Librarybelle

The Big Four | Agatha Christie

Great discussion yesterday for # ChristiesCapers ! Feel free to keep contributing.

Next month, we have another Poirot novel and go on the quest for The Big Four. Discussion on August 31st.

All are welcome to join us! Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list. #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 20h

BarbaraJean Looking forward to this! Somehow I missed it when I started reading through the Poirot books several years ago. It'll be nice to fill in that gap! 18h

Librarybelle Great, @BarbaraJean ! 18h

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mrp27 I‘m so behind on the books! 16h

Librarybelle No worries, @mrp27 ! Some Littens are only reading certain books or are jumping in when they have an opportunity. 10h

Sace I can‘t keep up with all the buddy reads and I go back to work tomorrow 😩. I think I need to take the L and ask you to take me off this hashtag list. 9h

Librarybelle @Sace Thanks for joining us! 5h

ElizaMarie I have only read two of her books (one of those read before the movie comes out kinda thing) - they are all stand alone right? I am curious about joining here and there if possible :) 2h

Librarybelle @ElizaMarie Some of her books are series, but can be read as standalones. I‘ve read Poirot and Marple out of order in the past with no issue. It may be series, but not like we think of series today where the books build upon one another. I think you‘d be fine, and you‘re welcome to join us! Not everyone is reading every book, so feel free to dip in with whichever books you‘d like to read! 😁 1h

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

The #ChristiesCapers discussion questions are posted! You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtags. This is my second favorite Christie, and I hope everyone enjoyed it!

Next month, Hastings is back with Poirot for The Big Four. Official post tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 Thanks for posting the full years schedule! (edited) 2d

Deblovestoread My ebook version was wacky again. so am picking up a print copy from my library Tuesday. I‘ll chime in when I finish. 2d

MallenNC @Deblovestoread Did your ebook have the page numbers/title in the middle of the screen? Mine did and it was so distracting 2d

Deblovestoread @MallenNC Yes and AgATha chrisTie (just like this) through out as well. Ridiculous! 2d

MallenNC @Deblovestoread Yes! We must have had the same version. The pagination was totally off and I don‘t know what was going on with AgATha chrisTie 2d

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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8. This novel has seen quite a number of adaptations in various formats, from stage productions to the small screen (Suchet as Poirot!) and even graphic novel. If you are familiar with any adaptations, how do they compare to the original work?

As an aside, while it does not completely follow the novel, the 2000 TV production of the novel starring David Suchet as Poirot is entertaining and a must watch! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MallenNC I haven‘t seen any adaptations that I can recall but I‘m going to watch the TV episode tonight 2d

dabbe I can't believe I have yet to see any adaptations, though I've seen Suchet in other Poirot stories. I've added this one to my TBW list! 2d

BarbaraJean I mentioned this on your post about watching the David Suchet adaptation, but my book group found the changes in that one SO interesting. I can see this book being hard to adapt because of the unreliable narrator. It's difficult to pull that off on screen. I liked the way they handled it there, even the amped-up drama of the ending. We also all found the HUGE clock in the Ackroyd house to be hilarious and a little too obvious!! 20m

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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7. Is Christie having fun with mysteries in a way? Were there moments in the book that struck you as funny or comical?~from discussion questions, Johnson Public Library #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MallenNC There were several humorous moments in this book. I especially laughed at Poirot‘s new neighbors thinking he was a retired hairdresser because of his mustache. 2d

MallenNC I also imagine she enjoyed knowing all along that her readers would be surprised at the narrator‘s role in the case. 2d

dabbe A few moments I found humorous:
√The great detective‘s retirement hobby—growing “those blasted vegetable marrows“—is a delightful absurdity.
√Caroline's gossip as comic relief: Caroline‘s relentless nosiness is played for laughs, especially her smug confidence in her own theories. Her rivalry with the other village busybodies (like Mrs. Cecil Ackroyd) also feels like a parody of small-town pettiness. ⬇️ 2d

dabbe √The secret marriage between Ralph and Ursula plays like a Victorian melodrama, complete with fainting and hidden letters.
√Even the dictaphone twist feels like a cheeky nod to detective tropes—a gadget straight out of a pulp novel, used for murder.
The humor matters because it's a tool for misdirection, making Sheppard “seem“ harmless, Poirot “seem“ eccentric (rather than brilliant), and the villagers “seem“ like bumbling stereotypes. 2d

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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6. As with Christie's other village settings, King's Abbot has its share of intrigue, scandal, and secrets. Think about the characters in this novel. Was Ackroyd a worthy victim? Any thoughts on the other characters?

Caroline, Dr. Sheppard's sister, is a stand out character to me. She is a busybody, yet I think she knows quite a lot and suspects her brother. #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MallenNC I thought the setting was a good one. Lots of good suspects. I liked Caroline too. 2d

dabbe To me, Ackroyd‘s murder works because he‘s just sympathetic enough for us to regret his death but just corrupt enough to deserve it. The supporting cast—especially Sheppard—elevates the novel from a simple whodunit to a psychological exploration of guilt and deception. King‘s Abbot isn‘t just a backdrop; it‘s a microcosm of human frailty, where everyone has a motive—and Poirot must untangle whose is deadly. RE: the other characters: ⬇️ 2d

dabbe •Caroline Sheppard: Her nosiness contrasts with her brother‘s calculated secrecy—ironic, since she‘s right about many things but misses the truth under her nose.
•Ralph Paton is the scapegoat and major red herring. His relationship with the barmaid Ursula Bourne adds a layer of class tension (a recurring theme in Christie‘s work).
•Parker the Butler is the suspicious servant (aka “The butler did it!“) and another red herring. ⬇️
(edited) 2d

dabbe Christie plays with the “sinister servant“ trope—his eavesdropping and financial motives make him a prime suspect. Plus, his resentment of Ackroyd‘s dismissive treatment adds realism to the class dynamics. Why do these characters work? Each character has something to hide (gambling debts, illicit relationships, blackmail), making the village a pressure cooker of motives and making the crime harder for the reader to solve. 2d

BarbaraJean I loved the Ralph/Ursula and Flora/Blunt subplots and revelations. Those characters and their secrets throw just enough confusion on the murder, while not being guilty themselves. @dabbe Yes, I think that's spot on as to why this works so well! Pretty much everyone has something to hide, even though it's not the murder. 2h

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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5. Poirot escapes to King's Abbot for a bit of R&R, though of course he stumbles upon murder. And those blasted vegetable marrows! Think of our prior encounters with Poirot. What do you think of his detection skills in this one versus the prior novels? How well does he use his little gray cells? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

kspenmoll I think he was superb! 2d

MallenNC He was great as usual. He always notices details. 2d

dabbe ACKROYD showcases Poirot‘s evolution from a conventional detective to a psychological manipulator. His “little grey cells“ are as sharp as ever, but their application is more nuanced—less about physical clues, more about how people lie. It‘s a testament to Christie‘s growth as a writer and Poirot‘s enduring genius that this novel remains a landmark in detective fiction. ⬇️ 2d

dabbe The novel‘s infamous twist hinges on Poirot‘s ability to see through narrative deception; here he must unravel not just the crime but the unreliability of the narrator, a challenge that pushes his deductive skills to the limit. 2d

BarbaraJean @dabbe GREAT points. I agree--this book really showcases Poirot's mind: his insight into not just the clues but the people involved. He interprets the clues through the lens of the people instead of vice versa. 2h

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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4. Before we explore other characters, I want to dive into the twist, because Dr. Sheppard plays a huge role. Were you surprised by the murderer's identity?

This was my 4th read, and I finally picked up on a comment that Dr. Sheppard makes that shows his culpability--I should have bookmarked the passage! I read this a few months ago for my IRL book club, so I cannot remember! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

kspenmoll I did not choose him at all- at one point I thought of his sister as the murderer. 2d

MallenNC I didn‘t suspect him. I thought it really might have been Ralph or Miss Ackroyd even. 2d

dabbe Everything changes in Chapters 13 and14. There is a noticeable shift in Chapters 13 and 14 as Poirot draws away from Dr. Sheppard and keeps him at arms' length, while beginning to use Caroline as a replacement “Watson.“ Dr. Sheppard even acknowledges Poirot has cooled toward him, and their paths pretty much diverge from here on in the story. A shift in verb tense also occurs. Sheppard places more personal observations--as one who is looking ⬇️ 2d

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dabbe back and commenting on what he knows now that he has been discovered as the murderer. “As I know now, I failed in this latter task,“ he says. And then, indicating Poirot has already solved the case: “To Poirot alone belongs the renown of fitting those pieces into their correct place.“ These present-tense comments imply some of the text of the narrative is written at a time after Poirot has revealed the truth of the case to Dr. Sheppard. 2d

BarbaraJean Super surprised on my first read. This time, I kept looking for (and not finding) reasons he was the murderer, and couldn't convince myself he was until pretty late in the book. I still felt like it HAD to be Ralph. @dabbe Oooh, I didn't pick up on that at all! Those are great clues I totally missed, on both reads. It took me till Chapter 23 to confirm that my memory of the murderer was correct. 2h

dabbe @BarbaraJean I had to double-check, too! 😅 2h

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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3. We do not have Hastings in this novel, but instead we hear about the crime through the eyes of Dr. Sheppard. We'll explore the twist in a moment, but prior to the reveal, think about reading the narrative. Did you trust Dr. Sheppard? Did you consider him to be a reliable narrator of the story? Think about the narration and the structure of the novel--any thoughts or comments? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

