Crooked House by Agatha Christie

I’ve read many of Christie’s books and liked most very much. 

I saw this book named in an article on Christie’s supposed best books. It was on her list of personal favorites as well. This led me to read it. 

The book was a bit of a disappointment. It was missing something - depth I guess you could say. Felt like it just meandered around. 

I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was before the end. It was as I suspected. A bizarre choice who had strange motives for murder I think. Not satisfying you could say. 

I would not recommend it to others. 

Peril at End House

Agatha Christie wrote a lot of really great books, but this one was only OK. 

Too much going on and more than a bit contrived. 

The ending was a surprise, but it wasn’t very satisfying. 

Precious and Grace

This is number 17 in the No. One Ladies Series by A McCall Smith. 

The first few books in the series were great - lots of local color, wonderful dialogue and interesting situations. Things kind of faded as the series moved along.

I’d call this book OK. It is a little better than the last few in the series. Things started off well with case of Mma Susan from Canada, but the resolution was not that satisfying. 

There was a Ponzi scheme involving Mr. P who sometimes works for the Agency. Ended badly for him. Rather flat resolution. 

I didn’t see the point of the scene with Violet S near the end. And she came out on top.

The characters all seemed so distant. Not how they seemed in the first books. 

I’m taking a break from the series. The last four I read weren’t that good.