Partners in Crime: A Tommy and Tuppence Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition

Written by Agatha Christie

Narrated by Hugh Fraser

Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence Beresford are Partners in Crime—or rather partners in crime solving—and must demonstrate their deductive skills in a wide range of confounding cases after agreeing to take over Blunt’s International Detective Agency.

Tommy and Tuppence Beresford are restless for adventure, so when they are asked to take over Blunt's International Detective Agency, they leap at the chance.

Their first case is a success—the triumphant recovery of a pink pearl. Other cases soon follow—a stabbing on Sunningdale golf course; cryptic messages in the personal columns of newspapers; and even a box of poisoned chocolates. But can they live up to their slogan of ""Any case solved in 24 hours""?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jul 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9780062231642

Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie (1890-1976) was an English author of mystery fiction whose status in the genre is unparalleled. A prolific and dedicated creator, she wrote short stories, plays and poems, but her fame is due primarily to her mystery novels, especially those featuring two of the most celebrated sleuths in crime fiction, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Ms. Christie’s novels have sold in excess of two billion copies, making her the best-selling author of fiction in the world, with total sales comparable only to those of William Shakespeare or The Bible. Despite the fact that she did not enjoy cinema, almost 40 films have been produced based on her work.

Reviews for Partners in Crime

[wisewoman_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this several months ago and am just now catching up on the review, so my memory's a bit hazy. I remember this being fun but very ridiculous in its elaborate setups, unlikely coincidences, and improbable sleuthing. But for all that, it's Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, Agatha Christie's beloved detective couple whose dialogue alone is worth the price of admission. Witty, teasing, and always affectionate toward one another, they operate in a world of dangerous gangs, deceptive missions, espionage, double identities, and the usual trappings of romantic mystery. The Beresfords should probably be classified more as fantasy than mystery, but I think the two genres are more closely related than is generally assumed. Both seek to create a fictional world that draws the reader into the problem that the hero/detective must somehow solve. Often, both genres involve quests of some kind to discover a hidden reality. Interesting, isn't it, how both are trying to get at the same thing, truth? It just so happens the fantasy world of the English mystery novel is more akin to its originating country than that of straight fantasy of the dragons and princesses variety. It is fun that our detectives are married and not just two people falling in love over the mystery they're working together to solve. To be sure, the romantic angle is not omitted; they are forever teasing one another about infidelity (which is interesting, given Christie's experiences with both her husbands). But the reader always knows it's a joke, that underneath all the banter there is a deep and abiding loyalty that is, in its way, unassailable. Beyond the outlandish villains and unlikely settings, this is the most fantastical element of the Tommy and Tuppence tales. I think this is why despite the sometimes-clumsy plots, their stories remain popular among Christie's readers. Fun characters, married and still madly in love, having fabulous and dangerous adventures in which they prove both their competence and luck again and again—who wouldn't want to slip into their world for a bit? Enjoyable fluff.

[therebelprince · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Christie’s second Tommy and Tuppence book (of five) is also the second-best. The characters shine as in their first outing, "The Secret Adversary", and their bubbliness – which was a bit off-putting in the trenches of "N or M?" – is used to maximum effect in these giddy little cases. All of the stories are enjoyable, and they were the basis for the 1980s TV series 'Partners in Crime', which I’ve never seen but reliable sources inform me wasn’t very good. (A pity, because the fanboy inside me wishes James Warwick and Francesca Annis could reunite and film the later books, for continuity’s sake!)

"Partners in Crime" is let down by the fact that each short story parodies a detective or detective style from the era. Many of these have faded into history, which can lead to hidden jokes feeling disconnected, and witty one-liners become merely non-sequiturs. The first time I read this book, however, I didn’t realise this; aside from the occasional discombobulating moment, it wasn’t an issue. Re-reading, I notice the format more. An enjoyable confection, but won’t sate your hunger for long. Sadly, when Christie revived the couple for three further escapades in middle age, they’d be largely a waste.

Tommy and Tuppence ranking: 2nd out of 5.

