The first book in Agatha Christie's 'Tommy and Tuppence' mysteries is so much fun, it's hard to handle. After World War I, Prudence Cowley (Tuppence) happens to bump into her childhood friend, Thomas Beresford (Tommy), and as they are both hard-up on money, they decide to create 'The Young Adventurers, Ltd.,' a rather unconventional private and unofficial detective agency. Tommy and Tuppence put an advertisement in the newspaper stating that they are two young adventurers willing to do anything or go anywhere... No unreasonable offer refused. Their ad is answered more promptly than anticipated. Spunky Tuppence and steadfast Tommy find themselves absolutely in over their heads in a plot to find a missing young American named Jane Finn and a secret document. If the documents falls into the wrong hands it could plunge England into revolution, and then anarchy. The problem is, the only one who knows where the document is to be found is the missing American. Tommy and Tuppence resourcefully attempt to uncover the location of Jane Finn and the document, as well as discover the true identity of the mysterious man who goes only by the name 'Mr. Brown.' Mr. Brown is the head of a desperate group of anarchists who kidnap, kill, and maim lightly enough. But despite the anarchists ruthless nature, even they live in constant fear of the elusive Mr. Brown... The Secret Adversary.
My friend gave me this book for my birthday and I am ever so grateful that she did. Once I started reading, I zipped straight through it. It's so darn entertaining! Tommy and Tuppence are such fun characters. When reading the Poirot mysteries, I sometimes wish that Ms. Christie took more time in fleshing out her characters and less time on the plot, although I do love her plots. I just like when writers put effort into their characters to make them realistic and believable. Both Tommy and Tuppence never lacked for personality, that's for sure! They act and converse like real friends. It's a joy to read their conversations. They literally sparkle when together. The whole book is very witty and full of those plot twists that set Agatha Christie a couple notches above most mystery writers. Also, if you like a little romance, Tommy and Tuppence are not a married couple in this first book, so some delightful jealousy ensues. It's always cute when characters like each other, but won't admit it until one or the other has an admirer. I also like that in these books the guy isn't a complete idiot. I know, idiot males weren't really trending in the '20s, but it was still refreshing to see Tommy being the intellectual rock of the partnership. Tuppence is very clever and has an uncanny intuition, but she often jumps into things before thinking them out. Tommy always thinks things through, which sometimes annoys Tuppence, but often leads her to thank him later. They complete each other wonderfully. There are some good side characters in this book (Albert being my favorite), and the villains are wonderful, but it is undoubtedly Tommy and Tuppence that steal the show. All in all, this book is a masterpiece of light and fun entertainment. You can read it anytime and it'll give you a lift. It's one of my favorite Agatha Christie's I've read so far.
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| This is from a t.v. series that wasn't that great, but I like the picture. |
~ "I should have a great objection to dying" ~
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~ "... I always help old ladies over crossings, and pick up parcels for old gentlemen, in case they should turn out to be eccentric millionaires..." ~
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~ "The moral guilt," Tuppence pointed out, "would be theirs - not mine. You must admit that there's a difference between stealing a diamond necklace for yourself and being hired to steal it."
"There wouldn't be the least difference if you were caught!"
"Perhaps not. But I shouldn't get caught. I'm so clever."
"Modesty always was your besetting sin," remarked Tommy.
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~ "Nothing," said Tommy "could be plainer than your words - unless it was your face." ~
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And there are lots of other wonderful lines, which you can find if you read the book yourself. And now, until next time old bean, Cheerio!
~ Irene
