Pages: 268
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery/Suspense/Classic
Publication Date: January 1922
Story Perspective: Alternating Third-Person
Themes: Friendship, Working Together, Trust, Trust Own Instincts,
Bravery, Identity, Courage, Loyalty
Young and energetic Tommy and Tuppence are extremely close, but they find themselves in desperate need of money. Determined to take on any job, they find themselves intertwined with the mysterious Mr. Whittington.
Quickly, their adventure spirals into a mission that is more dangerous than they ever could imagine. Here comes a plot filled with a missing person, an informative piece of paper that everyone seems to want, and a simple act that occurred five years prior that could risk several people’s lives, including Tommy’s and Tuppence’s.
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Agatha Christie’s books, but for whatever reason have never read one. When I saw that James was holding an Agatha Christie Readathon for April, I jumped on the chance to try at least a couple of her books. I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of joy I had while reading The Secret Adversary.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was Christie’s writing style. There was something just so light and airy toward the beginning of the book. Then, when the more suspenseful parts of the book began to take over, Christie changed her tone to one that grasped my hand and quickly pulled me along for the suspenseful ride. It was a clever trick – to give the reader a false sense of security that this might be a light read, but it actually turns out to be an extremely eventful ride where I found my heart beating quickly several times throughout.
Tommy and Tuppence’s chemistry was sweet and one that I really loved reading. I knew from the beginning what their future would hold, and yet I was still happy for them. It would have been nice, however, to have gotten to know their backgrounds better. Though perhaps how they formed their friendship wasn’t what Christie was trying to portray.
As far as the mystery aspect of the story is concerned, I would say that I was partially right in solving it toward the end. I had my suspicions right from the beginning, but kept flip flopping between two potential “bad” guys. For this, I commend Christie’s ability to keep me guessing until the end.
There are several questions left for the readers to think about toward the end. Without giving too much away, some I have are – what happened to some people in the story? What was in the document that everyone wanted? Will we see the same characters in the subsequent books in the Tommy & Tuppence series?
Overall, this was a book that I enjoyed very much so and finally understand the love that people have for this author. Though I would have liked a bit more character development and to have known the answers to some of my questions, in general, I will definitely be checking out her other works!
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!
Was this a book of my choosing or one for review?
13 out of 50 books of my choosing for 2018!
I’m so glad you participated. This was a lot of fun. I’m wondering if maybe we should post comments during the week or share thoughts on the next books?
How do we always have similar reactions to books? Those open questions at the end… ugh! Great review. They did have lots of chemistry. I was upset at the initial marriage proposal (not saying more to give anything away)… and then when I wondered whether that cousin Julius was good or bad! Ouch.
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Thank you! I’m glad you are hosting this awesome readathon. I might have found a new top author. 🙂 I think posting comments during the week sounds like a great idea! Would we comment on the reviews themselves after they’re posted or will there be a separate post to have one conversation going?
I’m not really sure how we have similar reaction to books. We must run on similar wavelengths, lol. Oh…Tommy and Tuppence. Yeah, that proposal was interesting. I had a feeling it was going to happen. But, when she was proposed to once before, I almost screamed, “Are you kidding?” Glad that one didn’t actually go through, but I am curious to see where those two end up.
Yes! I kept going back-and-forth about Julius, too! I wonder if he comes back in the next book…I may have to continue this series, lol.
By the way, I think I want to join for all of weeks for the readathon, if that’s okay. 🙂
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You can join all you’d like! I’m not sure on the comments. I could either setup a GR or FB group for it… or comments could go on the page on my blog to share things there… hmmm.. must think about it.
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Yes, please. I would like to join them all! Those are good thoughts. You are very creative, so I’m sure whatever you come up with will be great and I’ll look forward to participating. 🙂
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Thanks so much for leaving the first review for me to connect on the page! You are linked now at https://thisismytruthnow.com/agatha-christie-readathon/the-secret-adversary/ to read more!
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It is my pleasure! Thank you for introducing me to a wonderful author. I can’t wait to dive into more of her books!
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Really good review.
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Thank you!
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Heidi, I’m glad you found Dame Agatha. She is one of my all time favorites, but I don’t remember reading this book either. Happy that Jay set this up so we could share this wonderful author. I do know that Albert, the young boy who helps Tuppence with getting into service at Ms. Vanemeyer’s is in the other books with Tommy and Tuppence 🙂
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I’m glad, too! I’m also happy Jay set this up. I can’t wait to read another one of her works! Really? Albert comes back? Hm…something to look forward, too. Thank you! 🙂
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HI Heidi, I think we had the same two “bad guys” lined up from the beginning. I admit I was not stunned by the final reveal, as that person was my top suspect, but it was a fun ride nonetheless 💕
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Hi! I wasn’t too surprised either, but I really enjoyed the ride, too! 🙂
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I will say I was rocked by the ending of “Peril at end house” !! That one got me good😳
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Really? Ooo….You made me even more excited for it! 🙂
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