[hanneri_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not one of Christie's best books but I enjoy Tommy and Tuppence. This was a set of short stories with an overarching meta-story but the interesting thing was that in each of the stories the characters decided to follow the style of another famous detective: Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown, the Old Man in the Corner, and even Hercule Poirot! It wasn't incredibly clever or obvious but enjoyable nonetheless.

[Júlia do Cafofo do Branding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing. Great to scratch that mystery itch. I loooove Tommy and Tuppence, such a healthy relationship and companionship. Each chapter is a different mystery, it’s very light and entertaining, I loved it.

[fasciknitting · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tommy and Tuppence have recently married and Tuppence is a bored housewife, but their life is about to get exciting. They've taken over the International Detective Agency and solve mystery after mystery by copying the Classic detectives: Sherlock Holmes, Hanaud, and even Hercule Poirot! This was wonderfully funny and a very quick read.

[funstm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the first book and I enjoyed the second although I was kind of sad they were no longer the Young Adventurers. Tommy and Tuppence are the best. I love them separately and I adore them together. I really like that marriage hasn't changed the banter and friendship between them. Or dulled Tuppence's thirst for adventure, quick wits or sass. Not that any books with married couples actually comes to mind. I'm not sure I've read any others - romance is always the end goal rather than the starting point. So the second book is about Tommy and Tuppence taking over a detective agency. The format of this is kind of unique though because it's a short story collection - just all the stories revolve around the detective agency - each one being a case. I thought the general premise being the detective agency gave it a more cohesive feel and allowed for a depth that tends to be missing in short stories. I don't usually enjoy short story collections - too often half of them suck - but I loved this.I liked that each story tackled different cases and that Tommy and Tuppence both played equal roles in solving them. I really liked getting to see the different cases they worked and how they solved them. Particularly when they emulate famous detectives. I love how into it Tommy, Tuppence and Albert get. Each of them give 110% to their parts. And it amuses me how much of a production it all is. Typewriter to be typing when someone comes in. Albert to deny access to the boss because he's 'on the phone with Scotland Yard' and his quiet remarks about secret official business. It was hilarious. Overall a solid read. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. I can't wait to read the next step in their journey. 2.1: A FAIRY IN THE FLAT: Six years later, Tommy is working for the Secret Service (office work though) and Tuppence is stuck buying hats because she might have money but she's bored and itching for adventure. Mr Carter comes to the rescue when he suggests that Tommy take a leave of absence and become a manager of a suspect detective agency, taking on the name of Theodore Blunt. Tuppence jumps at the chance to investigate. I liked that Albert is still around. And that he goes to the movies and then emulates what he sees. 2.2: A POT OF TEA: Their first major case involves an Earl who is in love with a shop girl that disappears and he want her found. LMFAO. Tuppence orchestrates some much needed publicity by organising for the girl to go missing. Turns out the girl is an old friend. She talks up their agency to the girl who tells the Earl and then Tuppence cons the Earl into paying double for their 24 hour guaranteed results special. Tommy is appalled. God I love Tuppence. She's freaking hilarious. Albert would be a close second. They're both so utterly dramatic and it's perfection. Tommy is the perfect foil to their craziness. This one was brilliant. 2.3: THE AFFAIR OF THE PINK PEARL: Being amateurs to detecting, Tommy comes up with a plan to get some technique by trying out different fictional detective styles just as they get a new case. A pink pearl has gone missing and they're hired to find it. Lol they're so full of shit. They bluff their way through before Tommy brilliantly solves the case. It's the French maid who is actually a thief and hides the pink pearl in a cake of soap. He snaps a picture of her and takes it to Scotland Yard. 2.4: THE ADVENTURE OF THE SINISTER STRANGER: Ooh spies! Someone has caught on that something is not right at the International Detective Agency and they send some people to check. I didn't like this as much as the others. Although it was kind of funny with Tommy pretending to be Francis and having it confirmed because he pocketed a present Tuppence had for her friend Francis. . 