Some readers won't have picked up on the connection between THE SEVEN DIALS MYSTERY and Agatha Christie's earlier novel THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS. Not only is the location the same, but some of the same characters whom we already know and trust make an appearance: Lady Eileen Brent, Superintendent Battle, and Bill Eversleigh.
This book is Full of humour and life, The Seven Dials Mystery was fresh and HIGHLY comedic. Lines like "Curious thing-three in the morning is my usual time for bye-bye, but tonight, just because I know we've got to sit up a bit I'd give anything to be a mother's boy and turn in right away" and names like Socks and Pongo made this a colorful, entertaining read. Bundle Brent made for a strong female protagonist (something of which I always approve) and Jimmy Thesiger managed to be both humorous AND complex. I was OVERJOYED to run into the stoic Superintendent Battle once again, having not seen him since Cards on the Table and Murder is Easy, some of my other favorite Christie pieces. The final plot twist and ultimate solution were completely unexpected and THRILLING TO SAY THE LEAST. READ IT.
If you like the thrill of figuring out a mystery but don't like to be frightened, this is a good pick. It is one of the few times when you are actually excited to be wrong about "whodunit." Christie brilliantly lays the killer right in front of your eyes without you even knowing.
