Was it a misstep that sent a handsome stranger plummeting to his death from a cliff? Or something more sinister? Fun-loving adventurers Bobby Jones and Frances Derwent’s suspicions are certainly roused–espeically since the man’s dying words were so peculiar: Why didn’t they ask Evans? Bobby and Frances would love to know. Unfortunately, asking the wrong people has sent the amateur sleuths running for their lives–on a wild and deadly pursuit to discover who Evans is, what it was he wasn’t asked, and why the mysterious inquiry has put their own lives in mortal danger…
This was the April selection for Read Christie 2022. The theme was A Story Featuring Adventure and I think that this was the perfect choice! I gave this book 4 stars but it was one of those times when I wish that Goodreads had half stars. This was definitely more of a 4.5 than a 4. I feel that 4 seems too low but it wasn’t quite a 5, if that makes sense?
The story started with Bobby just enjoying a game of golf and then suddenly finds a man who has ‘fallen’ off of a cliff. It was a foggy day so perhaps this stranger mis-stepped. Bobby remained with the stranger as their friend ran off to get help, the stranger murders their last words of ‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?’. Bobby then embarked on a series of adventures with his friend Frances and it really was thrilling.
I really enjoyed the main characters. Bobby was sweet, a little bit lost, and filled with fears of being inadequate. Frances, Lady Frances was so carefree and bold and confident. I really enjoyed this pairing and felt that they complimented each other perfectly. The additional characters were also very exciting and interesting. I enjoyed reading about the grand house and the medical centre.
This book felt like there could either be multiple storylines happening concurrently or, one giant elaborate event. I really enjoyed not being sure (until the end when all was revealed). This very much felt like an exciting ride of a book with so many twists and turns.
I don’t remember if I have read this before, I know I have at least watched the Miss Marple TV adaptation (which was very far from the book). I found myself struggling to guess who did it and why. That’s something that I look for in a murder mystery!
I really enjoyed the side plots with Bobby’s friend and with the ‘interesting’ people in the grand house. It did feel very connected.
The ending of this book was just wild! I didn’t see it coming and found it so exciting to read. I didn’t have any idea what was about to happen. This was such a fast-paced read and I didn’t want to put it down. I will definitely be reading it again but will wait until I’ve forgotten what happens first.
As always with Agatha Christie, I highly recommend this book. It’s a standalone so nice and easy to just hop into.
Kapowski Reads 