Problem at Pollensa Bay, and Other Stories
by Agatha Christie
Blurb:
Three of Christie's top detectives—Hercule Poirot, Mr. Parker Pyne, and Harley Quin—star in these entertaining short mysteries. Two do not involve detectives, but focus on the deceptions of men and women in relationships. Includes "Problem at Pollensa Bay", "The Second Gong", "Yellow Iris", "The Harlequin Tea Set", "The Regatta Mystery", "The Love Detectives", "Next to a Dog", and "Magnolia Blossom".
My Reaction:
I started by listening to the audiobook version of this collection of short stories. The narrator is Hugh Fraser (Captain Hastings from the 90s/2000s Poirot). I loved his portrayal of Hastings, and he's an excellent narrator, as well. I've listened to one or two of his narrations of Poirot novels, too, and always enjoy his reading. (The way he voices Poirot is closely modeled after David Suchet's performance-- perfect!) I can be a little picky about narration, but no complaints this time!
Unfortunately, the audiobook version I listened to doesn't include all the stories in the original collection, which was disappointing. Of course I had to find a text copy, so I could at least read the remaining four stories myself. It's a mixed bag, like most short story collections. Some are a bit weak, but others were entertaining enough. I don't think you'll be any the worse if you listen to the audiobook and give the others a miss.
"Problem at Pollensa Bay"
I believe this was my introduction to Parker Pyne. It was fine. A bit predictable, as a modern reader, but entertaining, all the same. (...Though I did feel a bit resentful of the male love interest in the last part of the story... tsk tsk!)
"The Second Gong"
This story was familiar, as I'd seen the Poirot TV adaptation of a very similar story; however, reading further, it seems that Christie later expanded this story into a novella, and it is that which was adapted for TV. That explains the differences in complexity and denouement! An interesting mystery with the classic locked-room set-up.
"Yellow Iris"
This one, too, was familiar from the TV program. I was surprised to learn that the song in that Poirot episode was written for the show, to fit the lyrics from the short story. I'd have guessed that Christie was quoting an existing song.
"The Harlequin Tea Set"
I don't think I'd read about Harley Quin before. Not that I can recall, at any rate. This story had a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere that was completely unexpected. (I understand now that all of the Harley Quin stories are slightly mystical, apparently.) It's not the type of thing I'd want to read all the time or in novel-length doses, but it makes an enjoyable change of pace. The mental images of some of the scenes came across very clearly and beautifully.
Unfortunately, the audiobook version I listened to doesn't include all the stories in the original collection, which was disappointing. Of course I had to find a text copy, so I could at least read the remaining four stories myself. It's a mixed bag, like most short story collections. Some are a bit weak, but others were entertaining enough. I don't think you'll be any the worse if you listen to the audiobook and give the others a miss.
"Problem at Pollensa Bay"
I believe this was my introduction to Parker Pyne. It was fine. A bit predictable, as a modern reader, but entertaining, all the same. (...Though I did feel a bit resentful of the male love interest in the last part of the story... tsk tsk!)
"The Second Gong"
This story was familiar, as I'd seen the Poirot TV adaptation of a very similar story; however, reading further, it seems that Christie later expanded this story into a novella, and it is that which was adapted for TV. That explains the differences in complexity and denouement! An interesting mystery with the classic locked-room set-up.
"Yellow Iris"
This one, too, was familiar from the TV program. I was surprised to learn that the song in that Poirot episode was written for the show, to fit the lyrics from the short story. I'd have guessed that Christie was quoting an existing song.
"The Harlequin Tea Set"
I don't think I'd read about Harley Quin before. Not that I can recall, at any rate. This story had a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere that was completely unexpected. (I understand now that all of the Harley Quin stories are slightly mystical, apparently.) It's not the type of thing I'd want to read all the time or in novel-length doses, but it makes an enjoyable change of pace. The mental images of some of the scenes came across very clearly and beautifully.
"The Regatta Mystery"
A bit familiar. I think there was a Poirot episode that had an expanded version of this story (but can't be bothered to look it up). Not the best mystery, but... Fine. ...Okay, I did just look it up, and apparently the Poirot version of the story came before this one, which features Parker Pyne instead.
"The Love Detectives"
Another Harley Quin story. I didn't like this one as well as "The Harlequin Tea Set". Again, it was fine, but maybe slightly predictable.
Another Harley Quin story. I didn't like this one as well as "The Harlequin Tea Set". Again, it was fine, but maybe slightly predictable.
"Next to a Dog"
I waited too long after reading this story to return to this blog post... I believe I thought it was okay, but sad, especially for dog-lovers. Not something I'd read again.
"Magnolia Blossom"
I didn't care for this at all. Very melodramatic and blah. I didn't care for any of the characters and didn't find the story compelling.
