Book Club

Non-Series Novels & Stories

For those of you wanting to discuss Agatha Christie's standalone books, such as And Then There Were None. 

Beware spoilers and remember we'll be able to add the most insightful comments to the stories section. 

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Warning: These discussions may contain spoilers!

The Seven Dials Mystery

Jemma 05 Sep 09 at 11:55 a.m. GMT

A light-hearted thriller, The Seven Dials Mystery, is in some ways a sequel to The Secret of Chimneys. Though there is no connection between the plots, the reuse of characters allows for a familiarity for the reader. In what way do the novels compare and, given the choice, which would you rather read?

Christie sets this novel against the backdrop of the roaring twenties. The light comedy that was present in The Secret of Chimneys is also employed and comparisons can be made with the writer PG Wodehouse. Indeed would Bertie Wooster have been out of place here? The novel can be seen as a reflection of changing attitudes. Nightclubs, fast cars and the "nouveau riche" all suggest a changing world.

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36 replies

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GKCfan 20 Aug 11 at 6:52 a.m. GMT

It isn't clear.  It's actually a bit of a joke in the TV movie: the last lines have Bill asking why Eileen's nicknamed Bundle, and her father says with a smile "You'll find out."

emilytrefusis 20 Aug 11 at 12:09 a.m. GMT

Why is Eileen nicknamed Bundle? 

GKCfan 22 Apr 11 at 8:51 a.m. GMT

I think that the Cootes (or someone connected to them) invited the young people to stay.  Lord Caterham had nothing to do with the invitation.

gerykho 22 Apr 11 at 7:49 a.m. GMT

Thanks for the explanation, GKCfan.  But still, it seems odd that Lord Caterham invited those people to stay while the Cootes were renting the place.   Ack, nevermind.  i enjoyed the book and that's all it matters.

GKCfan 19 Apr 11 at 8:56 p.m. GMT

The young people were, I think, just staying at Chimneys for a weekend.  Lord Caterham, like many aristocrats, doesn't have quite the income he needs to live the lifestyle he's accustomed to, so at times he rents out the house to other wealthy people, especially those who need the place for diplomatic meetings.  He doesn't always get money for the rentals, just favors.  He usually stays in a nearby cottage or his club while other use Chimneys.  Early in the story, a bunch of young people are invited to stay (mostly for social reasons, but since a few of them are involved in diplomatic stuff, other non-diplomacy people are invited as a cover).  They're not the best guests, but there you are...

gerykho 19 Apr 11 at 6:22 a.m. GMT

I am a big fan of AC and learned much of the British culture through her books.  But there's something I don't understand and I hope someone can explain to me.

Why were the "young people" living in the Chimneys?  They didn't seem to be friends of the Cootes?  Or are they paying guests?  But that can't be because the Cootes are rich.  

They seem very inconsiderate of the mealtimes, as if they were in a hotel or something.  

Mr_Graves 03 Feb 11 at 4:35 a.m. GMT

I had an idea that jimmy was a bad 'un, but when the members of the Seven Dials club called him an ass I thought again. I loved the twist, the humour, and the description of characters, particularly Aunt Marcia! A great example of good early Christie. Please don't do anything to it ITV!!!

Dial_M_for_Marple 23 Nov 10 at 3:16 a.m. GMT

I really loved this book it was amusing, interesting, & I loved the twist at the end. I was like "sooooooo Battle's the murderer?" & then I was like "then Seven Dials are the good guys?" I was astounded. & when I found out it was Jimmy I was shocked! I always guess the murderers & I didn't in this case. I loved the wit & Bundle & her father were constantly making me laugh. the only problem that I really found was all the characters. there were way to many for me to keep straight. >.< 

Tommy_A_Jones 31 Aug 10 at 12:52 p.m. GMT

Pongo, I am a PGW Fan too, I too can see Pongo visiting Parker Pyne who Creates an Adventure for him and him.

Pongo 31 Aug 10 at 5:23 a.m. GMT

Tommy,

Well done!  My inspiration for Pongo comes from the very same Pongo Twistleton and from Rupert "Pongo" Batemen from The Seven Dials Mystery.    I like P.G. Wodehouse very much, but not as much as I like Agatha Christie. 

And, Pongo Batemen is indeed a very resourceful man, who works for 2 hours a day before taking breakfast!  He walks silently like a cat, and is ever so loyal to Sir Oswald Coote.  Pongo is a great unsung hero of Dame Agatha.  I can almost imagine him being someone who, later in life, decides to pay a vist to the offices of Mr. Parker Pyne, asking to be cured of his "unhappiness". 

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Aug 10 at 2:44 p.m. GMT

You are right Pongo, I am a Huge Fan of Tommy Beresford and his Wife Prudence 'Tuppence eresford Nee Cowley, I would have loved to read a book with Tommy and Tuppence and Bill and Frankie but for me Bobby Jones and Frankie would have to be included, they could every now and again comment on Bobby and Tommy's Likeness aswell as Tuppence and Frankie's Likeness.

BTW did you get your name from the Pongo in Why Didn't They Ask Evans or are you a PGW fan as well and got your name from Pongo Twizzleton? 

