i tried reading a couple agatha christie books over the past few days (this one, evil under the sun, and third girl which i did not finish) and i can't really get into them. they fly by at a nice pace and i think hercule poirot is charming but the dry presentation of all the facts is such a slog to read through. now that i know what to expect, i could see myself enjoying these on the beach or something because they're very quick reads, more like puzzles than anything i personally get literary enjoyment out of. but basically i don't like the purpose of these fair play mysteries.
the murder of roger ackroyd is known to be one of her best because of a massive twist. i guessed it right away but it didn't bother me very much, especially as the culprits in evil under the sun and third girl are completely ridiculous. i just wish there was some more psychological depth to what goes on. there was nothing for me to grasp onto here.
i said this in another review but i'm a big fan of giallo films. reading these classic mystery books made me understand what i love about the film genre is the psychoanalytical nature of the crimes and the complete disregard for logic...and agatha christie books seem to be all about logic. if anyone has recs for genuinely wacky or psychological mystery books lmk
Since you like giallo you might prefer noir or hardboiled fiction to Christie. Check out In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes. Also, have you read the novel that The Bird with the Crystal Plumage was based on? It’s called The Screaming Mimi and is pretty great, though not a masterpiece like Argento’s flick. (I guess both those are more “crime” than “mystery” but I’m not sure what the distinction is.).
i was hoping someone would comment something like this! thank you, i'll check them out. i know the screaming mimi is very different from the bird with the crystal plumage so i'm particularly interested in that one too