OutsmartYourShelf I think the fact that it's normally Hastings giving the narrative, lulled me into a false sense of trust with the doctor. I could have kicked myself at the end as the clues were there. 2d

kspenmoll I totally believed the doctor!!!! She had me all the way! 2d

MallenNC I believed him too. I thought Christie was just using a different person in place of Hastings and honestly I kept wondering why she didn‘t just write Hastings back into the story. I didn‘t see the ending coming. 2d

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dabbe Isn't Hastings now living in Argentina with Dulcie Duveen after THE MURDER ON THE LINKS? I'm sure we'll see him again, though. Anyhow, Christie's cunningly uses Sheppard as the first-person narrator, a role typically associated with honesty and reliability—especially since he is a respected local physician and Poirot‘s supposed friend and assistant in the investigation. ⬇️ 2d

dabbe Christie skillfully manipulates the reader into trusting Sheppard, as he presents himself as a helpful, observant, and unbiased chronicler of events. However, in hindsight, there are subtle hints that Sheppard might not be entirely reliable: Sheppard controls what information is shared with the reader, omitting key details (like his own involvement) while emphasizing and manipulating other suspects, especially Ralph Paton. 2d

MallenNC @dabbe that‘s right about Argentina but I just thought she could‘ve had Hastings visit Poirot in his new village if the book needed a narrator character. The doctor seemed to be just his substitute but obviously that was on purpose 2d

dabbe @MallenNC 🩵🎯🩵 2d

suvata From now on I‘m going to start suspecting everyone Poirot himself. 19h

BarbaraJean On my first read, I found him completely trustworthy until the twist! This time I second guessed myself; he still felt trustworthy and I didn't trust my memory of who did it. My first confirmation of remembering correctly was when Poirot comments on Sheppard's manuscript and how he stays in the background of his own narrative. @dabbe SUCH skillful manipulation!! Those subtle hints are really subtle, even when you're looking for them! 2h

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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2. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is considered one of the best if not the best crime novel ever. Crime Writers' Association voted it as the best in 2013, and the Mystery Writers' Association named it the 12th best novel in 1995. Participants cited the twist at the end for their voting choice.

What do you think? Is this the best crime novel or one of the best? Why or why not? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

OutsmartYourShelf There are other Christie books that I've enjoyed slightly more, but I'd put this one in my top 10 of Christie reads. 2d

kspenmoll One of my top reads of hers but she was so prolific it‘s hard to choose! 2d

MallenNC I can see why this one was voted a top mystery. The ending, the unreliable narrator, and the twisty solution to “who done it.” 2d

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dabbe I still consider AND THEN THERE WERE NONE as my all-time favorite, but this would probably be a close 2nd (though I haven't read all of her books--one of the reasons I'm thoroughly enjoying this group read). And IMHO, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES is the best mystery novel ever. #sherlocked 2d

MallenNC @dabbe And Then There Were None is my all time favorite also. It‘s so good! 2d

suvata I‘m also a fan of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE which, I believe, was the first Christie book I read. But, having said that, I was first a fan of Sherlock Holmes. So I would put Sir Arthur Conan Doyle above Agatha Christie. 1d

BarbaraJean I think it's one of the best and possibly Christie's best, because it's so intricately put together. Her choice to frame it as Sheppard's narrative is superb and accomplishes exactly what is needed for the twist. That said, I honestly don't like it as much as others of her books. Partly because I don't like feeling tricked, even though the clues are all there and what feels like trickery really isn't! I love unreliable narrators, but ⬇ 2h

BarbaraJean (Cont'd) ...I like to have a sense that they‘re unreliable. I enjoy trying to figure out what‘s true or not, and what‘s being withheld. This didn't feel like an unreliable narrator until really late in the book, because Sheppard keeps himself so completely in the background—so that aspect of it is far less satisfying to me. 2h

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

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1. This is our fourth Hercule Poirot novel. Was this the first time you read it? A reread for you? What are your overall impressions? We'll be exploring the novel's popularity/acclaim as well as the twists and identity of the murderer in later questions! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

OutsmartYourShelf It was my first time reading the book, & although I've seen the David Suchet adaptations, I still didn't remember whodunnit! I thought it was a great read. 2d

kspenmoll It was my first time reading this. I loved it; had no idea “ whodunit”. 2d

MallenNC This was my first time reading it! I really enjoyed it but up until the end I wasn‘t sure why it was considered so highly among Christie‘s work. The ending made that clear. 2d

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dabbe This was a reread for me. I will never forget the first time, though. I was completely #gobsmacked by the reveal! 2d

suvata First time reading this from me too. I‘ve read several other of hers in the past, but not this one. Too bad, because I think this might be one of her best. 1d

BarbaraJean This was a re-read (second read) for me. It made me so angry the first time--I felt tricked! But then every objection I had was answered by flipping back through the book. Genius but infuriating! This time, I remembered whodunnit, but I second guessed myself all the way through, thinking surely I must have remembered wrong. But no. She just got me again! 3h

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

Dinner and a movie this evening was the episode of Poirot based on this month‘s book. A good way to prepare for the discussion tomorrow! Questions will be posted before 12pm US East Coast time. Looking forward to it!

#ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3 #Xander #CatsOfLitsy

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill

Ruthiella I love the adaptations with David Suchet. 😍 3d

Librarybelle @Ruthiella They are so good! 3d

Aims42 Ooooo this looks like a great Saturday night! I agree with @Ruthiella 😁 (edited) 3d

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Librarybelle @Aims42 I need to watch all the Poirot episodes at some point! Suchet is the best Poirot, IMO. 3d

Aims42 @Librarybelle Yes, totally agree with you!! He IS Poirot for me lol I know some are on the PBS‘ Passport app and I think I saw some on Amazon Prime? (edited) 3d

dabbe No other Poirot but Suchet!!! 🖤🐾🖤 3d

JenlovesJT47 Ooh I‘m going to have to track down this episode! 3d

Librarybelle @Aims42 They‘re also on either AcornTV or BritBox. I have few episodes, like this one, from discarded DVDs from library collections. 3d

Librarybelle Yes, @dabbe ! 3d

Librarybelle Definitely worth a track down, @JenlovesJT47 ! 3d

Aims42 @Librarybelle Oooooo!! Thank you for that source too!! I‘ll have to look into that 😚🤩 3d

suvata Great find 3d

Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @Aims42 ! 3d

Librarybelle Thanks, @suvata ! 3d

BarbaraJean Yay! I found the changes they made for this adaptation SO interesting. In advance of our viewing together, my book group wondered how some of the elements would work on screen, since the book relies so heavily on Dr. Sheppard's perspective. And some changes felt weird, but for the most part it made sense to adjust things the way this version does. 3d

Librarybelle Agreed, @BarbaraJean . I think the changes worked in order to adapt it to the small screen. 3d

MariaW 💕💕💕 3d

MallenNC I watched this today. I thought the changes mostly worked for a TV audience but the ending in the shootout was a little over the top for me. 2d

Librarybelle @MallenNC It seemed a little off…totally agree! 2d

MallenNC @Librarybelle Definitely something a TV writer thought it needed! 2d

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Librarybelle

Dying for Devil's Food | Jenn McKinlay

so-so

Fair warning: If you were severely bullied in school, skip this one. While high school for me was not horrible, middle school was trauma. Listening to this installment of the Cupcake Bakery mystery series was a bit of a trigger, especially the first two chapters. Mel is tricked into agreeing to cater her high school reunion by her best friend Angie. Yes, tricked. And yes, her best friend, who knew everything Mel went through in high school…⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ …basically called her chicken for not wanting to cater the event. It angered me so much—best friends should know that to force someone into a traumatic situation is not healthy, much less trick them into it. There is a lot of cruelty in this edition, as Mel meets up again with all of her bullies, and one is found murdered. Of course, everyone suspects Mel, since the bully victim just “cannot take” the taunts and abuse. Ugh! Anyhow, the ⬇️⬇️ 3d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ the mystery itself is clever and has some good twists to it. But, the whole bully thing just left a bad taste in my mouth. If you‘ve ever been a target, you understand. So-so listen for me, but a kudos to me for listening to the whole thing and not throwing my phone across the room! If you do pick it up, avoid the first two chapters. They‘re the worst in the book. 3d

Luke-XVX Not nice memories to relive, I hope you‘re ok 3d

DaveGreen7777 Sorry to hear you were bullied in school, Jess! ☹️ You are so sweet and kind, it‘s hard to fathom why anyone would treat you like that. I think some bullies envy people they see who are kinder than them, and rather than work on bettering themselves, they lash out at others instead! 3d

Librarybelle @Luke-XVX @DaveGreen7777 Thank you for your kindness! I am okay. ❤️ 3d

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Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Xander inspecting my weekly #libraryhaul . He‘s probably wondering if I will actually open any of these books, or if they will sit in a neat stack on my dresser. 😂

Any must reads from the stacks? I know Woodworking has received lots of love.

