The seven dials mystery

 Author: Agatha Christie 

Series: Superintendent Battle #2

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Original publication date: January 24, 1929

Book description: 

A healthy young man dies in his sleep, despite the ringing of eight separate alarm clocks…

Gerry Wade had proved himself to be a champion sleeper; so the other house guests decided to play a practical joke on him. Eight alarm clocks were set to go off, one after the other, starting at 6.30 a.m. But when morning arrived, one clock was missing and the prank had backfired with tragic consequences.

For Jimmy Thesiger in particular, the words ‘Seven Dials’ were to take on a new and chilling significance

Thoughts:

It starts off very easy going. A group of friends meet in a bed and breakfast style house. They are all there to goof off and indulge in recreation activities. One of the attendants is mocked as he is a very late riser. 

The rest of the people there want to make him feel self-conscious and play a joke at the same time. They go out and buy several clocks. During the night one of them tiptoes into the roo of the sleeping young man setting the clock around the bed. He does this with all light off as to not alert their victim. 

The next morning the young man is dead.

Things do escalate as the inquest takes place. Bundle, a nice young woman gets involved as she is interested in the mystery. She does know a few of the people who were in the house that day and she just wants to satisfy her own curiosity. She is very stubborn and decisive, it can come off as unlikable. She is brash and very selfish, she is only doing it for something to do a she is pretty bored with her current lifestyle. 

 A few letters were found in the room of the deceased and Bundle wishes to deliver them to the surviving sister of Gerry. She meets a young man, a very close friend of his and together they visit the distressed sister. She reveals fears for his safety Gerry had before his passing and possible leads, so off they go to investigate. 

Another person among the guest is also hiding something, he works for the government and as the investigation takes place secret societies, spy networks, and more are discovered to be related to this death. At some point it just ridiculous, but still not illogical, just a bit exaggerated.

It all seems over the top and just like too much. A lot of things taking place and one thing after the other coming up while they investigate. It is really too much, do not expect this to be very logical. 

It is an enjoyable read. I had initially given it 4 stars but as of my new rating system, this is moved to 3 stars. It was a good book, very recommendable to fans of the author and for people who like spy thrillers and comedy all into one. But it is nothing groundbreaking either. 

AC missing reviews 1/6 complete.

I have things to catch up on, see you later.

Stay safe.