USA Book of the Month
Book of the Month: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
It’s been a little while since our book of the month focused on the curious, crime-busting couple of Tommy and Tuppence. In By the Pricking of My Thumbs, the pair are approaching their twilight years, but remain as sharp as ever.
It’s a long time ago – No more spies in wartime and counter-espionage for us.
More’s the pity. It was fun – living in that guest house – inventing a new personality for myself – I really began to believe I was Mrs. Blenkensop.
The mystery begins, rather innocuously, at Sunny Ridge: a nursing home for the elderly. Tommy’s Aunt Ada is overdue a visit, not that she seems too keen on such a thing, and Tuppence uncovers a shocking secret whilst waiting for her husband in the communal lounge. Aunt Ada’s death occurs soon after, and the couple inherit a curious painting of a cottage. Tuppence is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, if she could just locate the old lady who had owned the painting…
Divided into four parts, the story flips between the perspectives of Tommy and Tuppence. Whilst Tommy is at a conference, his wife follows her instincts, journeying along the British railway route. What will the local community of Market Basing think of her questions? And can Tommy’s dark discovery about the nursing home be related to Tuppence’s extended absence from home? As a host of village characters emerge, the couple are united in their quest for answers.
Tommy and Tuppence share a thrilling passion for adventure, which feels quite unique amongst Christie’s sleuths. In this novel they are driven by a sense of intrigue, and Tuppence’s playful nature makes it a fantastically fun read.
It’s all old tales and gossip and hearsay and legends, mixed up in the most glorious kind of hasty pudding!
Discover November's Book of the Month, By the Pricking of My Thumbs and share your thoughts about these partners in crime on social media.