#Xander #CatsOfLitsy

CBee Woodworking is EXCELLENT ♥️👏🏻 7d

Librarybelle @CBee With all of the positive remarks about it, I totally had FOMO and had to request it! 😂 7d

Bookwormjillk I think you will love Woodworking 7d

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Librarybelle That‘s good to hear, @Bookwormjillk ! 7d

Roary47 The London one so you can at least get the #WickedWords 😅 7d

Librarybelle @Roary47 😁 7d

Reggie I have to say Woodworking. I love that book. 6d

Librarybelle @Reggie That is so good to hear! 5d

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Librarybelle

Whale Fall | ELIZABETH. O'CONNOR

We‘re a little over a week away from our July #LiteraryCrew discussion of Burial Rites (reminder: discussion on July 31st). Our August read gives me similar vibes from the synopsis alone. Looking forward to reading this one for the #BuddyRead !

This is a low key buddy read. I‘ll post check-ins throughout the month, and discussion is the last of the month. Please let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list.

mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1w

mcctrish Library is hooking me up 👏🏻👏🏻 1w

Mollyanna Just placed a hold. One of these days I‘ll finish a book in the actual month we read it 😂 1w

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Librarybelle Yay for library holds, @mcctrish @Mollyanna ! I‘m going to place my hold later on this week to pick up next week. 1w

AllDebooks I have my copy ready to go. 7d

Librarybelle Yay, @AllDebooks ! 7d

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Librarybelle

Under a Painted Sky | Stacey Lee

pick

I think this is my favorite by Lee—a moving story about friendship, set on the Oregon Trail. It‘s beautifully written, with diverse characters and tackling the issue of prejudice for a YA audience deftly. #SundayBuddyRead #Xander #CatsOfLitsy

TheBookHippie

Leftcoastzen 👏😻 1w

TheBookHippie ♥️ 1w

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1w

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Librarybelle

Greenwich | Kate Broad

pick

This is a hard book to review/rate, but it‘s a pick for me.

This remarkable debut novel has themes of classism, racism, sexuality, and dominance of the wealthy, not to mention drug addiction, mental health issues, and a damaged justice system. I cannot speak too much to the actions in the book, as it would be very spoiler-ish, but it‘s a book to make you think about life and prejudice and what choice you would make, and living with that choice.⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️ The story is told by Rachel, who in 1999 is a recent high school graduate. Rachel has baggage. Lots of baggage. She‘s had a falling out with her friends and feels very isolated. And bitter. Her bitterness is laced through this entire narrative. Rachel is also unlikeable, and her prejudices and perceived hurts at times make her an unreliable narrator. To escape her boredom at home before college, she agrees to spend the summer with her aunt‘s ⬇️ 1w

Librarybelle ⬆️ family in Greenwich, Connecticut. If you‘re not in the know, it‘s a high society landscape. Rachel befriends her young cousin‘s nanny, Claudia. But, from the very beginning, Rachel foreshadows a tragedy as she unfolds that summer for the reader. When tragedy does strike, Rachel is left with a choice, and it‘s the consequences with that choice that she continues to wrestle with for the rest of the book. Told in three parts, part one is a slow ⬇️ 1w

Librarybelle ⬆️ build to the tragedy. It‘s a perfect slow build of suspense. You kinda figure out what the outcome of the tragedy is with the breadcrumbs Rachel places in her narrative, but when the tragedy happens…just wow. Part two is the aftermath, told a little bit quicker, as Rachel blames everyone else for the choice she made and how she feels from it (she plays the victim well, though I had no sympathy for her). Part three, the shortest section, ⬇️ 1w

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Librarybelle ⬆️ is an epilogue that seems to want to tie things together, though it is a bit rushed. As I said, Rachel is bitter and feels like life has let her down. Personally, as a loner and introvert and one who feels isolated at times, Rachel‘s actions made me take a step back and examine how I perceive my actions. I do have bitterness, but I hope I handle it with more grace than Rachel does. I think I did like this book because of the narration. ⬇️ 1w

Librarybelle ⬆️ Imani Jade Powers does an amazing job with this book and really includes the bitter tone in Rachel‘s narration. Had I read this on my own rather than listen to it, I think I‘d have a different feel for the book. Thanks to #NetGalley for this #ALC , and I completed this during the #NetGalleyGroup #NetGalleyReadathon this past weekend. The book debuts today! @AllDebooks 1w

AllDebooks That's a great review. Thank you for joining us. Stacked! 📚 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @AllDebooks ! 1w

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Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

We‘re a week away from this month‘s #ChristiesCapers discussion! Who did murder Roger Ackroyd? Use your little gray cells alongside Poirot to solve the crime!

Discussion will be posted mid to late morning US East Coast time on the 27th.

JenlovesJT47 I love this freaking book ♥️ 1w

Librarybelle @JenlovesJT47 It‘s one of the best mysteries ever, in my opinion! 1w

willaful Just finished the audiobook today. Excellent reading by Richard Armitage. 1w

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Librarybelle @willaful I need to listen to books he‘s read. I bet he‘s a good voice narrator. 1w

JenlovesJT47 It‘s between this one and And Then There Were None for me. Those have to be the top 2 mysteries of all time. 1w

Librarybelle @JenlovesJT47 Yes! And Then There Were None is my favorite Christie. This one runs a very close second. 1w

JenlovesJT47 I agree! ♥️ 1w

BarbaraJean I was infuriated by this one the first time I read it 😂 I loved the re-read this time! My IRL book club coincidentally picked this for our meeting this month—we discussed the book and watched the David Suchet movie tonight, so now I‘m especially ready for next week‘s discussion! (edited) 1w

Cuilin @Librarybelle @JenlovesJT47 always in my top three Christie‘s 🩷 1w

Librarybelle @BarbaraJean That‘s awesome! And, a great way to compare the book with the Suchet adaptation! I may have to watch it before the discussion…it‘s been awhile since I watched it. 1w

Librarybelle @Cuilin It‘s incredibly constructed! 1w

dabbe This is the one that REALLY puts her on the detective map. 🩵💙🩵 1w

Librarybelle Yes, @dabbe ! 1w

Aims42 My library hold won‘t be available in time, BUT I placed my hold for the next book now so I should (fingers & toes crossed!) be ready for August‘s read 😃 1w

Librarybelle Sounds good, @Aims42 ! 1w

Aims42 @Librarybelle 🥰 1w

Aims42 @Librarybelle my hold just came in for “The Big Four”, I will definitely be participating next month now. YAY 🥳 5d

Librarybelle Yay indeed, @Aims42 !! 5d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 22: The Clue in the Crumbling Wall | Carolyn Keene

Wonderful discussion so far for the Old Attic, #LittenDetectives ! Our August #NancyDrewBR involves Nancy and crew, an inheritance, and a race against time before the bad guy finds the clue in the wall.

Discussion August 15th. All are welcome. Please let me know if you to be added or removed from the tag list.

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2w

BarkingMadRead Can‘t wait! 2w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😁 2w

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Ruthiella A crumbling wall! Curious! 👀 2w

Librarybelle Yes, @Ruthiella ! 2w

Sace Looking forward to it! 2w

Librarybelle Yay, @Sace ! 2w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

So sorry I am late in posting today! I overslept, had things to do this morning, and today is Sebastian‘s birthday. Crazy morning!

5 questions are posted as spoilers; you can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR .

Next month, we uncover The Clue in the Crumbling Wall. 😮

Roary47 Happy Birthday Sebastian! I hope the rest of your day runs more smoothly. Thank you for posting the discussion questions. 💛 2w

Ruthiella No worries! Happy birthday to Sebastian! 🥳😻 2w

Sace Happy birthday Sebastian! 2w

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DGRachel Happy Birthday Sebastian! 🥳 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Roary47 @Ruthiella @Sace @DGRachel ! I hate oversleeping, something I rarely do, and that threw me off. My priority this morning was to make sure Sebastian felt some extra love and received extra yummies from me! 2w

BarkingMadRead Happy birthday to Sebastian 2w

DebinHawaii Happy Birthday to Sebastian! 🎉🎉🎉 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @BarkingMadRead @DebinHawaii ! 2w

MemoirsForMe Happy Birthday Sebastian! 🎉 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @MemoirsForMe ! 2w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

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5. We talked about the spookiness of the story, but I always like to compare the adventures in the books (what does that say about me??? 😂)

Think of the dangers Nancy faces in this one--even Mr. March had a rock thrown at him in the beginning of the book. Any stand outs this time? I'd not be happy if a spider, poisonous or not, was on the loose and approaching me. #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Her stealing the chemicals from the scarf factory (?) stood out to me. While probably not admissible in court I loved that part. 2w

Roary47 @Bookwormjillk I didn‘t even think of that! It‘s true she did swoop them. I thought it was interesting that she knew someone that she disliked, and that girl still left her alone to wander the factory. Like I mentioned earlier I didn‘t think the spider was all that scary, but Mr March getting in the way and alerting the intruder felt like he was purposely trying to sabotage the investigation. Although she did seem really alone and needed backup! 2w

Ruthiella While she was not conked on the head, she was imprisoned-very common predicament for the sleuth! 😅 And the industrial espionage was pretty nail biting, though I found it a little cavalier of Mr. Drew to ask her to do it. 2w

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Sace I actually liked the industrial espionage story better than the stolen music story. 2w

DGRachel I‘m with @Sace in liking the industrial espionage aspects more. I do love a good attic search for hidden “treasures” but I think Mr March‘s character, his insistence that the music was his son‘s based on having heard the melody and the constant woe-is-me made me less interested in the outcome. I found him a pathetic character instead of sympathetic, if that makes sense, and that annoyed me. 2w

dabbe Nancy being captured and tightly bound by the culprit leaves her completely helpless. Unlike other “bound“ moments in other books, she literally can't wiggle her way out of this one, truly becoming the damsel who needs a #nednickersonrescuefromoutoftheblue. 2w

DebinHawaii @dabbe I feel like George & Bess could have done the spider stepping! 👞🕷️🥿 Okay, maybe not Bess! 🤣🤣🤣 2w

Ruthiella @DebinHawaii Don‘t sell Bess short! Remember in the case of the exploding oranges aka The Moss Covered Mansion , she ran to a doctor and fed the attacking bobcat tranquilizer-doped meat! 😂 2w

DebinHawaii @Ruthiella You bring up a very valid point! 😂 2w

MariaW I liked the Mr Drew part of the mystery more interesting as well, Nancy‘s mystery was more about poking around the attic cluelessly. (edited) 2w

kwmg40 I found Nancy's spying in the factory the most tense part of the story. 2w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

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4. Though in the story, we do not see much of Bess and George. And in the 1970 edition, Ned is a very random insert into the story...I almost rolled my eyes thinking of the “knight in shining armor“ just happening upon Nancy in distress.