2.5: FINESSING THE KING: Tommy and Tuppence decide to branch out with the detective skills - choosing to emulate some American detective styles. They end up following a newspaper ad to a ball where a woman winds up dead. Just before she dies though she says Bingo. This case continues in The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper. 2.6: THE GENTLEMAN DRESSED IN NEWSPAPER: Inspector Marriot arrives with the husband of the dead woman, Sir Arthur. He is unconvinced that Bingo Hale could have murdered his wife. Tuppence manages to solve the case when Tommy makes an offhand remark that sparks her little grey cells. The husband killed her because the wife was planning to run off with her lover, Bingo Hale and he would be cut off from her money. She said Bingo because her husband was in costume at the time - and Bingo was tricked into not going to their arranged meeting. I didn't really like this one. 2.7: THE CASE OF THE MISSING LADY: A fiancee returns for his beloved only to find she's nowhere to be found. He hires Tommy and Tuppence to find her. They find her but are appalled when they do - she's not missing, she's panicking. Her fiancee hates fat women and in the two years he's been gone she's put on weight. Still, I liked this;“Come on,” said Tuppence, with determination. “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to climb over the wall and see if I can’t get up to the house quietly without being seen.” “Right. I’m with you.”Christie, Agatha. The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection (Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries) . William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition. The dedication to his wife. I mean at that point they didn't know she was fat. They thought she was in real danger. 2.8: BLINDMAN'S BUFF: In this one they're busy practising their detective skills by pretending to be blind and making deductions. When they go for lunch they are accosted by the mysterious ham merchant they've been on the lookout for. They manage to escape and catch the bad guys. It was amusing to see them play the detective games - I liked how into they all got. 2.9: THE MAN IN THE MIST: Tommy and Tuppence meet an actress who asks for their help. When they go to meet her they find her dead. For all it was longer I didn't really like this one all that much. And I think I've read something very similar before - not that I can remember where but still. 2.10: THE CRACKLER: Inspector Marriot needs some help. One of his cases involves counterfeit money and the people he needs to get close to are friends of friends of Tommy and Tuppence. So he sends them in undercover. I enjoyed the ending to this one. Marking the door with chalk but dropping a bottle of valerian (which apparently cats love) in front of the door so that the police weren't relying on the chalk cross but the neighbor of cats. 2.11: THE SUNNINGDALE MYSTERY: Tommy and Tuppence discuss a man who was murdered on a golf course by a woman with a hatpin. I liked the creativity of this one. It sounded like a pretty clever way of murdering someone. There's outfit changes and all. And I liked Inspector Marriot ribbing them about the string and their reading habits. 2.12: THE HOUSE OF THE LURKING DEATH: Lois Hargreaves comes to see them when she suspects a member of her household is trying to kill her. This was alright, not my favourite though.2.13: THE UNBREAKABLE ALIBI: A woman (an Australian!) makes a bet that she can construct a perfect alibi and the man she bet needs help to break it. I loved this one. I guessed the solution pretty quickly but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. 2.14: THE CLERGYMAN'S DAUGHTER: A clergyman's daughter inherits a haunted house. She hires Tuppence and Tommy to get to the bottom of it. Case continued in The Red House.2.15: THE RED HOUSE: Tommy and Tuppence visit the Red House and figure out why someone would want to make everyone believe it's haunted. It was the maid. And her nephew. Because the old lady who died hid her wealth on the estate. I kind of wanted Monica to drive the price of the house up further and then sell and have the money from the treasure and the house. 2.16: THE AMBASSADOR'S BOOTS: The ambassador asks Tommy and Tuppence to investigate a small puzzle - why someone would want to steal his kitbag and then return it. I didn't see the conclusion of this one. Well the bit about why the bag was taken. Or given rather. I liked Albert lassoing the guy. Like out of all the ways you can subdue someone he's reading up on and practising lassoing. I guessed why Tommy was delaying them with stories about a taxi and people following and that Tuppence was to follow and beat them there. But the rest was a nice surprise. 2.17: THE MAN WHO WAS NO. 16: The Russian superspy No. 16 makes an appearance. Or appearances as the case may be. I liked the conclusion to this - No. 16 had hidden Tuppence inside the bed. On the other hand, it annoyed me that Tuppence was taken out and had little to do with it. I prefer it when they both display brilliance. Or Tuppence manages to mostly save herself and Tommy gets there while she's escaping or something. I did like that Albert cheered Tommy up and reminded him that Tuppence is indestructible. I also liked that she's thought of as such.

