Typical VS Unexpected

Would you listen to 'Crooked House' & 'Endless Night' again? Why?

I would listen to these books again, Crooked House was a typical Christie of that time period--and it was comforting in that it was more familiar. Endless Night was very different, and one of her later novels. I think Christie gets more grim as she progressed towards the end of her life. She was daring in many ways the way she pushed the envelope from mid way through her writing career onwards. Endless Night would have made a perfect Hitchcock film as nothing is as it seems to be.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

There was a lot of suspense in Endless Night, but it was more subtle than overt. Crooked House was suspenseful in that even though the story appeared to be wrapped up at one point, you knew that it just couldn't be over yet, it's like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

What does Hugh Fraser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is probably the best Christie reader I've ever heard and he really brings the characters to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, the stories really kept my attention and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

Any additional comments?

Both books have a lot of misdirection to prevent the audience from being able to figure out who the actual killer is. Endless Night had much more than is typical in a Christie novel, it also took it's time for the plot line to unfold. This book isn't one filled with a lot of overt thrills, it's more subtle and psychological. It is sometimes difficult to figure out what Endless Night is actually about--is it a romance, a tale of supernatural terror, or a mystery? It's not clear who the bad guys are either. I find Endless Night difficult to characterize other than to say that it is a bit unsettling. Be forewarned, it is a bit creepy, and not what you'd typically expect from Christie.In contrast Crooked House was much more typical for Christie and rather reminded me of Hercule Poirot's Christmas and The Hallow. There was something comforting in that as I had listened to Endless Night first and was rather disturbed by it. Not that the ending of Crooked House does not it's shock value--but I think the shock was easier to bear.Sometimes I wish Agatha Christie had written a really good story of supernatural terror--but that wasn't her style. These two books seem to compliment each other well. I would, however, listen to Endless Night first and then Crooked House--first you'll get the shock and then the familiar comfort of the type of thing you'd expect from your favorite mystery writer.

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This is a twofer. Beware of bargains.

Crooked House is vintage Christi, and worth the time.
Endless night is endless with a mundane and predictable ending,

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Endless Night - One of Christie's Best

If you could sum up 'Crooked House' & 'Endless Night' in three words, what would they be?

Great value pack.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 'Crooked House' & 'Endless Night'?

'Crooked House' is the usual Christie who-dun-it. It is full of tiny clues, fun characters that a fan expects from one of her books, and a bit of a wicked ending. 'Endless Night' was quite a departure from what one would expect from the author. It is more a psychological thriller than a mystery. There is mystery, intrigue, romance, humor, and so much character in the text that I found myself completely entertained from start to finish. 'Endless Night' is now my favorite Christie work I've ever read or listened to.

What about Hugh Fraser’s performance did you like?

As usual Hugh Fraser brings a lot of interest and character to both of these books. In fact his portrayal of Mike in 'Endless Night' could be the best performance I've heard from him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely!

Any additional comments?

'Endless Night' is a must listen.

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Agatha Christie At Her Best!

As an avid Agatha Christie fan, I have read or listened to just about every single one of her books. This one ranks at the very top of my favorites list, alongside And Then There Were None and her portrayal of Hercule Poirot. Endless Night literally gave me chills. I wish that I could listen to that story for the first time again. In addition, Hugh Fraser is the best narrator for her novels. You cannot go wrong with this combination!

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A Must for Every Agatha C Enthusiast!

This Audiobook was great. Crooked House had me guessing until the last moment. Endless Night has proven to be one of my favorites stories from Agatha. This story is full of darkness and depth. A must read!

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Two of the best Agatha Christie novels!

What did you love best about 'Crooked House' & 'Endless Night'?

Josephine's character in Crooked House is amazing. So evil and yet so innocent at the same time. Endless night gave a phenomenal and unexpected shift as well.

What did you like best about this story?

Endless Night seems like a romance novel until the crime takes place, rather late in the narrative. Totally not like other Agatha Christie's novels.

Crooked House had some fantastic moments, not without its humor. A masterpiece.

Have you listened to any of Hugh Fraser’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He is always the best.

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This rating needs an explanation.

Review for Crooked House:

Very good! It's an independent novel (not Hercule Poirot or one of the others) and I rather liked it. Very well written in true Agatha Christie style. The narrator is a favorite of mine. Great book.

Review for Endless Night:

What the ?? This is unlike any Agatha Christie I've ever read. The crime isn't committed until 3/4 through the book. And MAJOR plot twist! It's well written, a good performance, just know it's not her normal work and it's not a happily ever after. Not mystery. More WTF tragedy...

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Where Gone, Girl Went for Plot and Character

Listening to these two books reminds me that much that seems innovative in recent mysteries and thrillers is cribbed from the “Queen of Crime.” Unreliable narrators, partial perspectives, and sexual manipulation were Christie’s stock-in-trade.

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Two stories

I feel Crooked House is my favorite Christie novel so far. I loved it. I'm pretty new to her stories, so how fun for me! Hugh Fraser does a fantastic job with the narration. His ability to span accents and genders is delightful. Each character is brought to life, although his attempt at a husky woman's voice was a little strained, I'd say. 5 stars, though, easily.
The second book, Endless Night was just OK for me, and really felt quite sad. There was a lot of character development leading to the murder, so that I felt unhappy about who died. That's probably a good mark of a writer, but murders in her books, to date, were done to people I feel we didn't know much about. 3 stars for this book; hence the 4 star rating.

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Wonderfully creepy

Nobody does twisted nor greed like Dame Agatha. Fantastic performances by Hugh Fraser. Wonderful treatment of all the characters by Mr. Fraser, but the twisted thinking is fine work by the author .

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