Instead, we have the Marches and Effie. Any thoughts on the secondary characters? More in the comments regarding Effie and a theory from one reader. #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle While most reviewers believe that Effie is the Effie from the Larkspur story--Effie is Hannah's niece--one reviewer thinks this is a different Effie. Nowhere in this story is Effie mentioned as Hannah's niece; this reviewer's thoughts indicate that Effie is a stereotypical non-white servant character as portrayed in literature in the early 1900s, and her mannerisms suggest the stereotype's exaggeration. I think she's the niece. Thoughts? 2w

Bookwormjillk I kind of was on team Effie. If my employer left me alone in a falling down house with poison spiders I'd want to go home too! Honestly where is HR when you need them? I thought she was the niece as well. 2w

Roary47 @Bookwormjillk @Librarybelle I also think it was the niece. Nancy knew her and picked her to help our father/granddaughter duo. Effie doesn‘t seem like a common name/nickname so I didn‘t think much of it. Effie in the other book helped out in maid like duties too didn‘t she? “Where is HR” I love that! 🤣 It‘s true she got bit and sick and then she is being left alone. Poor Effie! 2w

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Ruthiella I just assumed it was the same Effie from before. And she was a bit of a dingbat in Larkspur Lane too. 2w

DGRachel While they didn‘t mention Effie being the niece, her name was dropped like she was a character we‘d seen before, so I assumed she‘s the niece. I agree that she does have non-white servant stereotypical mannerisms, but I still think she‘s the niece and that the ditzy air is the “young working class girls are not as sophisticated as brilliant Nancy Drew” and therefore classist not racist in this instance. 2w

dabbe Did anyone read the 1944 version? I didn't, but in researching, it definitely had Effie exhibiting more lower-class stereotypical behavior, especially with her dialect. Just for fun, I asked AI if these Effies were the same, and AI said NO! 😱 ... quite emphatically, I might add. Even though they have the same name, AI stated that this was l“ikely due to the Stratemeyer Syndicate‘s reuse of minor character names across ghostwritten books.“ 🤷‍♀️ 2w

BarkingMadRead Effie is such a space case, she makes me nuts, and don‘t even get me started on Ned showing up. I‘m sure the 70s girls swooned 🤣 2w

bookandbedandtea @Roary47 @Bookwormjillk @Librarybelle I thought Effie was the same character from the earlier book. She worked as a "flighty" maid before and she seemed to react much the same way in this book so it made sense to me that she was the same person we had already met. As for Ned showing up, I love him, generally, but this came out of nowhere and struck me as annoying. Would have made more sense for it to be Mr Drew. 2w

CogsOfEncouragement Same name + same role = same character. I love a Ned that is around to take direction from ND and do just as she says. This out-of-nowhere-Ned was a disappointment. George and Bess should have saved ND if the writer couldn't figure out how to have Ned in the plot. Mr. March is useless, but I guess that is the point. ND needed to come do things he couldn't seem to get done. He was too old and Susan was too young. 2w

DebinHawaii I think she is the niece. She‘s also the one who packed Nancy‘s passport into the trunk in the Brassbound Trunk. @dabbe Interesting on the AI but ask it what it‘s sources are because I asked it once if a particular character died at the end of a book because I needed fair warning & it said yes & I questioned it and then got who actually died, so 🤷🏻‍♀️ Also, I must repeat my response to an earlier question, Ned came in & stepped on a spider ⬇️ (edited) 2w

DebinHawaii … to “save” Nancy. I‘m not ready to knight him yet! 🕷️😱🤣 2w

dabbe @DebinHawaii Oh, I know AI gets things WAY wrong! For some reason I find great pleasure in telling it that it was wrong, but then I think I'm enabling it by making it smarter. 😅 And good call on Ned. He's nowhere near ready to be a knight yet. 😍 2w

DebinHawaii @dabbe I like telling it that it‘s wrong too! 😉🤣 2w

MariaW I loved the relationship of Mr March and his granddaughter and how he tries everything to male sure he can care for her. And I agree on Effie being the niece as well. There must be a character that is firghtened a lot, so that Nancy can outshine them with her bravery and this time it‘s Effie. 2w

kwmg40 I would have liked more George and Bess and I agree that Ned showing up out of nowhere and saving Nancy seemed somewhat artificial. 2w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

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3. An element I picked up on in this story was the extra spooky tone, and that could be because of the black widow spiders (I think I would pass up on the mystery and drive off into the sunset) and the skeleton. I did not read this one as a kid, but I think it would have given me nightmares (I'm very squeamish).

What did you think of the spooky level? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk I loved it. There's something about an old skeleton in an attic with hidden rooms that makes me happy. 2w

Roary47 @Bookwormjillk I agree I really enjoyed this spooky level. I double as an entomologist when I focused my degree on plants and bugs…. So I‘m probably outside the norm in not thinking ONE spider was scary. Give me an 8 legged freaks scenario and then I‘ll be creeped out the skeleton in the attic was pretty creepy since it moved a few times! 😱 2w

Ruthiella Agree, this one doubled down on the spookiness! Skeletons, spiders, secret compartments and rooms…😱 2w

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Sace I found this pretty spooky as well especially the music coming from seemingly no where. 2w

DGRachel I loved the spookiness, especially with the skeleton, but I do wish Nancy would get a functioning flashlight. How she managed not to set the dusty old attic on fire with her candles is beyond me. 😂 2w

dabbe @DGRachel 😂🙌🏻😂 2w

dabbe I particularly loved the 1970 cover art (featuring a skeletal hand and candlelit shadows): it leans into Gothic horror, evoking the DARK SHADOWS aesthetic of the era. And how can you not love the literal skeleton in the closet that figuratively holds the secrets, too? And that creepy attic! The March mansion‘s attic is described as dark, cluttered, and filled with hidden dangers, you know, like black widow spiders. Sure, use them to make gossamer. 2w

BarkingMadRead Very spooky in the best way, I‘m not a fan of spiders so that helped and I loved the spooky attic 2w

bookandbedandtea @DGRachel I'm with you! I cringed every time she went up there with a candle! ONE candle! 🤦‍♀️ 2w

CogsOfEncouragement I think this has a good level of peril for a chapter book. And the use of poisonous spiders by the bad guy because he has an obsession with them would make perfect sense to my 1970s kiddo self. I grew up where we would find them in the garage sometimes. I knew to carefully kill them on sight. So, scared of them in a way that respected their danger but not too scared to deal with them. 2w

DebinHawaii Spiders plural are scary & black widows scare me from childhood. I like a good spooky attic & skeleton. @bookandbedandtea & @DGRachel if mystery is you business, you need extra flashlights & batteries! 🔦🔦🔦 2w

MariaW I thought the spiders were pretty scary because most people are afraid they can be poisonous. But I laughed hard at rhe skeleton in the closet … ehm … wardrobe, it sounded like a joke right away. 2w

kwmg40 I liked the extra bit of spookiness that the spiders and fake skeleton brought. The setting did have some haunted-house vibes even if we knew that there wasn't any supernatural element. 2w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

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2. In the previous question, we thought about the novel overall. Now, let's dive into the plot and the mysteries themselves. I saw lots of great reviews so far about this 21st in the series...some #LittenDetectives noting the two mysteries intertwined nicely. What do you think of the plot? Any aspects completely unbelievable? Any plot point you're dying to talk to others about? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Almost a little too well, but that's what we expect now right? I liked how feisty Nancy was in this one standing up to all the bad guys and sneaking into factories. 2w

Roary47 @Bookwormjillk The factory sneaking was interesting. I had to keep reminding myself that there probably wasn‘t cameras and security everywhere. I liked the tie in of spider silk and the spider that Nancy was trapped with, but I didn‘t really sense the danger. Like girl you are really tough… why don‘t you just squish it? Lol 2w

Ruthiella I found the coincidences too convenient, as usual. But a kid wouldn‘t care about that. And while I have a healthy fear of black widow spiders, they aren‘t predatory. The using spiders to spin silk for cloth was interesting. I thought for sure it was made up, but I googled it and while humans have not been able to actually achieve it in a large scale, it has been successfully done. 2w

