This is my first year attempting 746 Books #20booksofsummer23 challenge. (You can read my introductory post with my complete reading list here) I am kicking off the #20booksofsummer23 with sizzler story, A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie.
Publishing History
A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie was first published in the United Kingdom by Collins Crime Club on November 16, 1964. It was then published in the United States by Dodd, Mead and Company in 1965. The novel features Agatha Christie’s beloved character, Miss Marple, as the main detective solving a murder mystery in the Caribbean. Since its initial publication, A Caribbean Mystery has been widely translated and remains a popular work among Agatha Christie fans. It has also been adapted for television, with Joan Hickson portraying Miss Marple in a 1989 TV adaptation.
The Plot
In A Caribbean Mystery, Miss Marple finds herself on recuperating from a nasty illness in the Caribbean at a lavish resort called the Golden Palm Hotel, paid for by her attentive nephew, Raymond West.. As she enjoys her time in the sun, she becomes acquainted with other guests, including a wealthy old man named Major Palgrave.
The story takes a turn when Major Palgrave confides in Miss Marple several long boring stories. The day before his death, he attempts to show Miss Marple a snapshot of a man he suspects murdered his wife. However, he gets startled and stuffs the picture back into his wallet. Major Palgrave is found dead the next day, supposedly from an accidental overdose of heart medication, although none of his fellow guests are sure he actually had a heart problem. Miss Marple is suspicious and makes up a story to get the photograph out of Major Palgrave’s wallet, but the picture is missing.
Determined to solve the mystery and uncover the truth, Miss Marple begins investigating the guests, who all seem to have their own secrets, including affairs, fortune-hunting, and of course, murder. The young couple running the hotel seem happy and congenial, but Molly Kendal’s mental health starts deteriorating as her visit wears on. Tim Kendal tries to convince his wife to see a specialist as she becomes increasingly unstable, with frequent blackouts.
When another guest is found dead, suspicions mount against Molly Kendal, who disappeared with a knife in one of her frequent blackouts. Miss Marple sets a trap to catch a killer who is framing Molly Kendal, and who killed Major Palgrave in a desperate attempt to cover up a previous murder.
My Review
A Caribbean Mystery is a classic and well-crafted Agatha Christie mystery with an engaging plot, clever twists, and Miss Marple at her most astute, as she unravels several secrets and mysteries.. Agatha Christie’s ability to create a closed-circle mystery within an exotic Caribbean setting adds to the intrigue and charm of the novel.
I appreciate the way Christie weaves together multiple suspects and motives, which keeps the story moving along at a good clip, and increasingly ramps up the tension, danger, and intrigue. The pacing of A Caribbean Mystery is well-maintained, with suspenseful moments interspersed throughout. The character development, particularly of Miss Marple, is also well-regarded, as she showcases her intelligence, observation skills, and understanding of human nature. Miss Marple, without her usual cast of helpers- makes allies, trusts no one, shrewdly manipulates her fellow vacationers under her veneer of a “fluffy, old pussy.”
A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie explores several thematic elements that are common in her works. Appearance vs. Reality: This theme is prevalent throughout the story as characters often hide their true intentions and motives behind a façade. Miss Marple repeatedly emphasizes the importance of looking beyond surface appearances to uncover the truth. The novel delves into the idea that things are not always as they seem, and people may hide their true selves behind masks of charm or innocence.
Agatha Christie frequently explores human nature’s complexity and individuals’ deceptive tendencies. A Caribbean Mystery highlights the capacity for people to manipulate and deceive others, often for personal gain or to cover up their misdeeds. The novel raises questions about trust, truthfulness, and the motives that drive people to commit crimes.
The theme of power and greed is also evident in A Caribbean Mystery. Several characters are motivated by their desire for money, influence, or control, which leads them to engage in deceitful acts and even murder. Agatha Christie examines how these motivations can corrupt individuals and drive them to commit heinous acts in pursuit of their goals.
Social Class and Privilege: The novel touches upon social class and privilege, as the guests at the Golden Palm Hotel come from various backgrounds. Agatha Christie explores the dynamics between the wealthy and the working class, highlighting the disparities and tensions that arise. The examination of social class can provide insight into the motives and interactions of the characters.
The Power of Observation and Deduction: A recurring theme in Agatha Christie’s works is the power of observation and deduction in solving mysteries. Miss Marple’s keen observation skills and ability to draw accurate conclusions based on small details are showcased throughout the story. This theme emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the little things and the value of intuition and deduction in uncovering the truth.
A Caribbean Mystery showcases Agatha Christie’s mastery of suspense and intricate plotting, with Miss Marple using her wit and keen intellect to solve the perplexing mystery while surrounded by the beauty and intrigue of the Caribbean setting, which is a real treat and departure from Miss Marple’s adventures in St. Mary Mead or amongst the households of her many friends and acquaintances which refreshes the long-running series. So, grab a cool drink and join Miss Marple for some sand, sun, and murder this summer.
Other reviews of A Caribbean Mystery
In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel
Upcoming #20booksofsummer2023 reviews:
Golden Age of Detective Fiction 
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