Christie Talk
Christie Talk - Have Your Say - Puzzles and Games
Puzzles and Games
Test your Christie knowledge here
Previous Guess That Quote Next Guess The Story
279 replies
3rdGirl on 01 Aug 2009 at 8:49 p.m. GMT
I am a companion to old ladies, and live with my ill sister and our Pekinese dog called Augustus. I have have a genius for criminality which I am trying to supress, and think my mind turns to crime because I long for excitement.
Frndorfoe on 02 Aug 2009 at 5:57 a.m. GMT
Amy Carnaby from The Nemean Lion, the 1st labour from The Labours of Hercules. She also appears in the 10th labour The Flock of Geryon. She is one of the most intresting characters from the Poirot mysteries. The Labours of Hercules is one of my all time favorite Agtaha Christie books.
marymck on 02 Aug 2009 at 8:41 a.m. GMT
I am a young mother, returning to my father's riverside house following the death of my husband. I have come here for comfort, for a return to the familiar warmth of my family. But something does not feel right and when my father returns from a business trip to the North, bringing with him a young and beautiful woman, my sense that something evil is lurking becomes tangible.
Frndorfoe on 02 Aug 2009 at 2:09 p.m. GMT
I am a famous retired stage actor. I have knack for hosting rather lethal parties.
Frndorfoe on 02 Aug 2009 at 6:20 p.m. GMT
Yes, MissScarlet107. You are right. It is Sir Charles Cartwright from Three Act Tragedy.
TheMole on 03 Aug 2009 at 2:57 p.m. GMT
I am a quiet, well mannered young woman. I own a few 'pieces' of value but other than that I am without much fortune. And while I am what one would call a 'plain jane' I have brains to compensate for my looks. I am no fool except where my heart is concerned.
TheMole on 06 Aug 2009 at 2:17 p.m. GMT
No. Remember, mon ami, that this character is plain looking and w/o much fortune.
Frndorfoe on 06 Aug 2009 at 2:20 p.m. GMT
TheMoleMay I go next?
I am a quiet, well mannered young woman. I own a few 'pieces' of value but other than that I am without much fortune. And while I am what one would call a 'plain jane' I have brains to compensate for my looks. I am no fool except where my heart is concerned.
WINNEBAGO1901Linnett Ridgeway Doyle
Oh my WINNE! How could you call Linnett Ridgeway Doyle a 'plain jane'?And also she's definitely not "without much fortune". In the book Death on the Nile it says that "money and looks- It's too much! If a girl's as rich as that she's no right to be a good-looker as well. And she is a good-looker."
Tommy_A_Jones on 06 Aug 2009 at 2:25 p.m. GMT
I had forgotten the fortune bit of it but as for the looks some women wee themselves as plain Jane's when they aren't.
TheMole on 07 Aug 2009 at 1:56 p.m. GMT
Sorry, all guesses are wrong. A hint: The character is from a Poirot book.
TheMole on 11 Aug 2009 at 7:21 p.m. GMT
Nay. It's not from any character in The Hollow. I said that Gerda Christow was a good guess because I think in a few ways her personality is similar to the character I described.
HerculeJC on 15 Aug 2009 at 3:19 a.m. GMT
First off, was away on vacation for 3 weeks; got home on Monday night/Tuesday morning.
For the description: let me try NICK BUCKLEY from 'Peril At End House'.
TheMole on 15 Aug 2009 at 12:51 p.m. GMT
I hope you enjoyed your vacation, HJ. Did you go someplace AC related?
All guesses are wrong. What kind of hint would everyone like?
TheMole on 15 Aug 2009 at 12:52 p.m. GMT
I am a quiet, well mannered young woman. I own a few 'pieces' of value but other than that I am without much fortune. And while I am what one would call a 'plain jane' I have brains to compensate for my looks. I am no fool except where my heart is concerned.
Here's the description again.
HerculeJC on 23 Aug 2009 at 5:40 a.m. GMT
Can I try:
Mary Debenham, from ORIENT EXPRESS; not a 'knock-out', but a mover-doer.
Her love for Colonel Arbuthnot is apparent to all, especially to Poirot.
Bundle_ on 23 Aug 2009 at 1:42 p.m. GMT
Hi HJ! I changed my username from TheMole to Bundle, btw.
And sorry, it's not Mary Debenham.
I'll give a huge hint: This character comes from one of AC's rhyming title books.
HerculeJC on 23 Aug 2009 at 5:11 p.m. GMT
Mole, that must mean either "One Two Buckle My Shoe" or "Hickory Dickory Dock".
I'm thinking of Sally, from "Hickory Dickory".
Bundle_ on 23 Aug 2009 at 7:10 p.m. GMT
You are right it is either from One Two Buckle My Shoe or Hickory Dickory Dock. But Sally Finch is incorrect.
Bundle_ on 26 Aug 2009 at 2:10 p.m. GMT
Yes! It is Patricia Lane! Congrats, Winne!