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DGRachel I liked that Nancy got to work with her dad a bit more on this, that the mysteries were tied to his cases. I‘m still mad about Nancy being saved by Ned at the end, but I know that‘s a “where my head is” kind of thing. Like @Bookwormjillk I found the factory investigation fun. 2w

BarkingMadRead My tour in Costa Rica yesterday had a tarantula sighting and we talked all about what they use spiderwebs for now. Lots of really cool uses 2w

bookandbedandtea @Roary47 @Bookwormjillk I also thought the factory sneaking was fun and had to remind myself of the lack of cameras! 😄 2w

bookandbedandtea @Ruthiella The coincidences did feel a bit much this time but one of my expectations about ND is that there are always two mysteries that tie together at the end so I just roll with it. 😁 2w

CogsOfEncouragement For a chapter book, I thought the tie-ins were kinda fun. I appreciated knowing that Trott threw the rock at Mr. March, I thought we might never know. Don't you just love it when the bad guy monologues all his misdeeds? 2w

DebinHawaii Yep, again River Heights is the Mecca for art, music, industry & invention & they all show up there.🤷🏻‍♀️ The coincidences & twin mysteries do get a little old, but it‘s Nancy Drew & often fun, so, I‘m okay with it. I think Nancy‘s sneaking around the factory was interesting. @CogsOfEncouragement It‘s so helpful when they do that! 🤣 2w

MariaW I like how Nancy is always able to sneak her way into houses or in this one a factory. From the point of view of bystanders she must seem innocent young woman or why would Diane follow/believe her that promply? And even though Nancy already solved 20 cases in the area the word did not get through to the Dights. 🤦‍♀️ 2w

kwmg40 I liked the undercover spying that Nancy did at the factory, even if everyone there did seem a bit too gullible. 2w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

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1. While the 1944 and the 1970 versions are fairly similar, the 1944 version has a possible love triangle with Ned and Diane Dight. As if! 😂

Which version did you read? Overall, what did you think of the story? Better or worse than the others we have read so far? Somewhere in the middle? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk I read 1970 but in my opinion Diane can have him! I liked this one. It was a little strange that what's his name thought he could carry out his evil plan by just letting one spider loose, but that was balanced by the skeleton and the old attic in my opinion. I'm realizing though these books are all pretty much the same and external circumstances very much influence how I feel about these books. This month I had a nice long metro ride. 2w

Roary47 I did the 1970s also and I actually like Ned. However, I‘ve read bits and pieces of series where she is older too. I was sad that the side characters were not there and Effy (spelling) was super annoying and probably scaring the little girl more. I enjoyed the creepy factor. I‘m not sure Black Widows are the worst spider though. I would be more scared of a Brown Recluse! 😱 2w

Ruthiella I like Ned too! He‘s always there for Nancy. The love triangle does sound intriguing however. 😅 I read the 1970s version, so I missed all that. Overall I found it silly but entertaining. I thought Effie AND Mr. March were annoying. But somebody‘s got to move that plot along! 😂 (edited) 2w

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Sace I read the 1970 version. I got annoyed with Mr March too @Ruthiella ! The mystery could have been solved earlier without him! 2w

DGRachel I read the 1970s version and I think it was on par with most - somewhere in the middle. I gave it a so-so because Effie and Mr March were so obnoxious and the black widow spider as murder weapon made my eyes roll. But actually, what pushed me over the edge was Ned‘s miraculous save at the end. Like dude, where have you been this whole book? I‘m glad to miss the love triangle, though. I HATE those. 2w

dabbe This one would be a middle-tiered ND for me. Too many coincidences: Ben Banks just happens to be a Dight who just happens to be in cahoots with Bushy Trott? (gotta love that name, though). Ned just happens to be there to rescue ND, our so-called damsel in distress of the moment? And at the moment of capturing Trott, George and Bess just wanna go home? And Trott just happened to know Fipp in the army? As Biden would say, “C'mon, man!“ 2w

BarkingMadRead I had the 1970 version and I‘m still mad on Nancy‘s behalf 🤣 boys are dumb! So many parallels in this one 2w

bookandbedandtea I read the 1970 version and I'm glad I did. I'm not down for a love triangle in ND books AND I can't see Ned having eyes for anyone but Nancy! I thought the events of this story was pretty typical for ND (no meteors barely missing their ship!) and I suspect child- me found the whole thing thrilling. 2w

CogsOfEncouragement 1970. This started out w/a rando rock to the head and was somewhat slow in some parts after that, IMO. I thought it was fine for a chapter book overall. What I found most irritating was the candle. ND drove back and forth from the March's home a zillion times. She is even said to have run errands at one point. Girl, pick up a battery from your house or the store. Better yet, grab a camping lantern from your garage which we all know you have. 2w

DebinHawaii Late to the party—had to wait until after work. I read the 70‘s version only & would also not be happy with a love triangle! 🤬 This was in the middle for me, just not that exciting & too much Effie. I do remember being terrified by the spiders but did have to laugh when it said Nancy pointed to the spider 2 feet away & Ned stepped on it & saved the day. That just seemed less scary than I remember it & as @Bookwormjillk said—one spider doesn‘t ⬇️ 2w

DebinHawaii … seem like a great diabolical murder plan. Bonus points for “Bushy Trott!” 🤣 2w

MariaW I‘ve read the 1970 version as well, so no love triangle for me. But I think it would have heated up things a little bit. And I was already wondering why Ned was appearing so suddenly at the end of the story. And I have to admit I am getting more and more annoyed with the stories‘ structure. It the same every single time. (edited) 2w

kwmg40 I'd read the 1970 version and also happy for no love triangle. 2w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

pick

**I‘m running a bit behind for the discussion Tuesday, but will post the questions ASAP!**

Light pick. This one had a lot of good, creepy elements—spooky attic, possible disembodied sounds, and yucky spiders—but the character of Effie was so terribly distracting and annoying. Nancy would have done well to use one of her friends to help her with the Marches in this one.

#NancyDrewBR : discussion Tuesday!!

Ruthiella Lots of “classic” elements in this one. 2w

Sace I‘m curious about the Effie character. I want to know the history and origins because I almost wonder if in the 1944 version the character was a stereotype that they tried to remake in the 1970 version. At least that‘s how it read to me. (Have we seen Effie before?) 2w

Librarybelle @Ruthiella Yes! 2w

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Librarybelle @Sace Was Effie the one who appeared as a “help” to Hannah when she was laid up in bed? I feel like we have seen her before. Maybe I can find something regarding the purpose of Effie in my research… 2w

Ruthiella @Librarybelle @Sace Yes, Effie was introduced in

Nancy Drew 10: Password to Larkspur Lane

Librarybelle Thanks, @Ruthiella ! 2w

Bookwormjillk My commute book for tomorrow 2w

BarkingMadRead I liked it, I‘m getting more used to all random things converging at the end 🤣🤣 2w

Sace @Ruthiella ah. Ok. I did not read that with y‘all and it has been quite a long while. Maybe I‘ll go back and read it this week while Effie is still fresh in my mind. 2w

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk 😁 2w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😂 2w

Luke-XVX Is the Nancy Drew series something you loved growing up? I don‘t know how widely available they were here in the UK but I remember being aware of them (mostly likely pop culturally) Same with the Hardy Boys. Not something I‘d ever read but I caught the tv series on Disney+ and enjoyed it 2w

Librarybelle @Luke-XVX I did like them when I was a kid. My mom and I read through several of them together, and that was probably my gateway into loving mysteries. 2w

Luke-XVX So many of them too! You may never run out! 2w

DGRachel @BarkingMadRead I agree. I‘m getting better at just rolling with the insanity and therefore enjoying them more. 😂 2w

Librarybelle So true, @Luke-XVX ! 2w

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Librarybelle

Wedding Cake Crumble | Jenn McKinlay

pick

Wedding bells are chiming in this 10th addition to the Cupcake Bakery series, and Mel finds herself once again trying to identify the killer. The multiple murders in this one are a little gruesome (off page, but you can read between the lines). It‘s fun to see how the characters have developed over the course of the series, with several more books to go. Good listen, and a fast listen too!

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Librarybelle

Summer You Were Mine | Jill Francis

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Summertime in Italy with a bit of romance—a great escape listen. Add in a diverse cast, including a neurodivergent MC, and some snarky dialogue, to make the perfect beach read. I don‘t always read romance—I‘m still recovering from my 2020 bingeing of Regency romances—but I‘m so glad I picked this one up through #NetGalley . Ellie and Chris are childhood friends turned not-speaking strangers who are forced together when their grandparents marry. ⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️ Both are also dealing with career scandals and secret professional ambitions. And, Ellie is still mad over Chris‘s behavior from ten-ish years ago. It‘s a fun, light read. (edited) 3w

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Librarybelle

Common Sense | Thomas Paine

pick

Paine‘s passion against a monarchical government is present in this short treatise. It may be short, but it packs a punch.

250 years later, it‘s a reminder of the struggle for independence in the American colonies. I‘m glad I took the time to revisit this and ponder how much this relates to today‘s political climate.

