By the Pricking of My Thumbs (The Agatha Christie Mystery Collection)

BY THE PRICKINGS OF MY THUMBS certainly offers the sense of adventure, wit, and charm we have come to expect from Christie's Tommy and Tuppence Beresford--but unlike their other outings, which might best be described light-hearted romps, this novel possesses a quietly chilling tone that intensifies as the story progresses.The story finds Tuppence interested in a painting recently inherited from Tommy's aunt, a painting of a country house by a bridge. Convinced that she has seen the original subject, she decides to track it down--and when she does, she stumbles into stories of a series of unsolved child murders that occurred in the district many years before... and some one is displeased enough about her curiosity to become lethal.This is the best of Christie's Tommy and Tuppence novels, a neat mixture of the characters' bright and witty personalities, an interesting story that takes several unexpected turns, and a surprisingly charged atmosphere that haunts the memory. While most serious critics dismiss the Tommy and Tuppence books, BY THE PRICKINGS OF MY THUMBS is the equal of any of Christie's best work, and long-time fans and newcomers alike should find it a thoroughly enjoyable--and unexpectedly disquieting--read.

I first started reading this as a book report and didn't want to read it. Then I finally read it: This book is great for any type of reader. Whether you have not read a book in a while or read all the time, this book will suit you. The plot is so interesting you never want to put the book down. It might be a little hard to follow at first but once you begin reading, you will fully understand it. The characters are very captivating because many main characters in books are not elderly. The characters in this book are always connected with the plot and doing something to solve the problem. Your interest level might be very small at first but when you come to the end of the book you won't want to put it down. This book is very nicely put together. The ending is completely unexpected and makes it even more interesting. Once you read this book once you will never stop reading it.

I hate to be so repetative of the many other reviews on here, but I am in agreement with most of you by saying that this is probably the most chilling novel Agatha Christie wrote in her whole career. It starts off with a batty old woman in a nursing home who askes Tuppence Beresford a very odd question. "Was it your baby?" Mrs. Lancaster asks, asking her if her child was buried in the fireplace. After leaving the nursing home, Tommy and Tuppence discover that some relative (or guardian) has whisked her away to another nursing home without giving a forwarding address. This sets Tuppence off on a quest to find Mrs. Lancaster and her guardian,but discovers along the way a very tangled web of gangs, murders, thefts and attacks. The funny thing about this book is that you might feel sorry for the culperate. There is a deep psycological root as to why all these things happened. This perhaps is the most chilly thing of all.

Okay I'm only 13 and I didn't find this book confusing at all. So I'm surprised some adults found it hard to follow. I thought it was really good and the ending surprised me. I recommend this book to everyone!

I first read this book when I was 13. Eleven years later it is still one of my favorites. The mysteries of the house involved and the murders surrounding it still bring shivers to my spine. The pages of the paperback copy I own are tattered and worn from numerous readings. It remains a "sleeper" agatha christie; especially since Tommy and Tuppence are often seen as passe by many diehard christie fans. Don't be put off. It peaks volumes about the darkest of human emotions. Well done!