Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie

Whilst organising a mock murder hunt for the village fete hosted by Sir George and Lady Stubbs, a feeling of dread settles on the famous crime novelist Adriane Oliver. Call it instinct, but it's a feeling she just can't explain…or get away from. In desperation she summons her old friend, Hercule Poirot – and her instincts are soon proved correct when the 'pretend' murder victim is discovered playing the scene for real, a rope wrapped tightly around her neck…But it's the great detective who first discovers that in murder hunts, whether mock or real, everyone is playing a part…

Absolutely adored this one.

Starts off slow and muddles about a bit. The twists and reveals at the end ring a bit hollow, but the execution of Poirot putting together the pieces and confronting the murderer is flawless as always.

3.75 Stars.

I have been reading through Christie's mysteries chronologically. This one had some interesting features in it. You can definitely note a slight shift from her earlier books. Some things are stated openly that would have only been implied in earlier books. The initial victim in this one is younger than any of her other books (off the top of my head). Plus, the psychological aspects are much more connected with sex.

As far as the mystery itself, it did not stand out as one of her best but it was entertaining. I really like the Ariadne Oliver character, though you don't get as much of her as you would like in this one. The plot has some obvious bits and some less obvious bits. Overall, worth reading.