Librarybelle @Butterfinger @TheBookHippie @Deblovestoread @kspenmoll @IriDas So sorry I did not follow up sooner—yesterday was not a good mental health day. I‘m glad I read this…I hope this reading brought you what you had hoped, whether it is the feeling of hope or better understanding past struggles or even how eerily similar the struggles are between then and now. Thank you! 3w

Butterfinger Thank you, @Librarybelle 3w

kspenmoll Please do not apologize for taking care of yourself! I read it in spurts & it helped reinforce just what our founders were thinking, hoping, & felt forced to do-demand independence from England. And fight a war to get it. (edited) 3w

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TheBookHippie I enjoyed the reread. It helps to see thoughts of what the dream was. Always take care of you first. 💙💙💙💙 3w

Deblovestoread Agree with @kspenmoll Taking care of yourself is the most important thing. The rest will happen when it happens. I didn‘t make very good progress. My Libby copy didn‘t give me an option to open on my kindle and I hate reading on my phone. So I‘m going to get a physical copy and try again. 3w

Librarybelle Thanks everyone! @Butterfinger @kspenmoll @TheBookHippie @Deblovestoread 3w

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Librarybelle

Common Sense | Thomas Paine

Vladimir & I are ready! I suspect I‘ll read parts throughout the day & let them simmer. I think it‘s remarkable that nearly 250 years after its publication Paine‘s words still resonate. For me, I‘m hoping this read helps me reflect on history & the current political dynamic.

Paine, a man with no prospects, helped ignite the colonies with this work. Anyone can be a hero.

What do you hope to learn/gain from today‘s reading?
#Vladimir #CatsOfLitsy

kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, Deblovestoread, Butterfinger, IriDas

TheBookHippie Honestly to hold on to HOPE. I‘ve not read this in so long. 4w

TheBookHippie Here‘s the PDF if someone needs it https://archive.org/details/commonsense50pain 4w

kspenmoll To remind myself of what could be again. 4w

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Butterfinger I don't think I have ever read it - only parts in social studies, and that's a maybe. I want to see the parallelism of the two eras - creation of modern democracy and today. I am ashamed that I haven't already read it. I minored in history, for heaven's sake. . 4w

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie @kspenmoll @Butterfinger I read this for my AP Government class 25 years ago when we dove into pre-Revolution writings and the new nation‘s Federalist and Anti-Federalist writings. I don‘t think I‘m quite ready to dive into those writings quite yet! 😂 4w

Deblovestoread I don't recall ever reading it and now seems like the right time 4w

Librarybelle @Deblovestoread 🙂It‘s a good day to read it! 4w

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 4w

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Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I was up half the night—thanks anxiety and Zeke‘s frequent food schedule (I feed him when he wants food, because it‘s whatever makes him happy)—let‘s gather joy!

1. My boys…always! Throwbacks of my guys when they were very young
2. Fun author event last weekend
3. Lindt chocolate, because I‘m eating it like it‘s going out of style
4. Poppi soda—tried Strawberry Lemon and loved it!
5. Litsy—I don‘t feel alone in this crazy world ❤️

#5JoysFriday

DebinHawaii

Susanita Litsy is helping me get through as well. 4w

Sace Litsy is always my happy place. 4w

Bookwormjillk What would we do without Litsy? 4w

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Librarybelle Litsy is wonderful! @Susanita @Sace @Bookwormjillk 4w

Trashcanman Have a safe and happy 4th! Give Zeke a hug for me. 4w

Librarybelle Thanks, George! I will definitely give Zeke a hug. 🤗 Wishing you a safe and happy 4th as well! @Trashcanman (edited) 4w

JenReadsAlot Adorable boys!! 4w

Librarybelle Thanks, @JenReadsAlot ! 4w

RaeLovesToRead OMG I cannot cope with the kitten pics 😭😭😭😭 Cute overload 💕 4w

AmyG All your beautiful cats! 🙌🏻❤️ 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, @RaeLovesToRead @AmyG ! 4w

Aims42 Ooo, I love Poppi soda also! I‘ll have to try that strawberry lemon flavor next ?? I love their cherry lime and raspberry rosé flavors ? (edited) 4w

Librarybelle @Aims42 It was my first time with Poppi! I think I have the cherry one and a lime one to try yet. 4w

Deblovestoread Such sweet photos! 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Deblovestoread ! 4w

Aims42 @Librarybelle Enjoy!! 😍 4w

RaeLovesToRead XANDER'S EXPRESSION!!!!! 4w

Librarybelle @RaeLovesToRead Even as a kitten he was unsure if he liked to be held 😂 4w

dabbe #daboys! 🖤🐾🐾🐾🐾🖤 4w

Reggie 🖤🖤🖤 4w

ShelleyBooksie Love all the kitty pics! Keeping Zeke in my thoughts ♡ 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, @ShelleyBooksie @dabbe @Reggie ! 4w

MemoirsForMe Love seeing your sweet boys! 😻Ditto on #5 🙌🏻 4w

Luke-XVX Too cute ! 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, @MemoirsForMe @Luke-XVX ! 3w

65 likes25 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I cannot believe that this is the last six months for #192025 !

For the first half of 2025, I managed to read 4 more titles. I am determined to get as close to finishing as possible.

And for those interested, I will post the official announcement for #192030 , set to begin in January 2026 and run through December 31, 2030. Much like this current challenge, read one book originally published for each year, 1920-2030. ⬇️

Librarybelle If you would like me to tag you in the reminders, such as the official post and when the challenge is added to Storygraph and goes live, let me know. 4w

Mollyanna Please add me to your list. This sounds fun! 4w

mabell I would like to be on the list! I have quite a few reviews to add to Litsy, but probably not checking off many more years. 😆 It‘s been lots of fun to see how many I got! Thank you for doing it! 4w

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BarbaraJean I have 25 more titles to go... hoping I'm not deluding myself that I'll be able to stay on track to finish by the end of the year. If somebody would just ground me from spontaneous library holds and new buddy reads, I'd probably be fine 😂 Please add me for the next one! 4w

Bookwormjillk I am super interested! Almost done with #192025 just missing a few chunks. 4w

Librarybelle I‘m so glad you‘re interested in the next round, @Mollyanna @mabell @BarbaraJean ! I‘ll tag you when I post the official info in a couple of weeks and when I post the challenge on Storygraph (I‘m aiming for October 1st). 4w

Librarybelle Yay, @Bookwormjillk ! I‘ll add your name to the list! 4w

Amiable Me! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I have been plodding along on the list and will not finish by next year — but Hope springs eternal for the next one! 😀 4w

Librarybelle Terrific, @Amiable ! I‘ll add your name to the list! 4w

Bookwormjillk I just looked and I have 26 left (but am in the middle of The Bean Trees 1988 now). 4w

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk Yay!! You can do it! 4w

llwheeler Please add me too! 4w

Librarybelle @llwheeler Hooray! I‘ll add your name to the list! 4w

49 likes13 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

One more post—taking advantage of a free moment. My July #BookSpinBingo list is ready to go! Xander approved. #Xander #CatsOfLitsy

TheAromaofBooks

Leftcoastzen 😻👏Xander ! 4w

Librarybelle @Leftcoastzen 🥰 4w

PaperbackPirate 😻 4w

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4w

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 4w

58 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I‘m still trying to figure out how to juggle everything with Zeke‘s needs and appointments with contract work (thank goodness I don‘t have a set work schedule), house chores, and not to mention down time!

But, I managed to finish 12 books in June! I‘ve not handed out many 5 stars this year, but I had two excellent reads in June—This Is Not a Game and The Accidental Favorite. Loved them; right reads at the right time.

51 likes

Librarybelle

Burial Rites | Hannah Kent

Great discussion so far for The Chelsea Girls! Our next #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is Kent‘s historical fiction account of the last woman set to be executed in Iceland.

Read at your own pace. Discussion on July 31st. I will post periodic check-ins throughout the month. All are welcome to join! I know several are planning to join in for the discussion!

mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf

AllDebooks @LitsyEvents 4w

Sace Just put a copy on hold at my library! 4w

Librarybelle Thank, @AllDebooks ! 4w

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Librarybelle Yay, @Sace ! 4w

julieclair Just picked up my copy at the library today! Also visited Iceland last month, so this timing worked out well for me! 4w

Librarybelle Oh yes, @julieclair ! 4w

Teresereading I just finished The Good People for Bookclub. And currently listening to Always Home, always Homesick, so keen for a trifecta! I‘m in!! 4w

Librarybelle @Teresereading Perfect! I‘ve read The Good People and liked it, but not as much as Burial Rites. 4w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic | Carolyn Keene

#LittenDetectives : We‘re two weeks away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion!

What could be the secret in the old attic? How will Nancy discover the secret? Will she have a head injury this time? Will Ned continue to sulk that he is second to a good mystery in Nancy‘s eyes?!? Let‘s find out!

Discussion July 15th!

BarkingMadRead I can‘t wait! 4w

Ruthiella What secret talent will Nancy display this time? 😂 4w

Librarybelle Yay, @BarkingMadRead ! 4w

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Librarybelle @Ruthiella It‘ll be something that seems so random yet very helpful for the situation! 😂 4w

dabbe Thanks for posting this! 🤩 We should take a bet on #NNK's! 😂 4w

Librarybelle @dabbe 😂 4w

TheAromaofBooks This one was sooooo scary to me growing up!!! 4w

Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks I don‘t remember this one! Maybe I didn‘t read it. Now I‘m really intrigued! 4w

TheAromaofBooks All I remember are the spiders 😂 4w

Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks OMG! 😱 4w

34 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Common Sense | Thomas Paine

It‘s been over 25 years since I last read this, and I feel like this is a good document to read on the 4th.

