Even though I can easily call myself a massive (my dear wife has even used the word "obsessive") fan of Agatha Christie, I never read one of her novels or short stories revolving around the sleuth-couple Tommy and Tuppence. They are obviously not as colorful or lovable as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, but they have appeared in a handful of allegedly very solid stories, including this "By the Pricking of my Thumbs".
The plot of this whodunit was found good enough to be included in Granada's "Agatha Christie's Marple" TV-series, but since the clever old spinster from St Mary Mead is the one and only heroine here, Miss Marple reprises the role of Tommy Beresford and simultaneously acts as guardian of Tuppence. Seriously, neither Tommy nor Tuppence is portrayed as a good detective, let alone a good person. Tommy is an arrogant and self-centered brute, whilst Tuppence is an insecure alcoholic. Miss Marple has more work babysitting her than solving the crime.
In spite of the intriguing opening sequences, set in a retirement home, and a truly absorbing third act with brilliant and unforeseeable plot twists, this episode is one of the weaker in the series. The middle section, with Miss Marple and Tuppence snooping around in the little town without really making any progress, is quite dull and the red herrings are too transparent. As said, the denouement is great, though.
The plot of this whodunit was found good enough to be included in Granada's "Agatha Christie's Marple" TV-series, but since the clever old spinster from St Mary Mead is the one and only heroine here, Miss Marple reprises the role of Tommy Beresford and simultaneously acts as guardian of Tuppence. Seriously, neither Tommy nor Tuppence is portrayed as a good detective, let alone a good person. Tommy is an arrogant and self-centered brute, whilst Tuppence is an insecure alcoholic. Miss Marple has more work babysitting her than solving the crime.
In spite of the intriguing opening sequences, set in a retirement home, and a truly absorbing third act with brilliant and unforeseeable plot twists, this episode is one of the weaker in the series. The middle section, with Miss Marple and Tuppence snooping around in the little town without really making any progress, is quite dull and the red herrings are too transparent. As said, the denouement is great, though.