The Secret Adversary

This is Agatha’s second full length murder mystery and the first one involving Tommy & Tuppence. Two wonderfully created characters and fortunately for us have chosen to be good guys. An excellent plot full of quality action.

This book, which was published in January 1922, introduces the reader to the characters of Tommy and Tuppence, who will appear in another 4 books by Agatha Christie. I know these two characters are not as popular as Hercule Poirot and Ms Marple, but they appear to have so much fun in this adventure, despite the dangers and the sticky situations they find themselves in. I have read a short story in which they appeared (though I cannot remember its title) and had enjoyed it. They are a great double act with Tuppence's curiosity and impetuosity clashing with Tommy's caution. Agatha Christie's style in this book is somewhat different. I felt she had a lot of fun writing it. This isn't a side of her we find in her Poirot and Miss Marple books. I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Adversary. As usual, we are faced with quite a few characters and therefore a few possible culprits, and a lot of red herrings. I thought two of the characters as possible masterminds from a few chapters in, and got down to one from half way through the book. And for once, I was right!!!

Easy to read. Hint of romance, full of adventure and great fun. Such a great book. Read and enjoy. It’s lovely

Fast-paced and jolly enough, though I’ve never been the biggest fan of T&T. Very 1920s and daft, but with a decent plot and a lot of fun set-pieces. I liked the thriller elements, silly as they are, and the tone felt almost PG Wodehouse. This isn’t really a detective story in the well-worn Christie mould, but has a decent whodunnit element.

Full of twists and turns and uncertain of how it was all going to turn out even up to the last few pages, I really enjoyed this book. Now I know why my Mum use to adore her works and characters.

This is a much lighter, more humourous Agatha Christie than we see in the Poirot novels. Tommy and Tuppence complement each other perfectly as the charmingly naive yet quick witted Young Adventurers. If the plot is far fetched and most of the characters rather one dimensional yet colourful, it only adds to the fun. I can imagine the story being adapted for the stage to produce an excellent comedy full of coincidences, memorable characters, excitement and adventure. I enjoyed doing a bit of sleuthing along with Tommy and Tuppence and had quite a lot of the big reveal figured out - but that just seemed in keeping with the tone of the book. I am sure I shall join these two young people on their further adventures at some point in the future - although I am not usually a fan of humourous mysteries and detective stories. Incidentally, despite the lighter feel, the book, written over a century ago is an interesting source for social and linguistic history.

I wish I had read this years ago. A great view of a lifestyle long gone. Are we better off today? I don't think so.

It is an appalling translation Why it would be, beggars belief but by chapter 21 every page is grammatically incorrect and unintelligible. I have complained to Kindle. For example from the audible book the correct word is energy. In this it is ELECTRICITY. so the lune reads don't waste your electricity on this....

The best book Agatha Christie's book that I've ever read!! You Definitely need to buy it. I have the kindle version which is great because it's cheaper than the others. I liked so much that I already bought the second part of this book "partners in crime".

Originally published in 1922, The Secret Adversary is the first adventure for Tommy and Tuppence. These characters show up in a total of 4 novels and a collection of short stories. I've personally read a few of Christie's novels. My favorite up to now is And Then There Were None. Tommy and Tuppence have been friends since childhood. They've met back up and form their own business called the Young Adventurers to try and earn some money. They end up searching for a missing woman and a paper that could threaten the British government. I liked this book a lot. I loved the way the mystery was paced. When Tommy's in danger, the reader knows he's in danger, but ends up reading about Tuppence. The whole time, the reader worries about what's happened to Tommy. Many times, with a novel this old, it reads dated and a bit boring. I was really impressed with this one. Other than some phrasing that's definitely out of date, it was a real page-turner! I loved the characters, and every time I thought I had the identity of Mr. Brown figured out, something would happen to make me doubt myself. And that's the best kind of mystery novel. This is listed as an Illustrated edition. What this actually means is that there are pictures at the end, mostly revolving around Agatha Christie and her life. I found them to be pretty interesting.

A good read for those who love Agatha Christie and a new adventure for those who haven’t yet experienced her books

A typical good Agatha Cristie's book. Easy to read and to enjoy. An interesting story, made of clever and bright ideas.

Piacevole lettura, in inglese