers a young woman’s body in the library of her home in St. Mary Mead. Upon discovery, she immediately calls her friend, Miss Marple, to help provide some insight. As the investigation goes from finding out the identity of the victim to a professional dance hostess in a prominent hotel, a second murder further complicates the case. The story is fast-paced, typical of the Christie style of writing, which includes wit, wry humour and in-depth analysis of the human mind by Miss Marple. The plot is engaging and an ideal read for cosy-mystery lovers. Of course, the premise and the setting are old-school English. Personally, it feels like coming back home to slow-burning plot lines taking shape and the luxury of relaxed dialogues, especially after reading the new-age psychological thrillers. The highlight of the book, of any AC book in fact, is that prominence is given to the human intellect rather than gruesome details or psychotic motives. It is a classic who-dun-it, and it cannot get better than this. Miss Marple and her sharp mind at work, solving crimes using practical tidbits from local gossip and legitimate knowledge of the functioning of the human mind, is quite a delight to read. Here are some quotes from the book that caught my attention: What I feel is that if one has got to have a murder actually happening in one’s house, one might as well enjoy it, if you know what I mean. Downstairs in the lounge, by the third pillar from the left, there sits an old lady with a sweet, placid, spinterish face, and a mind that has plumbed the depths of human iniquity and taken it as all in the day’s work. Her name is Miss Marple. My Final Thoughts The Body in the Library is perfect for Agatha Christie newcomers or Miss Marple enthusiasts. Grab a copy for your next book club or rainy day.

Best

Good book

The best

There was a time in my life, when I was a child, that my father and I would read murder mystery books together. We would read and read throughout the week – he, after returning home from office, and me, in the evenings, after finishing my school homework. Weekends were reserved for going to the book market and buying more books, and discussing each storyline threadbare. My love for murder mysteries started then, early in my life, and still continues. Our favourite authors were Agatha Christie, PD James and Rex Strout. After many years, I picked up an Agatha Christie again – perhaps to revive old memories. It was a book I distinctly remember reading as a 12 year old – but alas, I did not seem to have retained even the smallest portion of the book in my memory – absolutely nothing. It was like reading a brand new book, all over again. It is difficult not to compare some of the absolute trash that is being published these days in the name of murder mysteries. Stories with multiple POVs (points of view) – sometimes so many that you lose track, with unreliable narrators, badly-plotted stories, and unbelievable and sensational endings. Even though Christie was so prolific, I never got the feeling that she was writing just for the sake of writing, resting on the glory of her past books. Each story was carefully thought out, intelligent, and meticulously crafted. The endings were clever, but never incredible or unbelievable. This is not to say that some of the present day authors are not good – I enjoy Ruth Ware, Joshilyn Jackson and a few others, but there never can be another Agatha Christie – at least in my lifetime. “The Body in The Library” was first published in 1942, almost 80 years back! The story is set in St. Mary Meads, Devon, England, the hometown of dear Miss Marple, the elderly and experienced amateur detective. The corpse of a dead girl is found in the library of the Bantry’s mansion, and Miss Marple gets involved in the sleuthing. The girl used to work as a dancer in a high end hotel in the town, and – in typical vintage Agatha Christie Style, there are a number of suspects. There are twists and turns in the story, but in the end all lose ends are neatly and satisfactorily tied up. Yes, there were a few red herrings in the story, but nothing so misleading that it throws you off track, and makes you feel let down. Oh no, that’s not Christie style at all ! It took me a day to finish this book, and I closed it with a sense of satisfaction, an yes – with some sadness. Now, which Agatha Christie should I pick up next – for old time’s sake ?

Used for self reading and then circulate amongst interested nears and dears for their reading.

Quick delivery, received in good condition. A classic Agatha Christie mystery, but with very little involvement of Miss Marple until the very end of the book. I enjoyed reading it, but it wasn't my favourite Christie book.