I joined the Read Christie 2025 Challenge with Agatha Christie Ltd. If you want to take the challenge, you can visit the official website or their various social media channels to learn more.
This month’s theme is archaeologists, and my book is Murder at the Vicarage.
Synopsis
‘Anyone who murdered Colonel Protheroe,’ declared the parson, brandishing a carving knife above a joint of roast beef, ‘would be doing the world at large a favour!’ It was a careless remark for a man of the cloth. And one which was to come back and haunt the clergyman just a few hours later – when the colonel was found shot dead in the clergyman’s study. But as Miss Marple soon discovers, the whole village seems to have had a motive to kill Colonel Protheroe.
Thoughts
This Miss Marple mystery strikes the perfect balance of concise prose and lively storytelling. Christie introduces a quaint village setting filled with engaging, often quirky characters who each feel distinct and memorable. The mystery is cleverly built around subtle clues and red herrings that keep you guessing without feeling convoluted. The pacing is brisk, yet each chapter lands with just enough detail to keep you hooked. This is a tightly woven, character-rich whodunit that delivers all the charm of a classic mystery.
★★★★★
Question
Do you have a favorite cozy mystery story?