SPOILERS For Hickory Dickory Dock
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
I said that she own a few pieces of value but otherwise is w/o much fortune because she owned a couple of pieces of expensive jewelry, a ring of which was stolen by Celia Austin. She is indeed a plain jane, but she is serious about her studies in politics. And she figured out who the culprit was but she let him lead her on because she loved him.
Tommy_A_Jones on 26 Aug 2009 at 2:14 p.m. GMT
I will have a go, I am young, Enthusiastic Dependable and can be relied apon, I just want to have Adventures like the Characters in the Books I read
Bundle_ on 27 Aug 2009 at 3:46 p.m. GMT
Bobby Jones? The adaptation of Evans butchered the plot and character persona's so much that I can't remember if Bobby was looking forward to mystery solving or not.
HerculeJC on 04 Sep 2009 at 5:58 p.m. GMT
How about Edward Robinson, from the short story 'The Manhood of Edward Robinson', in "The Golden Ball and Other Stories"?
Tommy_A_Jones on 07 Sep 2009 at 12:16 p.m. GMT
No but I can see why you say him but it isn't him, Here is a Clue, this man appeared in more than 1 book.
Bundle_ on 08 Sep 2009 at 4:31 p.m. GMT
Is it the little boy from Peril at End House, Tommy? I'm sorry I didn't provide a name -- but I can't remember it.
Tommy_A_Jones on 09 Sep 2009 at 12:19 p.m. GMT
No Bundle it isn't, This person does not appear in a Poirot story.
HerculeJC on 10 Sep 2009 at 4:11 a.m. GMT
Tommy Beresford, and I would guess the book would be "N or M".
Puffinjill on 11 Sep 2009 at 1:01 p.m. GMT
Albert, T and T's young sidekick in "The Secret Adversary"?
Tommy_A_Jones on 11 Sep 2009 at 2:44 p.m. GMT
Well Done Puffinjill, Tuppence got Albert's assistance because he had on him a Cheap Thriller, I think it was called a Halfpenny Thriller, Well Done, Your turn now.
Puffinjill on 14 Sep 2009 at 2:40 p.m. GMT
Hey! I got something right!! So, my turn,eh? I'm new to this so my effort will probably be pathetic but I'll have a go....
My cousin has always been good to me so I'm happy to go and be by her side if she needs me, but I do wish it was any other time but now. I'm so worried and have no-one but my cousin to confide in. At least she knows my secret and perhaps we can help each other. I wonder why she needs me?
See, told you, rubbish!!
Puffinjill on 15 Sep 2009 at 12:13 p.m. GMT
See, so damn easy!! Well done to you. I'll do better next time, promise! Over to you now...
HerculeJC on 16 Sep 2009 at 3:59 a.m. GMT
Let me try my hand: guess two characters:
"What a pathetic little person she is!! But why did she make that comment to me?? It just doesn't seem to make any sense!"
Tommy_A_Jones on 16 Sep 2009 at 2:24 p.m. GMT
Henrietta Sevenake saying it about Midgehardcastle in 'The Hollow'
HerculeJC on 16 Sep 2009 at 11:53 p.m. GMT
I'll have to re-read "THE HOLLOW", to note Henrietta's feelings about Midge.
However, that guess is not correct.
HerculeJC on 19 Sep 2009 at 4:31 p.m. GMT
First off, the quote made by the character is that person's assessment of the other person, who is perceived differently by others.
I'll add other clues, later, if needed.
You're on the right track, Tommy (i.e. what do the two stories noted have in common, besides being written by Agatha). However, is is not any of the characters from AFTER THE FUNERAL
Tommy_A_Jones on 20 Sep 2009 at 3:20 p.m. GMT
Is the Book Evil Under The Sun? I think Miss Castle might have said something like that but I am not sure if she was talking about Christine Redfern or Arlena
HerculeJC on 21 Sep 2009 at 5:22 p.m. GMT
NO, Tommy.
FIVE LITTLE PIGS is not correct, but you have noted that it is from a Hercule Poirot story.
Tommy_A_Jones on 22 Sep 2009 at 2:14 p.m. GMT
Death On The Nile? perhaps Jacqueline De Belfort would have said that after Linnet Ridgeway said something.
HerculeJC on 23 Sep 2009 at 3:21 a.m. GMT
Tommy, you are now "heading in the right direction"/"getting closer".
Also, your post noted that one of my characters is the eventual victim.
However, DEATH ON THE NILE is not the correct title.
HerculeJC on 24 Sep 2009 at 3:31 p.m. GMT
NO!! Not CARDS ON THE TABLE.
Hint: What is noted/hinted at for DEATH ON THE NILE??
m_hercule_poirot_2 on 25 Sep 2009 at 7:08 a.m. GMT
Appointment With Death. Dr. King about Lady Boynton
HerculeJC on 25 Sep 2009 at 5:32 p.m. GMT
Appointment With Death. Dr. King about Lady Boynton
Congratulations to m_hercule_poirot_2. APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH is the correct answer.