[huntersun9 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fun collection of Tommy & Tuppence mysteries. I like the way they tease each other; they remind me of Nick & Nora Charles.

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie is the second book featuring the young sleuths, Tommy and Tuppence. This book is actually a collection of short stories, linked together as cases they solve while running Blunt’s International Detective Agency for Scotland Yard. Tommy takes on the role of Mr. Blunt while Tuppence plays at being his confidential secretary, Miss Robinson. While aiding Scotland Yard to expose international spies, they also work on various cases.In order to help them seem like professional detectives, they borrow the different styles of famous literary detectives, from Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot. Although I haven’t read about all the detectives they mimic here, I did recognize a few, which greatly added to the fun of the book. The twosome is now married and they engage in bright and animated banter which keeps the reader engaged and interested in what they are doing. Tommy and Tuppence are a lively duo and Partners in Crime was an entertaining read.

[fireformed · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this collection of stories, it was nice to catch up with the young carefree Beresfords again!
And while each story was fun and engaging I did find the "luck" aspect of each story to be unbelievable after a while. No one in the world has that much luck to be able to stumble across the answer to mysteries. Some of the stories or circumstances were a bit of a convenient eye roll. But overall it was a cute, quick read.

[elenaj-147457 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

OK, this book is awesome. I picked it up partly because I've been starting to get into mysteries, and partly because of *cough* that Dr. Who episode with Agatha Christie, which made her seem pretty cool.

The book is a kind of odd cross between a novel and a collection of short stories, but that means it's great for reading in short doses -- I can finish one of the episodes in 5 or 10 minutes. It's also funny, quirky, and full of social commentary and gender politics. I have found it to be unexpectedly feminist, and I really enjoy the relationship between Tommy and Tuppence (the young married couple who do all the crime solving).

[sueincyprus · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In the first chapter we meet a young, fairly well-off couple called Tommy and Tuppence. Apparently this is the second of Agatha Christie's novels featuring them. While characterisation is usually fairly shallow in her books, Tuppence she created a likeable, outgoing young woman with a great deal of both courage. However, at the start of the book she is bored...The rest of the book features their adventures as they solve a variety of crimes and puzzles, under the guise of a detective agency. Each incident takes one or two chapters of the book and is complete in itself, but the whole is part of what we would now call a story arc: a gang of criminals have been known to use the agency, so Tommy and Tuppence are constantly on the lookout for secret code words or phrases. I very much enjoyed this book. There’s plenty of light-hearted badinage between Tommy and Tuppence, who are clearly devoted to each other, and most of the crimes are interesting rather than unpleasant. While Tommy is a fairly serious person, he loves reading crime fiction, and takes on the persona of different detectives. I didn't get all the references, but it didn't matter. In the final chapters, things become more serious and there’s quite an exciting finale.Recommended to anyone who enjoys this genre.

[kaitanya64 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love Agatha Christie. And I loved Tommy and Tuppence in their first novel. But somehow, these short stories just did not interest me much. I think maybe in a short story, the plot development that is really Christie's major strength just doesn't show to advantage. This is okay, but not great.

[auntie0nanuuq · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was about the two of them, after their first spy adventure... being connected to a second.

They open up a detective agency in order to help crash the spy ring, but in the meanwhile take on various & assorted other cases, so it was more like a series of short stories, with themes that have been found in other Christie stories.

Many of the stories had endings cut short, with no facing off of the thief/murderer/culprit, which I didn't like

There was quite a bit of mindless banter, which really did confuse & lose me.... and silly pretending to be other famous detectives....

