The Christie Caper (Death on Demand Mysteries, No. 7)

Had me going right to the end. The more I read of Carolyn Hart's books the better they get. I can usually figure out who done it but not w/her. Well done!!

This was the first Death on Demand book I read. I picked it up because I love Agatha Christie mysteries. After reading it, I went back and read all the others in the series. Annie Laurance Darling is a wonderful character and her mother-in-law Laurel is hysterical. I was stumped by some of the puzzles even though I have read all of Agatha Christies books.

THE CHRISTIE CAPER is one of my all time favorite cozy mysteries. I first read it when it came out in 1991 and it has been on the top of my favorites list ever since. I have also read it once a year since that first reading.Interestingly, Hart provides a cast of characters -- names and descriptions -- at the beginning. From the very first the victim, Neil Bledsoe, proceeds to make himself thoroughly obnoxious. Leading characters are introduced, one at a time -- Victoria Shaw, Henny Brawley, Kathryn Honeycutt, John Border Stone... until we get to Annie Darling, who is the sleuth/protagonist. By this time the setting has been set, the battle lines drawn and the story is well underway. Hart has structured the story along the lines of Christie's work and she has provided well-rounded, distinctive characters to make the reader's experience an amusing and informative romp.I love the references to Christie's books, her mentions of mysteries by other writers, Annie's ever-present watercolor competition in which her bookstore customers compete in recognizing paintings of famous mysteries, the last scene where all is revealed in classic Christie fashion . . .all these details combine to weave a contemporary tale into the traditional form and fascinate the reader.If you're not a mystery fan you can learn a lot about the Dame of traditional mysteries from THE CHRISTIE CAPER and have great fun doing it.

I enjoy the Carolyn Hart mysteries, particularly the ones about Max and Annie. Annie is a normal, average every day person with her own set of problems who just happens to solve murders. Max is a rich guy who loves Annie enough to do the things she asks (like work!) This mystery is enjoyable. One of the things about reading the Max and Annie stories is you walk off with a lot of other titles that might be fun to read, as Annie is always talking about other mystery books. This book is no exception. As an AC fan I enjoyed the book and it's mystery. I found the end to be particularly satisfying. Enjoy.

Carolyn G. Hart writes a true mystery, she will keep you analyzing, guessing, and involved throughout her books. If you enjoyed the 'Nancy Drew Mysteries' or 'Hardy Boys' as a young person, you will soon realize you are immersed in a adult version of your favorite mysteries, in a completely new style, version, and excitement! Mrs. Hart's knowledge on mystery writers and plots go beyond any mystery books I have read. The '5 paintings' in her character's book store, "Death On Demand", that are not revealed until the end of the book, are just one of the ways she tantalizes you! To take one of the most famous mystery writers and write a modern day mystery, involving the past with the present, is a accomplishment that goes beyond many writers today. Three cheers (or five!) for Carolyn Hart! Not only does she keep your mind active with the mystery, but she adds the human, fun and loving touch of all our personalities!

Annie Laurence Darling, the proprietor of the south's leading mystery bookstore, plans a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Agatha Christie's birthday. When someone is murdered, the celebration changes to a real whodunit,which is really fun for all. If you are just starting to read mysteries,start with this one,because of the trivia. Ms. Hart has spiced her tale with authors and titles of books "to die for." It makes the next trip to the bookstore a blast