I was hinting that the characters were from a Poirot story, set not in England (this time, in the Middle East).
My character was Doctor Sarah King, and her thoughts were about Lady Boynton, and her statement "I never forget anything!...".
Puffinjill on 25 Sep 2009 at 6:23 p.m. GMT
Why didn't I get that!!!! My favorite too!!! Well done you!
Come on then, roll on the next one...
asmikhushi on 04 Oct 2009 at 12:52 p.m. GMT
lemme try one
i am a famous person and most people believe i am pretty dumb but i am not as dumb as i seem to be. And though i m clever i do sometimes forget about what i had been saying and stumble
Tommy_A_Jones on 04 Oct 2009 at 4:25 p.m. GMT
I am just as bad, I am sure when I tried people were only being kind not guessing them straight away.
HerculeJC on 04 Oct 2009 at 7:16 p.m. GMT
Let me try two other persons; after this I will take a break:
BOTH CHARACTERS ARE FROM THE SAME STORY
1. "Being a wealthy widow does have its advantages. I enjoy traveling through Europe and Asia, thanks to many recommendations made by my daughter. I enjoy chatting with people I meet about my daughter.
"I Just hope I'll be in time to sail back to America; this current delay I've encountered might cause me to miss my boat..."
and
2. "I was forced to leave my home Country, but I was fortunate that I had time to transfer my fortune to my home in Western Europe.
"I am thankful for the many friends and acquaintances I have made throughout the years, including many well-connected persons in Europe and America.
"Even when in limited surroundings I travel in style. And everyone knows when I want to make my presence felt".
Frndorfoe on 04 Oct 2009 at 9:21 p.m. GMT
The first one is Mrs. Hubbard and the second one is Princess Dragomiroff. They are both from Murder on the Orient Express.
HerculeJC on 05 Oct 2009 at 3:56 a.m. GMT
Congratulations, Frndorfoe!! You're correct.
It is Caroline Hubbard and Princess Dragomiroff, both from ORIENT EXPRESS.
asmikhushi on 11 Oct 2009 at 2:05 p.m. GMT
another...
here goes nothing
i have a talent which is my profession. i m hugely attract people but am myself attracted to them for a short while only. i prefer being with ppl i am close to
Miss_Scarlet107 on 21 Oct 2009 at 5:37 p.m. GMT
:D
I am shrewd and observant woman despite my failing health. I believed in old-fashioned morality and my passion for bridge is notorious.
thedoctor98 on 21 Oct 2009 at 6:33 p.m. GMT
Miss_Scarlet107:D
I am shrewd and observant woman despite my failing health. I believed in old-fashioned morality and my passion for bridge is notorious.
Is it Lady Boynton from appointment with death
Puffinjill on 25 Oct 2009 at 1:38 p.m. GMT
Heavens! My brain worked! Is it my turn now? Hang on, I'll have a think...
Puffinjill on 25 Oct 2009 at 7:14 p.m. GMT
I've set one clue once before and I said before I posted that one that I was TERRIBLE at this sort of thing! I look at everyone elses clues and turn green with envy that I hadn't thought of them! So, I'm warning you all, the one I'm about to post is probably as pathetic as my last. But here goes...
I knew the journey I had to make would be difficult for me, but at least I thought it would bring happiness to those I had to see. Now I find my news has done the opposite, it has bought pain and suspicion to them. But justice must be done.
Right, there you go. Hope it's not too rubbish!!
Puffinjill on 27 Oct 2009 at 6:26 a.m. GMT
See, told you! I can't set a really difficult clue for toffee!! But, well done HerculeJC, yes it is Arthur Calgary!! Over to you my friend!
HerculeJC on 28 Oct 2009 at 3:41 a.m. GMT
Puff, I admit I knew the answer as I read ORDEAL BY INNOCENCE last August (was a good way to pass the time, after I agreed to take a much-later flight home, that day).
HerculeJC on 28 Oct 2009 at 3:41 a.m. GMT
Anyway, I have done two of the last four "Character" guesses, so I will let someone else do the next challenge.
thedoctor98 on 28 Oct 2009 at 10:25 a.m. GMT
Can i do one?
She was a woman of between thirty and forty, slightly haggard, with a clear-cut profile and really very beautiful eyes. There was about her an air of reserve, more - of suspicion.
Puffinjill on 29 Oct 2009 at 7 p.m. GMT
Could it be Mrs Lestrange from Murder at the Vicarage? I'm a bit unsure about the age but I do remember her lovely eyes. Must read it again soon!
But I'm probably way off...
thedoctor98 on 30 Oct 2009 at 5:36 p.m. GMT
No it is not Mrs Lestrange from Murder at the Vicarage nice try though
HerculeJC on 31 Oct 2009 at 4:58 a.m. GMT
I'm probably "grasping at straws": How about Elinor Carlisle from SAD CYPRESS.
