They Do It With Mirrors by Agatha Christie: Book Review

They Do It With Mirrors is the 6th book written by Agatha Christie that featured Miss Jane Marple. It was originally published in 1952. I include this because there is a line in the book that while socially acceptable then, is not in present. The line will not be mentioned, because it is an offensive word. I will not complain that the book still exists, and quite possibly still be in print because I am not a gatekeeper of books. You have the freedom to chose what books to read. I am just informing you that there may be a word or phrase that you may find offensive.

One is often left wondering who the culprit is until near the end while reading an Agatha Christie novel. This novel was not one of those. I knew early on who the murderer was, but I did not know or grasp the reason until the end. Also, I did not find their demise at the end of the book to be satisfactory. I wished to know more about their reasoning. I suppose I shall never know.

The characters were not ones that I could connect with. I enjoyed the story, I did not enjoy the characters.

• Gina was too flighty. She was also the pretty young lady who had everyone loving her.
• Jolly was too domineering to be a lady’s maid/assistant. Would she really have been able to command her mistress as she did?
• Wally was so brooding, and while being a veteran of World War II that is kind of easy to understand. But why was he busy sulking about the estate than continually wooing his wife? Especially as she was being wooed by Stephen.
• Speaking of Stephen, is it not a bit weird that he should profess his love for a young lady he has known most of her life and was essentially his step-niece?
• Alex could have the same said about him.
• Edgar is just such a strange character, I’m not sure I can pinpoint one thing that I did or did not like about him.
• Carrie Louise is supposedly this grand dame, but she appears to have no spine and is easily pushed around by everyone.
• Mildred is just a brat. I understand being jealous of an older sibling, but seriously after so many years (and that sibling dying), you are still jealous of her? And your niece? Really? Grow-up already.

I am not generally a huge fan of Miss Marple, but after reading this novel I may give her another chance.