Book Review: Parker Pyne Investigates

Parker Pyne
Investigates

If Poirot comes across as conceited and egocentric, Parker Pyne is a stark contrast. A retired government employee, he puts his work experience to solve matters of the heart. And unlike Poirot, the detective advertises on the Personal column of The Times: "Are you happy? If not, consult Mr. Parker Pyne." But what can be the cause for unhappiness? A middle-aged woman whose husband has fallen for a young typist, a discontented soldier who bemoans the lack of adventure in a British village, a distressed lady who wants to return a diamond ring she stole from her friend, a discontented husband whose marriage is on the rocks, a city clerk who is bored of his mundane job, and a rich woman who wants to spend her new-found wealth in a different way - for all these people such trivial problems can be enough. And Mr. Parker Pyne, true to his word, never lets them down (except once!). They are meant to be light-hearted and if taken in that sense, the cases make for an enjoyable read.

The next six stories are set during Parker Pyne's journeys to Istanbul, Baghdad, Iran, Jordan, Egypt and Greece where he hopes to stay away from taking up new cases but inevitably lands in one. Pyne can be as astute as Poirot or Miss Marple in his deductions if the need arises, and The Gate of Baghdad, which deals with the death of a fellow traveller, is a case in example. If the mystery of missing pearl earrings in The Pearl of Price ends up on a tragicomical note, The House at Shiraz is a clever tale of swapped identities. Death on the Nile (not to be confused with Christie's full length novel of the same name) has a Lady Grayle suspecting her own husband of poisoning her, while a neat twist rounds off the kidnapping of a rich widow's son in The Oracle at Delphi. Have You Got Everything You Want? is a curious case of an unhappy wife who finds a mysterious note "just before Venice would be the best time" when she is herself on her way to Istanbul via Venice. Engrossing and entertaining in equal measure, Parker Pyne Investigates is a surprise package from Agatha Christie. Do watch out for the cameos (and first time appearances) of novelist Ariadne Oliver and Poirot's secretary Miss Lemon!