jjares reviewed The Secret Adversary: A Tommy & Tuppence Mystery (Warbler Classics) on + 3255 more book reviews
Tommy and Tuppence are two charming characters; there were only a few long novels written with them as the main characters (see below). Mrs. Christie wrote a string of short stories using these two enthusiastic sleuths. These characters are very different from the older, more staid Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
Jane Finn, in the Prologue, was given some important papers as the Lusitania was sinking (the man who asked her to take them knew only women and children would be given seats on boats to be saved from the sinking ship). However, it is now 5 years later and the papers are still missing. People are looking for the quiet woman who accepted the important papers from the spy/government agent who obviously died.
Tommy and Tuppence have survived the rigors of World War I and are footloose in London, without jobs or money. They form a partnership, hoping to stabilize their lives with regular employment. They are soon hired to find the elusive Jane Finn. It is hard to realize that the story takes place about 100 years ago and how the people interact is very different.
This pair act on impulse and with more bravery than wisdom. I really disliked the stereotyped Julius, who is an American with more money than sense. The action is plentiful but I found much of it to be cartoonish or outlandish. In other words, I don't think this story has worn well (in the 100 years since written). Overall Score = G+
Tommy and Tuppence Series
** 1. The Secret Adversary (1922)
2. Partners in Crime (1929)
3.N or M? (1941)
4. By the Pricking of My Thumbs (1968)
5. Postern of Fate (1973)
Jane Finn, in the Prologue, was given some important papers as the Lusitania was sinking (the man who asked her to take them knew only women and children would be given seats on boats to be saved from the sinking ship). However, it is now 5 years later and the papers are still missing. People are looking for the quiet woman who accepted the important papers from the spy/government agent who obviously died.
Tommy and Tuppence have survived the rigors of World War I and are footloose in London, without jobs or money. They form a partnership, hoping to stabilize their lives with regular employment. They are soon hired to find the elusive Jane Finn. It is hard to realize that the story takes place about 100 years ago and how the people interact is very different.
This pair act on impulse and with more bravery than wisdom. I really disliked the stereotyped Julius, who is an American with more money than sense. The action is plentiful but I found much of it to be cartoonish or outlandish. In other words, I don't think this story has worn well (in the 100 years since written). Overall Score = G+
Tommy and Tuppence Series
** 1. The Secret Adversary (1922)
2. Partners in Crime (1929)
3.N or M? (1941)
4. By the Pricking of My Thumbs (1968)
5. Postern of Fate (1973)