HerculeJC on 31 Oct 2009 at 5:02 a.m. GMT
My other guesses: Sorry if I am not allowed to post more than one:
1. Ginger, from THE PALE HORSE;
2. Theresa Arundell, from DUMB WITNESS; or
3. Mary Dove, from A POCKET FULL OF RYE
HerculeJC on 31 Oct 2009 at 5:55 p.m. GMT
Let me try, again: Conchita Lopez, from HERCULE POIROT'S CHRISTMAS
thedoctor98 on 01 Nov 2009 at 11:50 a.m. GMT
No wrong again keep trying i thought this one was easy just think carefully
HerculeJC on 01 Nov 2009 at 5:36 p.m. GMT
Okay, I thought of Conchita, as it was her eyes that alerted Poirot to her alias.
Now I am thinking of Countess Rossakoff, from THE BIG FOUR and THE LABOURS OF HERCULES.
thedoctor98 on 02 Nov 2009 at 12:35 p.m. GMT
No wrong again keep trying is there no one who can get this right i will give you a clue it was hastings who made this deduction. one more guess and if its wrong i will give a massive clue
HerculeJC on 03 Nov 2009 at 3:10 p.m. GMT
I recall that CINDERS, Hastings' wife, was younger than 30, so I'll pass on her.
THE ABC MURDERS, next, comes to mind:
My two guesses:
Thora Grey
or
Megan Barnard.
The others I thought of were the two sisters in DUMB WITNESS:
Theresa Arundell
and
Arabella Tanios
thedoctor98 on 05 Nov 2009 at 8:03 p.m. GMT
no all wrong again im not sue if this clue will help but its a very famous poirot story very famous i think
HerculeJC on 06 Nov 2009 at 4:43 p.m. GMT
The other stories with Poirot and Hastings, that I recall, are:
LORD EDGEWARE DIES;
MURDER ON THE LINKS;
THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES;
and
CURTAIN
That leaves me thinking of Carlotta Adams, from LORD EDGEWARE DIES;
Mary Cavendish from THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES
Barbara Franklin from CURTAIN
I also think of 'Madame Marie', the neighbor in MURDER ON THE LINKS (it's been awhile since I read the book; trying to recall the name).
Finally, I am trying to remember:
1. Cinders' friend, from LINKS; and
2. The other tenant in CURTAIN (the single woman).
thedoctor98 on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:45 a.m. GMT
none of them are right but one of the stories is right but i need the name
Puffinjill on 11 Nov 2009 at 1:44 p.m. GMT
Is this one of those that I will kick myself for not getting as the answer is actually blindingly obvious? I'm completely bambozled so far! Any chance of another clue?
HerculeJC on 19 Nov 2009 at 3:50 a.m. GMT
Nobody else has been trying to guess the answer. Interesting.
Okay, other characters:
JANE WILKINSON, from Lord Edgeware Dies
CYNTHIA MURDOCK, from The Mysterious Affair At Styles
of
EVIE HOWARD, from The Mysterious Affair At Styles
This, also, is a long-shot: JUDITH HASTINGS, from Curtain
thedoctor98 on 19 Nov 2009 at 6:38 p.m. GMT
it is hard to give a clue without giving away the character but all i will say is that poirot and hastings were both in this book and it was quite a late book coming out come on people when i posted this question i thought you would get it sraight away not that youd be guessing over it a month or so after i posted it
thedoctor98 on 21 Nov 2009 at 7:37 p.m. GMT
well well well damn it all after months of guessing you finally got it well done puffinjill that has got to be the longest running guessing game ever i am the champion
Puffinjill on 22 Nov 2009 at 7:15 a.m. GMT
I think you are, thedoctor98!! Kept me in the dark for ages and I wouldn't have guessed the answer if it hadn't been for HerculeJC talking through the characters from the books so I think it was a joint effort, really!
My turn again now.
I am the sort of person who is easily overlooked, by my appearence masks a shrewd brain. Because I write for a living, I am observant and often see things others miss.
Puffinjill on 22 Nov 2009 at 6:57 p.m. GMT
No, my dear! It's not Mr Satterthwaite but I can see how it would apply to him, too.
Puffinjill on 24 Nov 2009 at 6:47 p.m. GMT
Sorry, no! I had forgotten how many writers AC included in her books!
But you are heading the right way, thedoctor98, as you have guessed the right sex of the character!
GKCfan on 24 Nov 2009 at 10:05 p.m. GMT
Could it be the female playwright in "Murder in Three Acts?" I can't remember her name.
Puffinjill on 25 Nov 2009 at 6:59 a.m. GMT
What can I say, GKC? Any chance of remembering her name? Oh, well, never mind, you have guessed the right person. After all, in Three Act Tragedy, she was always being overlooked as she seemed such a negligable person. The name you are search for is Muriel Wills who wrote under the name of Anthony Astor. Well done you!
