The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
Review by Lauren
source: read on Classic Reader; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Tommy and Tuppence, two young people short of money and restless for excitement, embark on a daring business scheme – Young Adventurers Ltd.
Their advertisement says they are ‘willing to do anything, go anywhere’. But their first assignment, for the sinister Mr Whittington, plunges them into more danger than they ever imagined…
Review: I’ve read a mix of Christie novels and I’m on a quest to read a lot more. Therefore, I was excited to see you could read two of Christie’s novels entirely for free online. I chose The Secret Adversary, which happens to be the first Tommy and Tuppence novel. I have not read anything with these characters, though I have heard of them, so I was excited to see what I would think. In case you aren’t aware, Christie has many stand-alone novels, but she also has series that follow various detectives. There is Tommy and Tuppence, Miss Marple, and Hercule Poirot. I’ve read a few Poirot novels, whom I love, but none from the other detectives.
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
Starting off, Tommy and Tuppence were certainly interesting to read about though they never really understood personal safety. First they decide to form an agency of sorts, called Young Adventurers Ltd, in which they would be willing to do almost anything for anyone. This venture came about due to their lack of funds and Tuppence, in particular, wanting to have more adventure. Oh, before I go on – I should note that Tuppence is a female. I always thought of the name as belonging to a male, for some reason, but Tommy and Tuppence are a male-female duo of two very good friends. Now, back to the story – someone overhears them discussing this plan and invites Tuppence to do a job for him. This man is Mr. Whittington, who happens to be involved in something far more “sinister” if you will than the job he relays to Tuppence.
I’ll leave the summary there, as the two friends end up meeting other people in this story who give them more background into what they have inadvertently stepped into. Because of this, Tommy and Tuppence agree to keep sleuthing for these men, of which there are three. I could go into more detail about them but it is better if you just read the book and meet them for yourself!
Tommy and Tuppence definitely go on many adventures in this one, and their lives are certainly at stake a time or two. Though it’s obvious nothing will harm them, I did worry about the people surrounding them. Plus, there is always the question of who is Mr. Brown? This is a mysterious man who apparently pulls strings without revealing his identity to most people. He’s a nondescript person who uses the most unsavory people to cause trouble and earn money. Can you guess who he is while reading the book?
I never really figured out the mystery while reading, but that’s okay! It’s fun for me to be surprised in the end. While this is definitely not a favorite of mine when it comes to Christie, it was rather intriguing and I’m happy to have finally ‘met’ Tommy and Tuppence!
it's nice when you don't predict things. I did read some by her but it's been years I confess
I love all of her books. I haven't read this one though, I need to add it my list!
I have not read a lot of Agatha Christie, but I wasn't even aware of the Tommy and Tuppence novels. I'll have to check this out!
I haven't read much Agatha Christie, but this one sounds fun for fall!
xx
She was always the master of throwing me off the track to the real culprit until the very end. I can't remember if Ive read this one, but I'm going to take a look and see.
You are not the only one who has recommended her books to me and I have yet to read them. I may have to get a few for my mom (she LOVES mystery) and then "borrow" them from time to time. 🙂 Yep, I'm devious. 😉 LOL
Can you believe I STILL have not read anything by Agatha Christie?! I need to remedy this.. like.. NOW… – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
I love being surprised in the end!! I need to read more Agatha Christie. Great review!!
I haven't heard of this series, but it sounds wonderful! I've listened to a couple of Agatha Christie books this year, and they are so good!
I haven't read this one, but I do quite love a good Agatha Christie novel!
Good on you! Can you believe I've not read one single Agatha Christie in my entire life? Sad.
She was a great mystery novelist. I just feel like Two pence and Tommy are real people, and mostly because of dialogue. Loved this book!
Hyacinth
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