Anyone wish to join me reading this on the 4th? If so, we could post comments throughout our reading, but make it very lowkey.

Butterfinger I think I will join you. 1mo

Librarybelle That‘s great, @Butterfinger ! 1mo

TheBookHippie Yes I‘ll try to find my copy otherwise I‘ll get one! 1mo

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Deblovestoread If i can get a copy I will join in. 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @TheBookHippie @Deblovestoread ! I‘m sure there is a copy somewhere online, such as on Project Gutenberg. It has to be in the public domain, I would think. My copy is from high school‘s AP Government class! 😂 1mo

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle my son is working his job at the bookshop tonight 🤣 I too have my school copy somewhere 1mo

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie 😂 An easy in to the bookstore, then! And a dangerous one too! 😂 1mo

Deblovestoread FYI for those that might be interested if you have Spotify premium there is an audio version. 1mo

IriDas Sounds fun. Especially since there are free copies all over the internet. :D 1mo

Librarybelle Good to know, @Deblovestoread ! 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @IriDas ! 1mo

kspenmoll I would like to join. I think my son has a copy. 4w

Librarybelle That‘s great, @kspenmoll ! 4w

50 likes13 comments

Librarybelle

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie

Great discussion so far about Chimneys! Please feel free to join the discussion whenever.

July‘s #ChristiesCapers returns us to Hercule Poirot. Considered to be one of the best mysteries of all time, I think one can argue that we truly see Christie‘s writing genius in this.

Discussion will take place on July 27th. All are welcome! Let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list! #AgathaChristieClubR3

dabbe Thank you! Just saw that this one's on sale on Amazon for Kindle at $1.99--if anyone can stomach Amazon these days. 😂 1mo

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @dabbe ! 1mo

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mrp27 I‘m hoping to get back on track with this one. 1mo

willaful @dabbe we're still in Public Domain Christie so it's free at Project Gutenberg. Also cheap at Kobo is you want a nicely formatted one. (Though it's equally possible the paid editions are just the ones from Project Gutenberg!) 1mo

dabbe @willaful Good to know! Thanks! 🤗 1mo

MallenNC I don‘t think I‘ve ever read this one so I‘m excited for it. 1mo

Librarybelle That‘s awesome, @MallenNC …I‘ll be very interested to hear what you think after you read this! 1mo

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Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

It‘s time for our #LiteraryCrew discussion! I have 7 questions posted as spoilers; you can find these on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

I think this is my favorite of Davis‘s I‘ve read so far. Hope you enjoyed it too!

TheBookHippie I enjoyed this read very much -

This Cold Heaven: Seven Seasons in Greenland

1mo

TheBookHippie This one as well

The Ice at the End of the World: An Epic Journey Into Greenland's Buried Past and Our Perilous Future

1mo

TheBookHippie Greenland is the world's largest island, not a continent, and is located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While part of North America geographically, it has strong cultural and historical ties to Europe, particularly Norway and Denmark. 1mo

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TheBookHippie Nuuk, Greenland's capital, is a small city on the country's southwest coast. Its large fjord system is known for waterfalls, humpback whales and icebergs. The waterfront is dotted with brightly colored houses against the backdrop of Sermitsiaq mountain. Greenland National Museum has mummies and Inuit skin boats, while the Nuuk Art Museum displays local works. The Katuaq cultural center offers films, concerts and art.
1mo

TheBookHippie Greenland's education system includes primary, secondary, and higher education levels, with a 10-year compulsory primary education for children aged 6-16. While education is free, including university, and students may receive a monthly grant, challenges remain in quality and completion rates, particularly at the secondary and higher education levels. 1mo

Jerdencon I really enjoyed this one! But I love all her books! 1mo

PurpleyPumpkin I really enjoyed this book! It reminded me of The Briar Club, but went in a different direction. A definite pick for me!👍🏽 1mo

Sargar114 Good pick, thank you for hosting! 1mo

Sargar114 @PurpleyPumpkin agree there are similarities to the Briar Club, especially with it being the same time period. Still working my way through that one but I like the artsy feel of this one. 1mo

julieclair So, I was 2/3 through and loving it. Then the library wouldn‘t let me renew. 😭 So I‘m back on the waitlist and will finish whenever. 😕 1mo

PurpleyPumpkin @Sargar114 Yes, definitely enjoyed the artsy side of this one!🙌🏽 1mo

Karisa @PurpleyPumpkin Agreed! Definitely has some parallels with Briar Club (house, women MCs, red scare). I liked both 😊 1mo

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Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

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7. McCarthyism plays a massive role in this novel. Do you think McCarthyism made romantic and friendly relationships difficult? Why or why not? If so, what were the complications and the consequences of having a relationship? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Link in comments to a PBS American Experience page on Joseph McCarthy and McCarthyism

mcctrish I think connections can be found between McCarthyism and Trumpism today. It is really hard to overlook that kind of awful in a person 1mo

Jerdencon @mcctrish I agree! So many times I was reading about McCarthyism it felt like I was reading about the ICE raids and it made me sad on how the world doesn‘t ever learn. 1mo

Deblovestoread I agree! There are so many similarities. History continues to repeat itself. 1mo

Sargar114 It‘s hard not to be disappointed in someone who shares appalling beliefs about a group of people the way McCarthyism and Trumpers do. 1mo

7 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

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6. “Maxine‘s bravery in the square, as well as now, with the major, astonished Hazel. She wished she were that brash. But she wouldn‘t dare question an authority figure. Always the understudy, in life as well as in art.” How does Hazel transform throughout the novel, and does the word “understudy,” which she considers to have negative connotations, change in meaning as well? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 Oh interesting I forgot about her role at the start as an understudy.considering once she took the lead and directed she became much more of a fighter and much more brazen. 1mo

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

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5. How do Hazel and Maxine subvert or conform to 1950s expectations and gender roles? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I found it interesting that Maxine was able to be a spy by conforming. She was able to get inside and serve the needs of the party. Hazel fought so hard (rightfully so) but it‘s ultimately what led her to be an outcast. 1mo

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

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4. What did you think of Charlie and his desire to join the FBI? How do you think his relationship with his father shaped his ambitions? Were you rooting for him and Hazel? Why or why not? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish Charles totally bought into the idea that communism was wrong and his country was true and righteous and wanted to fight on the side of good. Then he learned countries are ruled by men and they are not always promoting good. I rooted for them so hard 1mo

Deblovestoread I wanted them to work it out. Hazel lost everything. 1mo

Sargar114 I don‘t know if I was rooting for them. I wasn‘t terribly fond of Hazel and she seemed to sabotage as well. While I don‘t know how Charlie really felt about the FBI, it‘s seemed pretty bold of her to ask him not to plow what he thought was his dream. 1mo

Karisa I was rooting for them too. We need sensible, honorable people like Charlie in those powerful positions. People who can think for themselves and see nuances 4w

7 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

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3. When Maxine flubs her lines on opening night, her career doesn‘t suffer, but Hazel‘s does. Why do you think that is? How would you have reacted in Hazel‘s situation? Do you think she has a right to be bitter about the success of Wartime Sonata‘s revival, or should she be grateful? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish What a double edged sword this was - I would totally have been so upset with Maxine and so bitter but the bitterness did really impact Hazel‘s life and that just made it feel a waste 1mo

Jerdencon I feel like Maxine doing that set the trajectory of Hazels life… it wasn‘t just a quick fix it had long term repercussions. 1mo

Deblovestoread I love Broadway musicals but don‘t know enough about what decides a closing. Up until Maxine‘s purposeful errors the buzz was positive, it seemed extreme that the actress erroring would shut it down. 1mo

Sargar114 I mean, Hazel was an outsider who was on the cusp of being blacklisted due to the communist scare it makes sense that the powers that be find a reason to shut it down. It completely upended her career and because of her status couldn‘t overcome. Maxine was already somewhat established so she could overcome a speed bump. 1mo

Karisa Ugh, I agree with @mcctrish I would‘ve been so sad and mad at the waste of it all too. Hazel‘s career, Floyd, Charlie…and who comes out on top still? Maxine and Tangerine girl 🥴 4w

6 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

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2. If Maxine had not made the tragic choice she did, do you think she and Hazel would have renewed their friendship? If you were in Hazel‘s shoes, would you forgive Maxine? Why or why not? ~ from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon Im not sure they would have ever gone back to the way they were. Hazel was very head strong and not sure she would have completely forgiven Maxine. 1mo

Deblovestoread Maxine‘s choice changed Hazel‘s life trajectory. It would be hard to forgive it. 1mo

Sargar114 It‘s tough because Hazel wouldn‘t have gotten the opportunity she got if it weren‘t for Maxine, but then to ultimately bomb the play to save her destroyed her life. Like @Deblovestoread said, completely changed the trajectory. We can see the why but Hazel will always wonder what could have been… 1mo

Karisa I feel like Hazel didn‘t know Maxine really. She had so many sides—who was the real one? I felt disconnected from that character and wondered if her story arc was just a little too much 1mo

7 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

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1. I enjoy Davis's works because she focuses each story on a landmark in New York City. For this novel, we visit the Hotel Chelsea.

