Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
REREAD:
For me, the main difference between a 4.5 book and a 5 book is whether I've imprinted on it. I have imprinted on this book. It's not technically perfect but who gives a hoot. Harley Quin and Mr Satterthwaite are awesome and I love this collection especially as a longer story/unit. I love the idea of (witting or unwitting) personifications of Life and Death interacting in this kind of liminal space, with some story concepts that Christie usually used more for her non-mystery short stories than her mystery ones. Love it so much.
For me, the main difference between a 4.5 book and a 5 book is whether I've imprinted on it. I have imprinted on this book. It's not technically perfect but who gives a hoot. Harley Quin and Mr Satterthwaite are awesome and I love this collection especially as a longer story/unit. I love the idea of (witting or unwitting) personifications of Life and Death interacting in this kind of liminal space, with some story concepts that Christie usually used more for her non-mystery short stories than her mystery ones. Love it so much.
The author never ceases to amaze the reader on how creative she is. This is a work incorporating many short scenarios featuring Mr. Quin and Mr. Sattertwaite. Mr. S knows just about everyone whose anyone to know and he just travels about from place to place and enjoys watching dramas being played out. The mysterious Mr. Q just happens to show up as he comes and goes. Things are certain to happen when they come together as Mr. Q causes Mr. S to see what is not necessarily noticed and solves the mystery. Very entertaining.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Mr Satterthwaite, a rich man who knows everyone, plays the detective role, assisted by his muse, the mysterious Mr Quin, who appears whenever there is a problem to be solved, and subtly aids Mr S in its conclusion . Mysterious to the point of supernatural, the stories all revolve around love and death. Apparently the character is inspired by Harlequin and Columbine, which I must research.
4.1/5
One of Agatha Christie’s earlier works. Unlike Christie’s more traditional detective stories, this collection of short stories intertwines intuition, fate, and slightsupernatural theme. A refreshing take on the genre.
I think Satterthwaite and Quin are a very well-written duo, both complementing and contrasting each other as the mysteries are solved.
Since it’s a collection of short stories, it’s possible to find the chapters as stand alone books; good pacing, quick wrap up, and each with a unique theme.
Might not suit the taste of those who prefer traditional detective stories and may feel like there’s a certain shallowness to the structure.
It’d be great if there were more questions answered about Mr. Quin, as the whole character is pretty much a mystery, even at the end of chapter 12. But also in some ways, ‘Harlequin’s Lane’ was the perfect ending to this series.
A unique read! Strays from the path of traditional detective fiction. May not be for everyone, but for those who would like character driven stories with a touch of the paranormal, and philosophy, it’s a book i would recommend
One of Agatha Christie’s earlier works. Unlike Christie’s more traditional detective stories, this collection of short stories intertwines intuition, fate, and slightsupernatural theme. A refreshing take on the genre.
I think Satterthwaite and Quin are a very well-written duo, both complementing and contrasting each other as the mysteries are solved.
Since it’s a collection of short stories, it’s possible to find the chapters as stand alone books; good pacing, quick wrap up, and each with a unique theme.
Might not suit the taste of those who prefer traditional detective stories and may feel like there’s a certain shallowness to the structure.
It’d be great if there were more questions answered about Mr. Quin, as the whole character is pretty much a mystery, even at the end of chapter 12. But also in some ways, ‘Harlequin’s Lane’ was the perfect ending to this series.
A unique read! Strays from the path of traditional detective fiction. May not be for everyone, but for those who would like character driven stories with a touch of the paranormal, and philosophy, it’s a book i would recommend
4.25*
Short stories always feel a little ‘less’ than novels to me and yet, here, Christie gives us much to ponder... What seems at first entertaining mysteries can also be seen as sharp glimpses into the human psyche!
Twelve mysteries are served to the reader, featuring the likeable Mr Satterthwaite, who prefers to witness what happens around him rather than participate. However, with the appearance of the enigmatic Mr. Quin, our deal old gentleman is forced into the role of mystery solver.
I love the way Christie paints one scene, totally clear, only to rip it apart and show something utterly different. The collection might be name after Mr. Quin, but his role is that of ‘fuse’, inciting Mr Satterthwaite to action. In a way, he is like a glass prism that changes white light into a plethora of colours, transforming what appears to be one truth into very different perceptions. Masterly done.
Short stories always feel a little ‘less’ than novels to me and yet, here, Christie gives us much to ponder... What seems at first entertaining mysteries can also be seen as sharp glimpses into the human psyche!
Twelve mysteries are served to the reader, featuring the likeable Mr Satterthwaite, who prefers to witness what happens around him rather than participate. However, with the appearance of the enigmatic Mr. Quin, our deal old gentleman is forced into the role of mystery solver.
I love the way Christie paints one scene, totally clear, only to rip it apart and show something utterly different. The collection might be name after Mr. Quin, but his role is that of ‘fuse’, inciting Mr Satterthwaite to action. In a way, he is like a glass prism that changes white light into a plethora of colours, transforming what appears to be one truth into very different perceptions. Masterly done.
I quite enjoyed this volume of stories somewhat outside of Christie's usual fare. I tend not to be a fan of the short story format, but it worked in this case for most of them; in many of the stories, there is a tragedy that has happened in the past and just by asking questions, Mr. Quin — and then Mr. Satterthwaite, following his example — is able to uncover the truth of what really happened, typically leading to some otherwise-doomed romance being helped along as a result.
The biggest disappointment was Christie's "he only beats her because he loves her so much" idea rearing its head again. That significantly dampened my enthusiasm for this collection.
I don't think it's too much of a stretch to read Mr. Satterthwaite as a queer character (he's an elderly bachelor described as being somewhat feminine and with "mincing steps"), and some of the scenes between him and Mr. Quin, especially in the final story, feel like Christie was intentionally queer-baiting the reader. If there isn't already fanfiction detailing a romance between the two, that's certainly a missed opportunity right there!
On the whole, I really liked this read. Apparently there are two other Harley Quin stories not found in this collection, so I look forward to coming across those elsewhere.
The biggest disappointment was Christie's "he only beats her because he loves her so much" idea rearing its head again. That significantly dampened my enthusiasm for this collection.
I don't think it's too much of a stretch to read Mr. Satterthwaite as a queer character (he's an elderly bachelor described as being somewhat feminine and with "mincing steps"), and some of the scenes between him and Mr. Quin, especially in the final story, feel like Christie was intentionally queer-baiting the reader. If there isn't already fanfiction detailing a romance between the two, that's certainly a missed opportunity right there!
On the whole, I really liked this read. Apparently there are two other Harley Quin stories not found in this collection, so I look forward to coming across those elsewhere.
Being that this was a bunch of short stories, it didn't hold my attention as much as a novel, but I was always guessing about Mr. Quin. And then it all made sense at the end of the last story. Very clever...