We’re on our way home. We’re driving through some beautiful country. In case any of you have ever wondered why Virginia and Tennessee are so doggone beautiful with their green trees and thick, lush grass >>> I can tell you why. For this Texas dry-country, long-straight roads driver >> there’s nothing quite like driving through the Appalachian’s windy roads in the pelting down rain. It is beautiful country, though. (At least it’s not snowing!)
Our trip was very successful. We whittled the 20 apartment complexes that were on our list to four for our daughter to consider. We think she’ll enjoy living out in the D.C. area. There is so much to see and do, and I know she’s looking forward to her new job, even though she’ll miss New Orleans.
My husband and I had started listening to Agatha Christie‘s Nemesis (a Miss Marple mystery) on the way out, and finished it yesterday. There’s a reason Agatha Christie is considered one of the four queens of the Golden Age of Mysteries. Her mysteries are absolutely full of great characters, of whom Miss Jane Marple is always my favorite. Christie always manages to transport us to Cozy, quaint, and picturesque settings. This book provided all that!
My husband and I really enjoyed listening to this audio book, however >>> Toward the end of the novel, Miss Marple’s explanation of how she solved the mystery amounts to (practically) a retelling of the whole story. At one point, my husband stopped the recording to mention that it reminded him of the Cliff Notes version of the book.
I want to emphasize again, we really enjoyed the book. The settings, characters, plot, and the mystery are classic Christie. I’d also like to recommend my favorite retelling of Agatha Christie’s Nemesis, which is the Nemesis television movie with Joan Hickson. It just doesn’t get any better than this! (This link will take you to my original entry about this phenomenal television mystery series.)
(Sorry, but as far as I can tell this is no longer available on Netflix.)
P.S. Totally off subject: I saw my first robin in years on our drive home today. It took me back to the days when I lived up north.
LI says
I love Miss Marple also and have watched every variation that I can find. I have watched them when they come on PBS and have even rented the older versions from the library..My favorite Miss Marple is the latest one Julia McKenzie. I’m so glad you had a great trip.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
LI, I guess we all have favorite takes on famous books and their interpretations…
farmersdaughter says
No, the series does not stream on Netflix right now. So disappointing, too, because I would replay them while I sew or quilt.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Farmersdaughter, try your library. They may have these. There’s a reason Agatha Christie thought Joan Hickson would be her pick for Miss Marple. She pretty much is!
billie says
I had left a comment on an earlier post saying how I liked the Joan Hickson version of Miss Marple and that very night the local PBS channel started a 3 part episode with her. I also enjoy Julia McKenzie versions. I had heard that Helen Hayes played Miss Marple also and tried to find some on Netflix.
P.S. Have you driven thru West Virginia?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Billie, lucky you! Your local PBS station is a jewel! I wish they would air these old Joan Hickson and Jeremy Brett (as Sherlock Holmes) television episodes again. They are so extraordinarily good!
(Actually we didn’t go through West Virginia on our way to or from D.C.)