[amphipodgirl · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It's very dated. In each incident, Tommy and Tuppence copy the methods and mannerisms of a famous fictional detective, and often his sidekick as well. But the book was written in 1929, and I'd never heard of most of these then-famous detectives. This really marred my enjoyment of the stories.

[atimco-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this several months ago and am just now catching up on the review, so my memory's a bit hazy. I remember this being fun but very ridiculous in its elaborate setups, unlikely coincidences, and improbable sleuthing. But for all that, it's Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, Agatha Christie's beloved detective couple whose dialogue alone is worth the price of admission. Witty, teasing, and always affectionate toward one another, they operate in a world of dangerous gangs, deceptive missions, espionage, double identities, and the usual trappings of romantic mystery. The Beresfords should probably be classified more as fantasy than mystery, but I think the two genres are more closely related than is generally assumed. Both seek to create a fictional world that draws the reader into the problem that the hero/detective must somehow solve. Often, both genres involve quests of some kind to discover a hidden reality. Interesting, isn't it, how both are trying to get at the same thing, truth? It just so happens the fantasy world of the English mystery novel is more akin to its originating country than that of straight fantasy of the dragons and princesses variety. It is fun that our detectives are married and not just two people falling in love over the mystery they're working together to solve. To be sure, the romantic angle is not omitted; they are forever teasing one another about infidelity (which is interesting, given Christie's experiences with both her husbands). But the reader always knows it's a joke, that underneath all the banter there is a deep and abiding loyalty that is, in its way, unassailable. Beyond the outlandish villains and unlikely settings, this is the most fantastical element of the Tommy and Tuppence tales. I think this is why despite the sometimes-clumsy plots, their stories remain popular among Christie's readers. Fun characters, married and still madly in love, having fabulous and dangerous adventures in which they prove both their competence and luck again and again—who wouldn't want to slip into their world for a bit? Enjoyable fluff.

[leischen_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The worst mystery book I've ever read. It's a surprise that this is a relatively early Christie when she was in her prime. Two absolute twits, Tommy & Tuppence Beresford, decide to play detectives by solving cases in the style of classic characters. Horribly dated and trite. Every author has to have a worst book, this is Christie's. Absolute garbage.

[themulhern · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Perhaps because of the imitations or parodies of other literary detectives or because of the short story form this book is better than the other "Tommy and Tuppence" books. I usually find a series of short stories about established characters more enjoyable than a series where each story has to start completely new. Nothing too momentous has to occur in an individual story as the characters will come around again. The whole thing is so deliberately artificial that you can't censure any individual story; perhaps the part you dislike most is an essential part of the parody.The television series is probably more enjoyable than the book; partly because Albert plays a much larger and mostly humorous role.I would not have been able to recognize many of the parodies if I had not previously read and watched a fair amount of "The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes"

[jeffreymarks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book. Great stories and a reminder of all the "great detectives" of the 1920s. It's no surprise that my little Scottie is named Tuppence.

[bookpurring · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is my second Tommy and Tuppence book, and my oh I don't know 50th Agatha Christie book? I have to say that from my first T&T I wasn't very impressed with them or rather with Christie's espionage work. I've also come to realize that I prefer Christie's novels to her short stories. I do find the characters rather charming, T&T are very much partners and such a delightful couple to read about. In many occasion while listening to this compilation of short stories I found the solutions rather simple, and finally came to the conclusion the book is meant a parody of detective fiction, T&T detective agency name made me chuckle "Blunt's Brilliant Detectives." Christie even takes a jab at Sherlock Holmes and even her own detective Poirot. When it comes to the stories, this was an interesting compilation, my personal favorite because of the sense of parody and humor behind it was The Case of the Missing Lady. But there are some stories like The Unbreakable Alibi, that just simply left me wanting more. Overall, I would recommend this audio to those Agatha fans that simply just have to read all of her work, definitely not as an introduction to Christie.