Over to you for the next one...
GKCfan on 25 Nov 2009 at 7:39 a.m. GMT
O.K., here goes...
I'm a man who keeps attracting the wrong kind of woman. Not only that, but some people think that I'm a much worse person than I really am and put me in bad company. Despite some rough patches in my past, everything worked out all right for me, and I've achieved a distinction that only a handful of Christie's non-detectives have achieved.
HerculeJC on 28 Nov 2009 at 5:18 p.m. GMT
How about:
ANTHONY CADE, from The Secret of Chimneys
or
ANTHONY BROWN, from Sparking Cyanide
HerculeJC on 29 Nov 2009 at 8:27 a.m. GMT
I can think of characters who have been in financial 'rough-times'.
Two characters who have interesting "twists of fate", especially come to mind:
Michael Rogers, from ENDLESS NIGHT
and
Doctor Sheppard, from THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD.
If these characters are not the correct ones, then a hint is needed.
GKCfan on 29 Nov 2009 at 7:11 p.m. GMT
I'm sorry, but neither guess is right. Here's a hint: the "distinction" in question is the fact that this character appears in more than one Christie novels.
HerculeJC on 29 Nov 2009 at 7:37 p.m. GMT
My next guess will be Colonel Race: he appeared in THE MAN IN THE BROWN SUIT, CARDS ON THE TABLE, DEATH ON THE NILE, and SPARKLING CYANIDE.
The other character is Captain Arthur Hastings: he was in THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES, MURDER ON THE LINKS, THE BIG FOUR, THE ABC MURDERS, LORD EDGEWARE DIES, DUMB WITNESS, then after a long absence, CURTAIN.
GKCfan on 29 Nov 2009 at 9:35 p.m. GMT
Nope, neither is correct. However, the character in question does appear in one of the books you mention in your most recent guess. Also, remember that the character is NOT a detective.
HerculeJC on 30 Nov 2009 at 3:42 a.m. GMT
Okay, then it must be Major Despard. He wasin both CARDS ON THE TABLE and THE PALE HORSE
HerculeJC on 30 Nov 2009 at 6:10 a.m. GMT
HOORAY!!
Now let me try one more person:"It's so hot in here, while it is so bitter cold out there!!
"Now my thoughts are confirmed, funny as they are: One certainly encounters an odd assortment of persons during their lives!!".
Puffinjill on 30 Nov 2009 at 7:18 a.m. GMT
Would it be a certain M. Poirot whilst travelling on the Orient Express? You will be hard pushed to find an odder assortment of characters than those in that train!
HerculeJC on 30 Nov 2009 at 3:02 p.m. GMT
You are partially correct.
It is from MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. And, yes, there was an odd assortment of passengers.
However, my character is not M. Poirot.
Puffinjill on 30 Nov 2009 at 6:18 p.m. GMT
Seeing as this is the 'Guess The Character' game, I'm missing the bit that is really needed! So, right book, wrong person....can I just list the cast of characters?
HerculeJC on 30 Nov 2009 at 10:32 p.m. GMT
I'll make this one quick (am on a break at WORK, right now).
"Think through the story": which passengers pondered about their train accomodations during the two journeys noted.
Puffinjill on 01 Dec 2009 at 6:14 a.m. GMT
Oh, blimey, my brain hurts. If it refers to a character on both of the journeys then it must be Mary Debenham or Colonel Arbuthnot.
Now get back to work.
HerculeJC on 01 Dec 2009 at 7:06 a.m. GMT
Yes, Puff. You caught that I was referring to one of the persons on the Taurus Express, "final destination Istanbul!!". "Good job" (from one who left work about 3.5 hours ago).
It was Mary Debenham; she was noted as the one who noted how HOT her compartment was, as the Taurus Express was at the Aleppo Station.
Aleppo was where she saw M. Poirot for the first time, and her first thoughts of him (posted by me on other threads).
I, sort of, dsguised Mary's first thoughts about Poirot.
Puffinjill on 02 Dec 2009 at 6:34 p.m. GMT
Try this one.
I am a martyr to my nerves and ill health and having SUCH a troublesome daughter just adds to my problems. I don't mean to be selfish, but her very presence seems to upset the household and prevents me from forgetting my past.
I expect you'll all guess that one in the blink of an eye.
HerculeJC on 04 Dec 2009 at 7:24 p.m. GMT
How about Cecilia Ackroyd, from THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD.
HerculeJC on 08 Dec 2009 at 5:56 a.m. GMT
The other stories I think about are
CROOKED HOUSE, with Josephine as the daughter, and
MRS MCGINTY'S DEAD, for Deidre's mother.
HerculeJC on 08 Dec 2009 at 2:53 p.m. GMT
We may need a hint, if this one is not correct.
I thought about THIRD GIRL: Norma Restarick and her father.
I had also thought about Marina Gregg in THE MIRROR CRACK'D, and Lady Boynto, from APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH.
