The Body in the Library (by Agatha Christie)

(Amazon UK link)

There is, of course, a certain sameness to many of Agatha Christie's crime novels. She found a successful formula, and used it repeatedly. I can say this having only just started reading her books fairly recently. So perhaps it's more obvious because I am reading a lot of them one after the other.

'The Body in the Library' is quite a formulaic book. It begins when a dead body is discovered, in Mrs Bantry's library. The police are called, as well as Mrs Bantry's friend Miss Marple. I don't like Miss Marple as much as Hercule Poirot, although on the surface she is a much more likeable character.

Unexpected twists occur in the story, as Miss Marple sets to work to solve the mystery. Naturally, she does it a great deal more effectively than the police.

I thought this book was a good light read, but nothing special. Nevertheless, as with most of Agatha Christie's novels, it has been consistently in print for many years.

Recommended in a low-key way.