[lahochstetler · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Tommy and Tuppence are once again on the trail of Russian spies. They are commissioned to take over a detective agency that will be used as a front to try and trap said Russian spies. Posing as a detective and his "confidential secretary" the Beresfords take on all sorts of cases. Some are not very difficult, and Tuppence repeatedly proves herself to be the superior detective. The two go through all sorts of machinations to try and prove their importance to their clients, claiming to be called away to important cases by Scotland Yard. They also mimic the methods and habits of famous literary detectives. There are even several bows to Christie's own Poirot, as they attempt to use "the little grey cells."I must admit that Tommy and Tuppence are my least favorite of Christie's detectives. Still, a lesser Christie is still better than a good many other mysteries. Short stories rob Christie of some of her best attributes- complex character development and relationships, and that is certainly the case here. Still, while Christie's short stories are rarely as good as her novels, this volume is still worth a read.

[kw50197 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fun read ... one that suspense fans which are very familiar and knowledgeable about the genre would probably enjoy better.

[adpaton · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although there is a linking theme in this colection of short stories - the Beresford's are working for British Intelligence to thwart a foreign power, the usual - each is a gem on its own. We start a couple of years after their marriage and are granted a glimpse of what happened to Cinderella and snow white and all the other fairy tale heroines AFTER the wedding. In a word, boredom. Albert is working for them, Tommy has a civil service position, and Tuppence is addicted to buying hats. When the chance arises for her to join him in some undercover work she grabs it: the twist is she decides to approach each crime i the manner of a famous literary detective. There's Hercule Poirot of course, in a rare bit of self reference on Christie's part, and naturally Sherlock Holmes, and Father Brown and the Old Man in the Corner and many other detectivs who although popular when the stories were written back in the 20s are now forgotten completely. Not quite pastiche or spoof, more of an homage to her peers, Partners in Crime is an under-rated delight.

[inkcharmed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tommy and Tuppence are my favorites!!

[melhay_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a collection of short mysteries in which Tommy and Tuppence work their way through posing as detectives owning their own agency, as asked by Scotland Yard, to catch a mean suspect. Tommy and Tuppence are wonderful characters. They have great humor and love to pick on each other. I really enjoyed the teasing of each other. And this lovely couple act out different detectives for each case, based on what they know of the case. You really get a small glimps of how they see other detectives in the books.

[smik_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Six years have passed since the Beresfords began their sleuthing partnership in THE SECRET ADVERSARY. Tommy now has a desk job with the British Secret Service, and Tuppence, much to her displeasure is at home, though when the Chief of British Intelligence asks them to take over the International Detective Agency, both jump at the chance of new adventures.The fifteen stories contain parodies of fictional detectives who were well-known to readers of the 1920s. In each story Tommy and Tuppence assume the mannerisms and methods of a different detective or detective team, including Sherlock Holmes.I am told the stories contain parodies of Sherlock Holmes, John Thorndyke, Father Brown, and Hercule Poirot, but not being a reader from the 1920s I did have trouble in some stories in working out who the "original" sleuth was. There are quite good synopses of the individual stories both on the Agatha Christie site and on Wikipedia, so I won't repeat them here. The Wikipedia one in particular identifies whose methods each story is a a parody of.Interestingly, all of the short stories had been published individually between 1923 and 1928 and were then arranged in a slightly different order for the 1929 collection.I think I preferred the characterisation of Tuppence and Tommy in these stories to their first appearance in THE SECRET ADVERSARY. Tuppence in particular comes over with a mind of her own and a good sense of intuition, even if occasionally the stories are a little "twee". I also quite like her Scotland Yard detective Inspector Marriot. The stories are bound together with an overall theme of a rather vague Russian plot.They fit also with my idea that Christie often set herself tasks to achieve- in this case her challenge was to see if she could adopt the styles of other popular crime fiction writers, and to use the icons they used.I regret that I did not manage to read these stories in the correct time frame, that is in the 1929 slot, between THE SEVEN DIALS MYSTERY and THE MURDER AT THE VICARAGE.