Have you visited the Hotel Chelsea? Do you want to visit after reading this book?

Links in comments to an interview in which Davis details her reasons to feature the Hotel Chelsea, as well as the history of the hotel from the hotel's website. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Librarybelle Davis interview: https://www.fionadavisbooks.com/the-chelsea-girlsqanda

Hotel Chelsea history: https://hotelchelsea.com/history 1mo

mcctrish I totally want to visit it someday 1mo

Jerdencon I actually have been in the lobby of the hotel (I live in NYC). It‘s been redone and is very artsy and cool. I need to go back now that I‘ve read the book. I have eaten at El. Quiojte several times - they have the best sangria! 1mo

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Deblovestoread Would love to visit some day. I, too, like the setting of Davis‘s novels and getting an intimate look at historical buildings. 1mo

Sargar114 Never been, but would love to. I actually wish this story had more of it. It felt like it started strong but then got away from the hotel itself. 1mo

Karisa So many cool people through those doors! I‘d like to see it too, especially since @Jerdencon mentions it‘s been redone in an artsy way. The ending of the book made it sound so drab and sad. (And yum, sangria! 😊) 1mo

6 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Chimneys | Agatha Christie

The #ChristiesCapers discussion for this month is posted! You can find the 5 questions either on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtags.

Next month we revisit Poirot and dive into one of Christie‘s best novels and ranked as one of the best mysteries of all time: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Official post tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3

Deblovestoread I‘m about halfway I think. Will pop in when I‘m done. 1mo

mrp27 I didn‘t get to this one this month. 😕 1mo

41 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Chimneys | Agatha Christie

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5. Though Herzoslovakia is fictional, the 1925 publication of this novel, and the placement of the country in Eastern Europe, alludes to the unrest in the Balkan region of Europe. Christie also introduces some of her experiences during the Grand Tour in Africa in this novel--think, for instance, the novel's opening in Africa.

Wikipedia article on the Balkans' history below. How aware were you of this? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Librarybelle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Balkans#20th_cen... 1mo

MallenNC I had limited knowledge of the Balkans, with a little more knowledge about how World War I started and then the war in the 1990s. I assume the readers at the time of publication would have had more of that knowledge in mind than I did reading it now. 1mo

BarbaraJean So interesting! The “Black Hand“! I had very little knowledge of this historical backdrop for the story. 1mo

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dabbe I also have very little knowledge of this region and its history. The article definitely helped; thank you! 🤩 1mo

Larkken That is all very interesting, thanks! 1mo

suvata I that it definitely draws on the 1925 political climate and Christie‘s personal experiences to enrich its setting and themes. The fictional Herzoslovakia, placed in Eastern Europe, mirrors the Balkan region‘s real-world unrest during the interwar period, with its volatile mix of monarchist and revolutionary tensions. 4w

MariaW Thanks for the article. I think Christie did do well to use the current state of affairs (e.g. both World Wars, Balkan Wars) in her novels. It made them more referable to the readers (even though they might not have been well informed) and at the same time more believable fiction. 2w

10 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Chimneys | Agatha Christie

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4. We'd be very remiss to talk about Herzoslovakia, Christie's fictional Eastern European country that will later appear in two Poirot stories. In prior discussions, we discussed the casual racism found in the books; this one is no exception. Christie barely discusses the country itself, but we the reader get a sense that the people from Herzoslovakia are suspect, to say the least. Any comments? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristeClubR3

More ⬇ ⬇ ⬇

Librarybelle Here is a link to an article found in the Journal of Literature, Culture and Literary Translation that discusses all of the nuances of Herzoslovakia, including Christie's take on the place and the people: https://www.sic-journal.org/Article/Index/406 1mo

MallenNC I think this came out the most in the way Boris, the servant, was described like an animal. Thanks for sharing the article. 1mo

willaful The racism and politics are so bad in this one I had to just not think about them. 1mo

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BarbaraJean Like @willaful, I had to set aside the problematic racism/politics & not think about it. It was easier here than with Man in the Brown Suit, maybe because it's a fictional country! Thanks for sharing that article. The idea that Christie uses Herzoslovakia “not...as an Other to illustrate British virtue, but as a mirror to British vice“ is super interesting. The British characters are shown to also be complicit, so there was a BIT more nuance here. 1mo

dabbe @Librarybelle @MallenNC @willaful @BarbaraJean Christie‘s Herzoslovakia is a vague, unstable monarchy filled with “swarthy“ conspirators, bomb-throwing anarchists, and exaggerated accents; it seems that she depicts the Balkans as a hotbed of intrigue and violence. Herzoslovakians are uniformly portrayed as untrustworthy (Prince Michael) or buffoons (the Baron). Even Cade is a British-educated outsider, implying superiority. Thanks for the article! 1mo

Larkken I think I had just read the Poirot story with the “chinamen” cringe bits so I was braced to do like the rest of you and set them off to the side while reading. It‘s a bummer since they limit her books‘ rereadability- I have to be in the mood to consciously not think about things 1mo

8 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Chimneys | Agatha Christie

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3. Speaking of main characters, Anthony Cade is the true main character in this novel and presents a less-than-serious approach to the story. While some reviewers call this a thriller (see question 1), reviewers also comment on the levity in the book, considering this more humorous than Christie's previous five books. Do you agree/disagree? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MallenNC I liked Cade as a character and some parts were funny but that didn‘t really stick out to me as I read. I admit I was confused/surprised by the twists his character was involved in 1mo

BarbaraJean I‘d agree—Cade and Virginia and Bundle especially are much more lighthearted characters. There‘s quite a bit of banter, which adds to the humor. Secret Adversary also had both those things but the overall tone/situations there felt more serious. 1mo

willaful I guess I was in just the right mood because I really enjoyed the Silly Asses and Bright Young Things in this. It wasn't a favorite of mine growing up -- I preferred The Clocks, which is sort of a sequel , and I'll be interested to see if I still do when we get to it. 1mo

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dabbe @Librarybelle @MallenNC @BarbaraJean @willaful I definitely agree. I snorted out loud quite a few times reading this. The novel is packed with witty banter, absurd situations (e.g., sneezing during a stakeout), and caricatured characters (e.g., Baron Lollipop's Yoda-like syntax). To me, it is markedly lighter than Christie‘s first five novels. 1mo

Deblovestoread I enjoyed the lighter tone and Anthony very much. 1mo

suvata I agree The Secret of Chimneys is more humorous than Christie‘s prior five books, driven by Anthony Cade‘s witty, carefree attitude. His playful charm and the tangled, almost farcical plot create a lighter tone than the serious mysteries of *Styles* or *Links*. (edited) 4w

MariaW This one is definitely funnier than the last ones, but then again Anthony jolly behaviour somehow is like a red herring. It seems like he is on the case because it‘s fun (and there might be money in it was well), but in the end we realize it was a far more serious matter for him all along (edited) 2w

13 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Chimneys | Agatha Christie

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2. Christie moves away from Poirot again to introduce Inspector or Superintendent Battle, who will appear in four other works. What do you think of Battle? Why do you think Christie chose to introduce another non-Poirot main character? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MallenNC I was wondering that myself as I read, why didn‘t she just make this a Poirot mystery. I wonder if she didn‘t want to get stuck in only one series or if she just wanted to present the solution without her really clever Poirot involved 1mo

BarbaraJean Because this feels less like a traditional murder mystery, it made sense to me that she introduced a new main character. Although it felt a little like with Colonel Race, where he wasn‘t exactly the main character! 1mo

willaful I think she wanted her romantic couple at the forefront but an intelligent member of the force was useful. Poirot would have wrong for the tone of this. In a similar way (though very different tone) she used Battle again in Towards Zero and though she did use Poirot in The Hollow she regretted it and removed him from the play adaptation IIRC. 1mo

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dabbe @Librarybelle @MallenNC @BarbaraJean @willaful Since these were Christie's early years, maybe she was still experimenting and finding which detectives worked and which didn't. Poirot would have never worked here. Battle is an understated, methodical Scotland Yard detective with no flashy quirks—no foreign accent, no theatricality, just steady competence. Christie describes him as one “who listens more than he speaks“, making him a foil to Poirot. 1mo

Larkken I liked Battle ! As @dabbe says, the lack of theatricality was refreshing after Poirot lol. If it was me, I‘d also be sick of writing Hastings if I was Christie and they seem like a bit of a set 1mo

dabbe @Larkken 🎯🩵🎯 1mo

Deblovestoread I liked Battle, too, although the twinkle in his eye might have been mentioned a time or two too many. I agree with @dabbe Agatha had lots of ideas and she trying out what works best. 1mo

dabbe @Deblovestoread 🩵🎯🩵 1mo

suvata Superintendent Battle is a solid, understated detective—calm and sharp, fitting the thriller vibe of The Secret of Chimneys. Christie likely introduced him to diversify her detective roster and suit the novel‘s action-driven plot, moving away from Poirot‘s cerebral style to appeal to adventure fans. 4w

MariaW I agree with all that was mentioned earlier. And his way of handling the case is a good contrast to Anthony‘s unpedictable and unusal behavior. He is the serious one next to the jolly character who wants to solve the case more for fun than reason. Only in the end we find out, that this was just a mascarade as well. 2w

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