The Mysterious Mr. Quin

 

By Agatha Christie (read by Hugh Fraser)

 

Between 1924 and 1930, Agatha Christie wrote a series of short stories that revolve around two recurring characters, Mr. Satterthwaite and the mysterious Mr. Harley Quin. Satterthwaite has been described as both a dilettante and a busybody. I would describe him more as the idle rich, with more than enough money not to have to work, thus having plenty of time spend developing friendships and acquaintances. Mr. Quin is a bit more difficult to describe, especially since the words "supernatural" and "mystic" are involved. In 1930, twelve Mr. Quin stories were published as The Mysterious Mr. Quin. These are stories she wrote for her own amusement and satisfaction, stories that did not have to follow the demands of her publisher or public-- and it shows. These are stories with a twist. Personally, I think that in the 1920s Christie had a better command over the short story than she did the novel, but we all know that changed.

The audiobook production is well thought out. It is read by Hugh Fraser, familiar voice in the Christie-verse. But equally important is that each story is a "chapter." Too many audiobooks, don't pay attention to this minor detail -- and it drives users crazy.

Four and half stars