Puffinjill on 09 Dec 2009 at 7:40 a.m. GMT
No, it's not a character from a Poirot novel. Think Marple.
ampman on 10 Dec 2009 at 3:10 p.m. GMT
Here goes.
"I've always thought",she said,"it must be terribly dull to be a man".
Puffinjill on 10 Dec 2009 at 7:12 p.m. GMT
Was it Jane Wilkinson aka Lady Edgware in Lord Edgware Dies?
GKCfan on 11 Dec 2009 at 7:54 a.m. GMT
I remember this line because it made me laugh when I first read it. Belle Goedler in "A Murder is Announced."
Puffinjill on 12 Dec 2009 at 7:30 a.m. GMT
I remember now! I think you are right GKCfan, as I knew I had heard it recently, having just listened to A Murder is Announced and Lord Edgware Dies and I got confused. It's a line that makes me smile too, though not being male, I couldn't possibly comment as to how true it is!!
HerculeJC on 12 Dec 2009 at 6:47 p.m. GMT
I still say it sounds just like something Ariadne Oliver would also say.
I'll have to re-read A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED.
So is GKCFan correct??
ampman on 12 Dec 2009 at 7:54 p.m. GMT
Yes GKCFan is correct ! Thought this one would go on for ages.
ampman on 18 Dec 2009 at 7:21 a.m. GMT
Don't be put off by the spoiler notice, I don't know how that got there. Go on, have a guess please!
ampman on 19 Dec 2009 at 6:57 p.m. GMT
You have got it in one Puffinjill. Full marks. It is Mary Cavendish.
Puffinjill on 20 Dec 2009 at 8:39 a.m. GMT
Blimey! OK, I'll try another one for you all.
I am someone who is friendly, outgoing, good at organising and always trying to help other people.I mean well and would never intentionally injure another person. However, a selfish act in the past might just be the death of me.
Up to my usual poor standard of clue setting, but give it a go.
Puffinjill on 21 Dec 2009 at 8:23 a.m. GMT
No, not Vera Claythorne, ampman. Guess again.
I hope this clue isn't too vague as I struggled myself this morning to remember who it was!!
HerculeJC on 22 Dec 2009 at 5:02 a.m. GMT
How about Doctor Richard Sheppard, in THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD.
Puffinjill on 22 Dec 2009 at 6:23 a.m. GMT
No, not Dr Sheppard, HerculeJC. You all need to think 'victim' rather than 'murderer'!
Puffinjill on 24 Dec 2009 at 7:49 a.m. GMT
Yes!! Well done Tommy, it IS the well meaning but utterly irritating Heather Badcock!
Over to you for the next one to tease us over the Christmas period!!
Tommy_A_Jones on 24 Dec 2009 at 12:57 p.m. GMT
As I have said I am no good at setting these and I can't think of one, so someone else can have a Go, I will try and think of how to do it next year so someone else can do it, I have ideas but don't know if I will be doing it right.
Puffinjill on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:13 a.m. GMT
Shall I try one Tommy, then you can have a little longer to think about your next clue. I understand what you mean - easy to come up with ideas but much more difficult condensing that character into a couple of lines. I struggle too! Anyway, everyone can have a go at this one and then you can get us all guessing with one of yours.
I am employed by a very rich man who is very demanding and can be extremely difficult to please. However, I get to travel to some lovely places and meet new people. My previous profession was in a different field but, thankfully, the knowledge I gained from it has enabled me to assist a certain person to save anothers life.
Mmm. Bit obscure, maybe? Oh, well, give it a go and I'll think of some clues to help. I think we could all do with something to get our brains ticking over again after Christmas.
Puffinjill on 28 Dec 2009 at 2:31 p.m. GMT
You are sooooooo very,very close, ampman. Just try one more time and I think you will be there.
Hope you had a good Christmas and wishing you well in the New Year.
Nofret on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:27 p.m. GMT
Aha! Is it Arthur Jackson from "A Caribbean Mystery"? He was Mr Rafiel's masseur, but had previously worked in pharmaceuticals, and guessed that Molly had been given drugs.
Puffinjill on 29 Dec 2009 at 6:42 a.m. GMT
You're a star, Nofret! Yes, Arthur Jackson it is!!
Over to you for the next teaser...
Nofret on 29 Dec 2009 at 10:10 a.m. GMT
Wow! Thank you, Puffinjill! My first attempt too! Let's see if I can provide a sufficiently challenging clue:
I am no longer in my first youth, and could never have been described as beautiful. However, I am happily married, although I sometimes think my husband could be a stronger and happier man if he could forget the past.
HerculeJC on 05 Jan 2010 at 5:08 a.m. GMT
Let me guess:
Evelyn Hillingdon, from A CARIBBEAN MYSTERY.
Nofret on 05 Jan 2010 at 11:26 a.m. GMT
Good guess, but no, Evelyn's marriage was never happy while Lucky was around.