Pongo 30 Aug 10 at 2:08 a.m. GMT

Much appreciated, Tommy!

By the way, I gather that you are a great fan of Tommy Beresford.  Is that right?

I always imagined that T&T would have one day found their way as members of the Seven Dials society. 

In my head, I always imagined that Carter also worked with Bill and Gerry and Ronnie. 

Thus, it would have been interesting to see Tommy (played by James Warwick) do battle against Jimmy Thesiger (played by James Warwick!!).  Also, their adventure takes them to Marchbolt, Wales, where they play golf with Bobby Jones (played by James Warwick!!!). 

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Aug 10 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

Yes Pongo, I think you are rigght, 7 Dials is a spin-off rather than a Sequal

Pongo 29 Aug 10 at 2:13 p.m. GMT

Cheers, Tommy, for your reply!  Your point is well taken about books with the same characters.  

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Aug 10 at 4:29 p.m. GMT

I must confess the word spin-off is a much better word than seequal when discribing The Seven Dials Mystery, Comparisons are bound to be made between the 2 Bundle Books because there are Characters who appear in both, Comparisons are made between Poirot books aren't they? or Miss Marple Books, it is only wrong when comparing Miss Marple books to Poirot books or Bundle books etc IMHO.

Pongo 27 Aug 10 at 4:52 p.m. GMT

About Seven Dials Mystery versus The Secret of Chimneys:

I never thought of Seven Dials Mystery as a sequel to The Secret of Chimneys.  Rather, Seven Dials mystery is like a spin-off of The Secret of Chimneys.  There are in actual fact very few overlapping characters.  Moreover, the stories are unrelated, and they are completely different.  Thus, the books operate independently from each other even though they share some of the same characters and same setting.  

A common criticism I hear of Seven Dials Mystery is that it is not as good as The Secret of Chimneys.  In his book A Talent to Deceive: An Appreciation of Agatha Christie, Robert Barnard says that it does not have the same verve or cheek as Chimneys.  

But, this criticism does not work for me because it is inappropriately comparing Seven Dials with Chimneys.  In other words, I disagree with "Seven Dials is not a romp like Chimneys; therefore it is not a good book".  

If a book is unsuccessful, it must be for reasons based inherently within it, and not because it is unlike another book.  

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Aug 10 at 4:49 p.m. GMT

I have read your post on the Cards On The Table Thread, I will be interested to hear your views.

I too would be angry if they did an Adaptation of The Seven Dials Mystery with Miss Marple, I can see how they could ruin it like they did Towards Zero taking out my 2 favourite Characters Battle and the Scotsman but I can see how they would make Bill Devastated when seeing his love Jimmy Carted off to Jail, lets not give ITV Ideas.

Pongo 27 Aug 10 at 4:38 p.m. GMT

Tommy, thank you.  I am enjoying it too.  Your comments really got me thinking about Christie in a way I haven't previously considered.  No need to apologize!!  On the contrary, you are teaching me a lot.  For example, I have been seriously thinking about your take on short stories.  I am new to this site, but I have been reading through some of your past posts, and they have been excellent.  

Your comment "I was so sad about the [Cards on the Table] Adaptation" is really touching!  It just shows how much you love the original novel!!!  Anyway, I admire your opinion, so please take a look at what I wrote in the COTT discussion; please disagree with me if you like!  

Speaking of adaptations, I hope they never adapt The Seven Dials Mystery by adding Miss Marple, and with a character named Superintendent Davis replacing Superintendent Battle, and with nuns, and changing it so that Jimmy loves Bill instead of Loraine.  I would literally EXPLODE WITH ANGER if that happened 

Pongo 27 Aug 10 at 4:38 p.m. GMT

Tommy, thank you.  I am enjoying it too.  Your comments really got me thinking about Christie in a way I haven't previously considered.  No need to apologize!!  On the contrary, you are teaching me a lot.  For example, I have been seriously thinking about your take on short stories.  I am new to this site, but I have been reading through some of your past posts, and they have been excellent.  

Your comment "I was so sad about the [Cards on the Table] Adaptation" is really touching!  It just shows how much you love the original novel!!!  Anyway, I admire your opinion, so please take a look at what I wrote in the COTT discussion; please disagree with me if you like!  

Speaking of adaptations, I hope they never adapt The Seven Dials Mystery by adding Miss Marple, and with a character named Superintendent Davis replacing Superintendent Battle, and with nuns, and changing it so that Jimmy loves Bill instead of Loraine.  I would literally EXPLODE WITH ANGER if that happened 

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Aug 10 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

Thankyou for your post, I am really enjoying this discussion even iof I think I might be out of my depth slightly If I am I apologise, I like both classes work and both classews produce good books even though I can't at the moment think of one from your  #1 Class, I don't think |I am that good at identifying a Clue. but can think of afew where the Murderer has to be him or her because of the Psychology of it all

I will definitely look at your Post on the Cards On The Table Thread I loved the book and have read it about 3 times which maybe is why I was so sad about the Adaptation which Ironically was on ITV3 the other night.