Postern of Fate

Inhoud

Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, now retired, move into a house in Devonshire. In an old children's book left in the attic, Tuppence finds cryptic clues to a murder which took place in the village during the First World War. The girl who died was mixed up in an old scandal to do with the passing on of naval secrets. But was she inncocent or guilty? Intrigued, Tommy and Tuppence investigate. But few of those in the village at the time are left alive. And their memories are confused or failing, It was such a long time ago. For the rest, it is all hearsay - often contradictory hearsay at that. Yet from these disconnected items of information, a pattern slowly begins to emerge. Tommy and Tuppence are on surer ground after Tommy's visit to a Mr Robinson in London. Then Colonel Pikeaway of MI5 takes a hand. Although the murder is such an old one, there are signs that someone is anxious it should not be revived. Suddenly Tommy and Tuppence are in danger, though no one can guess from what source, nor why their raking up of the past should be so bitterly resented. What can it matter now?

Bespreking

The most tiresome book Christie ever wrote

Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, now retired, move into a house in Devonshire. In an old children's book left in the attic, Tuppence finds cryptic clues to a murder which took place in the village during the First World War. The girl who died was mixed up in an old scandal to do with the passing on of naval secrets. But was she innocent or guilty? Intrigued, Tommy and Tuppence investigate. Suddenly Tommy and Tuppence are in danger, though no one can guess from what source, nor why their raking up of the past should be so bitterly resented. What can it matter now?

This is the last book that Agatha Christie wrote, although not the last one to be published - it was followed by a few other, like Curtain, but they all date from before Postern. Unfortunately, Postern of Fate is one of, if not the, very worst books Christie wrote, and as such forms a sad ending to the enormously successful career of the Dame of Crime. The story never succeeds in catching the readers' attention. It goes on and on, without really making a point. And when the chaotic plot finally unfolds in the last twenty pages, you might as well go to sleep. Strangely the conclusion is even more tiresome.

The only reason to ever read this book is when you are like me and want to read every book written by Agatha Christie. But even then, be prepared to be utterly disappointed.