Puffinjill on 06 Jan 2010 at 2:36 p.m. GMT
Could it be Hilda Lee from Hercules Poirot's Christmas, married to David Lee who can't forget the treatment of his beloved mother in his youth?
Nofret on 07 Jan 2010 at 10:47 a.m. GMT
Well done, Puffinjill, that was obviously too easy! But what a lovely game for a grey and snowy day. Over to you!
Puffinjill on 07 Jan 2010 at 7:05 p.m. GMT
I'm thinking........ give me a minute..... brain's frozen....If anyone else can think of another one sooner, jump in, or I may be some time!!
Tommy_A_Jones on 08 Jan 2010 at 1:04 p.m. GMT
O.K. Here Goes; She's a Nice Old Lady,One of life's Innocents, She just sits and watches the World Go by,
deBellefort on 09 Jan 2010 at 10:43 p.m. GMT
Is that Lavinia Pinkerton from Murder is Easy? I'm probably completely wrong, but I seem to remember her being described in a similar way...my memory is probably flawed though
Nofret on 10 Jan 2010 at 7:01 p.m. GMT
Well, it can't be Miss Marple, she's far from innocent, wasn't it her cousin Raymond who said she had a mind like a sink?
Is it Mrs McGillicuddy from 4.50 from Paddington?
HerculeJC on 13 Jan 2010 at 5:25 a.m. GMT
So this is an old woman from a MISS MARPLE STORY.
I'll hazard two guesses: the first is, probably, completely wrong (but imagine the description being incorrect, as regards the character):
Chlotilde Bradbury-Scott, from NEMESIS.
The other guess:
Aunt Effie Ramsbottom, from A POCKET FULL OF RYE.
Tommy_A_Jones on 13 Jan 2010 at 12:42 p.m. GMT
No Sorry HJC and Nofret, but HJC you are right, I didn't mean to give that clue.
Tommy_A_Jones on 14 Jan 2010 at 3:27 p.m. GMT
No sorry Ampman this lady doesn't appear in the books suggested so far.
Tommy_A_Jones on 15 Jan 2010 at 1:28 p.m. GMT
Yes Nofret you are right, I can imagine Humfries or Miss Gorringe thinking it about her as she sita eating Muffins or seed cake.
Nofret on 16 Jan 2010 at 12:07 p.m. GMT
Thank you, Tommy.
I am a middle-aged professional man, not someone you'd normally notice, though I dream of being the centre of attention. I have several, varied hobbies, but the one thing I pride myself on is that I never forget a face.
Tommy_A_Jones on 16 Jan 2010 at 4:47 p.m. GMT
I thought it would be got far sooner than it was as it is the last AC book I read and finished it about a week or 2 ago, I thought it was much better than people say it is.
Sorry Nofret is that your quote or are you talking about you?
HerculeJC on 16 Jan 2010 at 7:37 p.m. GMT
For Nofret:
For your character description: is it Stephen Nortron, from CURTAIN??
Nofret on 17 Jan 2010 at 9:59 a.m. GMT
Ha ha, very funny, Tommy! You obviously haven't read Death Comes as the End (featuring Nofret)!
Good guess, Hercule, but not Norton.I think he preferred to be a figure in the shadows, rather than the spotlight.
HerculeJC on 17 Jan 2010 at 7:54 p.m. GMT
I have a feeling this is an eventual victim.
My first thought was Major Pallgrave, from A Caribbean Mystery.
However, on reflecting I will guess: M. Shaitana, from Cards on the Table.
Nofret on 18 Jan 2010 at 8:58 a.m. GMT
It isn't our favourite Plod, Ampman!
Hercule, Major P probably believed that he never forgot a face, but he needed his little photos to aid his memory, didn't he? And the flamboyant Mr Shaitana? Very noticeable, I'd imagine (especially when played by the gorgeous Alexander Siddig!)
HerculeJC on 18 Jan 2010 at 7:01 p.m. GMT
I thought of Shaitana remembering 'who's who'.
How about THE MYSTERIOUS MR. QUINN?
Nofret on 19 Jan 2010 at 9:02 a.m. GMT
No, it isn't Mr Quin or any character from the Mr Quin stories.
Nofret on 19 Jan 2010 at 5:44 p.m. GMT
Wouldn't describe Mr S as a professional man - he's probably never done a day's work in his life, unlike my hardworking chap!
Nofret on 21 Jan 2010 at 7:39 a.m. GMT
Both good guesses, Hercule, but neither is correct.
A little clue. "St Mary's Mead? Never heard of it! And I've never met anyone from Belgium!"
Nofret on 22 Jan 2010 at 9:03 a.m. GMT
No, and Col. Pikeaway does not appear in the same book as my chap.
Nofret on 09 Feb 2010 at 8:44 a.m. GMT
Hey, hurry up and guess me, everyone - I'm off on hol to Oz on Monday!