[bnielsen_30 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

England, ca 1950Indeholder en hel del småhistorier forklædt som kapitler.Tommy og Tuppence Beresford har været gift i seks år og mens Tommy arbejder for efterretningstjenesten i et kontorjob, går Tuppence hjemme og keder sig. Tommy får tilbudt at overtage et detektivbureau på skrømt og de to tager imod tilbuddet og løser en lang række sager. Et fjollet indslag er at de løser hver sag på en ny måde inspireret af kendte og ukendte litterære forbilleder. De mange sager får bogen til at minde meget om en novellesamling. Sagerne starter med at Tuppence finder en pige som hun selv har skjult. Det er bare for at gøre lidt reklame for bureauet og for at sætte skub i en romance. Tommy opklarer et smykketyveri i rollen som doktor Thorndyke. Sammen får de anholdt et par spioner mens de leger Francis og Desmond Okewood. Som McCarty og Riordan opklarer de et jalousimord. En fiasko er det derimod som Holmes og Watson at opspore en forsvundet dame - hun er nemlig frivilligt på slankeanstalt. Som Thornley Colton fanger Tommy en spion der har bortført ham. Som Fader Brown fanger Tommy en politimand med en løs knippel. Som Edgar Wallace fanger Tommy en falskmønterbande. Som Den gamle Mand i Hjørnet opklarer han et meget velmaskeret mord på en mand på golfbanen og forærer løsningen til kriminalassistent Marriot. Som Hanaud opklarer han to giftmord. Som kriminalassistent French finder han ud af hvilket af en piges to alibier, der er falsk og hvilket der er sand. Som Roger Sheringham finder han en nedgravet skat i kartoffelstykket. Som Reginald Fortune og kriminalkommisær Bell løser de en gåde med ombyttede tasker hvilket viser sig at have med kokainsmugling at gøre.Den sidste historie er Tommy i alvorlig knibe som Hercule Poirot, for Tuppence er blevet bortført og han kan ikke finde hende før han får sat sine små grå i arbejde.Han vinder hende dog tilbage og hun belønner ham ved at afsløre at hun venter barn.Udmærket, men meget let læsning

[dsbs_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not one of her best mysteries, but a nice little collection of loosely related T&T stories. Most cases were pretty damn predictable, which is understandable considering that Tommy and Tuppence are amateurs, like the readers (presumably); that's part of their appeal. Light-hearted and funny; and I do love Tommy and Tuppence together, I think they're adorable. It was also fun to see Christie pay tribute to other famous detectives, although I have to admit I'd heard of exactly two of the ones she mentioned: Holmes and Christie's own Poirot. Anyway, bottom line? A good, quick, fun read.

[neverlistless · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tommy and Tuppence have recently married and Tuppence is a bored housewife, but their life is about to get exciting. They've taken over the International Detective Agency and solve mystery after mystery by copying the Classic detectives: Sherlock Holmes, Hanaud, and even Hercule Poirot! This was wonderfully funny and a very quick read.

[jonrob_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

One of Dame Agatha's weaker efforts, this is basically a series of short stories featuring the Beresfords (Tommy and Tuppence). Now, I don't dislike them as much as some of AC's fans, but the essential premise (they take over a detective agency at the behest of Tommy's boss, with the intention of trapping a master-spy) is dubious, and the idea that they tackle each case in the style of a well-known fictional detective doesn't really work either. The strongest stories are "The Man in the Mist" (Father Brown) and "THe House of Lurking Death" (Hanaud) but some of the models are just too obscure nowadays - how many people will ever have heard of Thornley Colton, the Blind Problemist? One plus factor is that the relationship between the couple is well-drawn with some effective use of humour. Still, this is only really recommendable to Christie completists, and those interested in the curious tendency of Golden Age writers to indulge in self-reference - the final case is based upon AC's own Hercule Poirot!

[figgles_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Second Tommy and Tuppence, fun series of short stories within the framework of a bigger crime bust. A little difficult to the modern reader as each tale parodies a famous detective and I don't know who most of them are (althoug she cheekily parodies Poirot who must've only just been invented!). Enjoyable.