Masterpieces in Miniature: The Detectives
Agatha Christie
St. Martin's, Nov 2005, $16.95, 704 pp.
ISBN: 0312349386

Though three decades have passed since the great Agatha Christie passed away, she remains one of the most beloved mystery writers of all time, second to none, just about, in popularity. Her novels and even her plays have been made into movies and TV shows that are usually well received. However, apparently Ms. Christie also wrote a ton of short stories, all containing her fine twists, but not seen in one package before this superb anthology. The Detectives focuses on some of the writer's better known sleuths - Poirot (8 inquiries), Marple (6 tales), Pyne (12 cases), and Quin (13 investigations), as each works in their unique style. Also included are Ms.Christie's introductions to Pyne and Quin. The tales show that besides novels and plays, Ms. Christie crafted miniature masterpieces. Fans of the author, and anyone who enjoys cleverly written shorts will want to read this fine compilation. Perhaps a second collection can follow with some of her lesser known sleuths.

Harriet Klausner