Clue - I was based on someone from Dame Agatha's past.
Puffinjill on 09 Feb 2010 at 2:40 p.m. GMT
It's not Sir Eustace Pedler, is it?
And I'm not jealous of your holiday AT ALL.....
Nofret on 10 Feb 2010 at 4:04 p.m. GMT
Good guess, Puffinjill, as Sir Eustace was based on Archie Christie's boss. But this character was based on a colleague of Agatha's.
Puffinjill on 11 Feb 2010 at 6:32 a.m. GMT
Oh, I think I know!!! Is it the little chemist chappie Zachariah Osborne from The Pale Horse? I know he was based on the strange little man AC worked with in the Dispensary during WW1.
Nofret on 11 Feb 2010 at 4:51 p.m. GMT
Well done again, Puffinjill, yes, Zachariah Osborne is correct. Based, as you say, on a dispenser who Agatha never forgot - he carried a lump of curare around in his pocket as he said he liked the feeling of power it gave him!
Your turn!
Puffinjill on 12 Feb 2010 at 7:35 a.m. GMT
Thank you, Nofret! Have a great holiday! Right, on to the next one. Try this one...
I always prided myself on my honesty, only to lose all I valued because of this. Now, by bending the truth, I have realised that there are more important things in this life.
Puffinjill on 20 Feb 2010 at 7 a.m. GMT
No, I'm sorry Tommy, it isn't Ann Protheroe. Have another guess.
Tommy_A_Jones on 21 Feb 2010 at 3:06 p.m. GMT
The bDoctor's Sister or Wife, (Can't remember which she is nand can't remember her name sorry.)
Puffinjill on 22 Feb 2010 at 7:39 a.m. GMT
I know who you mean but it's not her. In fact, it's not a HER at all. Does that help?
Puffinjill on 02 Mar 2010 at 6:38 a.m. GMT
No again, Tommy. Have another guess and I'll try to think of a clue that might help.
Puffinjill on 04 Mar 2010 at 6:47 a.m. GMT
Sorry, but no. This character doesn't feature in a book where Poirot appears.
HerculeJC on 10 Mar 2010 at 12:43 p.m. GMT
Could it be Anthony Cade, from "The Secret of Chimneys"?
If not, is it someone who encountered an insightful old lady from Saint Mary Mead??
Puffinjill on 11 Mar 2010 at 6:19 a.m. GMT
I'm afraid you are both wrong, Tommy and HerculeJC. Not Anthony Cade or Jimmy Thesiger. And this character never encountered Miss Marple.
So, what do we know? It's a male, never met Miss Marple and is in a book where Poirot does not appear - not in person, but he might still have been mentioned by other characters in the book......
Puffinjill on 12 Mar 2010 at 2:38 p.m. GMT
No, MissQuin, it isn't! Have a look back at the last clue I gave - not a book in which Poirot personally appears BUT he certainly gets mentioned and, in doing so, helps those solving the crime.
MissQuin on 12 Mar 2010 at 3:45 p.m. GMT
Superintendant Battle mentions Poirot in Towards Zero and by Battle adopting Poirot's way of thinking , it helps him solve the crime. So is it Battle?
Puffinjill on 13 Mar 2010 at 7:09 a.m. GMT
You are getting there, MissQuin! You have the right book but not the right character. Have a look at the original clue again, and see who you think it might apply to -
I always prided myself on my honesty, only to lose all I valued because of this. Now, by bending the truth, I have realised that there are more important things in this life.
Puffinjill on 13 Mar 2010 at 3:08 p.m. GMT
You have it, my friend! It is indeed Andrew MacWhirter, the truth-bending Scot in Towards Zero. Over to you for the next one!!
GKCfan on 13 Mar 2010 at 6:17 p.m. GMT
Here's the new clue:
I love my job and I love working with my best friend, but if my friend proceeds as planned, everything we've worked so hard for all these years might be ruined. You cannot trust the younger generation to maintain the same standards of excellence that we have. Already a killer has imperiled our reputation, and we are all in danger. I must protect myself, my friend, and my workplace...
Tommy_A_Jones on 15 Mar 2010 at 12:35 p.m. GMT
I will have a go; I am rarely seen but have come up with the goods on occassions but I am not too proud to collaborate, If what people think is right someone close to me has done something I really can't condone.
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Hey, all. :)
I thought this forum could use a "Guess the Character" game, seeming as there are so many characters throughout the wonderful world of Christie. It's a pretty simple format. You pretend that you're describing the character in 1st person.
e.g.
"I am a Belgian detective, infact the most famous detective in the world. I like to use my little grey cells and I love to take great care with my beatufiul moustaches".
Okay, that's obviously Poirot. When the next person guesses right they can post one and the game carries on like that. :)
I'll start with the first 'question'; an easy one.
"I am a famous American actress, married to a Lord. Our marriage is on the rocks at the moment, and I'm afraid I've fallen for a rather wealthy Duke".