I did not like this book. I found the mystery annoying, the characters racist, and the people in this book don't act smart. Of course, its a product of the time, published in 1941, during the second or third year of WWII. It is very much in homage to Britain, both to those who can't serve due to age, and those who are fighting.

But reading this book in 2024 makes it cringe - for example, the "Scottish Fire, The Prussian Temper". There are a number of assumptions made by the two leading characters, people they dismiss as not capable due to some reason or another (No spoilers, sorry), or being too much like a retired army officer....

I do want to add this bit - which is a total spoiler One of the spies was dismissed because she is a mother - Tuppence suspects her after the spy shoots the woman kidnapping her daughter, not because she was sure shot, because a mother wouldn't risk hitting her kid.... Ms. Christie totally misses this as an opportunity, but instead uses the reason of being a mother....

As for the characters, they mostly wander around, blaming each of their fellow boarders, generally not getting anything right until they stumble across it. It wasn't up to Ms. Christie's Standard, and I suspect this book was only reprinted due to the author. I am highly disappointment with this. At least it was a fast read. ( )

Tommy and Tuppence are now middle-aged and chafing at the idea that no one seems to want to let them help out in this war effort like in the last one. So when an old friend recommends Tommy for a spy gig on home shores, he jumps at the chance, even though they’re both told that it’s men’s work only – and finds Tuppence already undercover and waiting for him when he arrives. Their job is to try to uncover a German spy mastermind in a small resort town while posing as boring old ordinary citizens on extended holiday and staying at a boarding house.

It’s Christie, so of course everyone is a suspect, and the plot is fast-paced and fun. I’m always delightfully shocked by the reveal, and as always, I adore Tommy and Tuppence. ( )

It's 1940, the Blitz is about to hit London. Now in their mid 40s with 2 children, having met and served Britain during WWI, Tommy and Temperance have been classed as "too old" to help the war effort and are certainly feeling down and at a loss as to how to help.[return][return]Tommy is made an offer to try and smoke out 2 German agents - N and M - who have infiltrated SIS. The previous operative has been killed, leaving behind few clues, and suddenly Tommy's 20 year gap from SIS is a help rather than a hindrance.[return][return]Based on one of the few clues left behind Tommy heads off to an out of the way coastal town and a B&B being run by the enigmatic Mrs[return][return]He is soon joined by Tuppence, against everyone's wishes, and between them they tackle working out who the Fifth Columists are. There are some red herrings along the way, but it shouldnt be too difficult to work out who the ring leader is. [return][return]The book was first published in 1940, when everyone is still in the midst of the Blitz and seeing German spies all over the place. Even now, in a post 9/11 & 7/7 world, the suspicions of those that are "different" can be understood (replace "Germans" with "Muslims"....?). Even late in the book there are stil some twists and turns, and shows that brains dont always disappear with age. ( )

I'm not generally a fan of Christie's political novels, but I do love Tommy and Tuppence. This story gives an interesting look at what my kids would call the "vibe" in England at the start of WWII. There's a lot more tension than in many of Christie's mysteries. The intrigue I can take or leave, but I like that the novel is emotionally complex, the parent-child relationships feel authentic, and the Beresfords' marriage is refreshingly equal(ish). ( )

Tommy gave a deep sigh. "Tell me," he said.
"This is strictly confidential, of course."
Tommy nodded.
"Not even your wife must know. You understand?"
"Very well, if you say so. But we worked together before."
"Yes, I know. But this proposition is solely for you. You've read in the newspapers of the Fifth Column."