Book Review: Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

Everyone loves mysteries. A little, if not totally bewildering, puzzle can help you break the monotony of life, does it not? It's thus no surprise they have found a well-deserved place in our modern literary fiction. And I, having exhausted all possible Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and Tommy & Tuppence novels from Agatha Christie, decided to set my sights on her other early works. Closely followed by Parker Pyne Investigates and Murder is Easy (which I read last), Why Didn't They Ask Evans? is an absolutely delightful read as it races towards a nail-biting finish.

A game of golf between Bobby Jones and his friend leads him to a dying man who appears to have fallen over the cliff. The stranger eventually succumbs to his injuries, but not before posing a puzzling question to Bobby - "Why Didn't They Ask Evans?" Though his death is passed off as a misadventure, Bobby gets worked up over the dead man's last words, eventually setting about to solve the mystery with his friend Frankie little realizing that their own lives could get in danger.

WDTAE? lacks a seasoned detective like Hercule Poirot to investigate the case, his absence is instead filled by the likeable pair of Bobby and Frankie. While he definitely has the smarts, it's Frankie who ultimately steals the show as a lively, resourceful girl who can face any adversity on her own. Christie captures their humorous banter and brainstorming discussions alike, making it a thrilling suspense-soaked read that pulls off a tricky balance between ingenious and witty.