Agatha Christie, the undisputed queen of crime, gifted the world with numerous memorable detectives. Among them, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford stand out as a uniquely charming pair. In Partners In Crime, we are treated to a collection of short stories that showcase their amateur sleuthing adventures. This isn’t your typical grim and gritty crime fiction; instead, it’s a light-hearted and incredibly fun series of cases where this dynamic duo playfully imitates famous fictional detectives of their time. Let’s delve into what makes this collection a delightful read for fans of mystery and those new to Christie’s work.
A Whimsical Start: “A Fairy in the Flat”
The collection begins not with a mystery, but with the setup of Tommy and Tuppence’s detective agency, the “International Detective Agency.” In “A Fairy in the Flat,” we see how this adventurous couple, eager for excitement, takes on the guise of detectives. This initial story serves as a charming prelude, revealing their eagerness and setting the stage for their future escapades as partners in crime.
Brewing Business: “A Pot of Tea”
With their agency established but lacking clients, Tuppence’s ingenuity shines in “A Pot of Tea.” This story highlights her cleverness and proactive nature. It’s less about solving a crime and more about Tuppence’s ability to think outside the box to attract business. Her inventive scheme not only drums up much-needed clientele but also plays matchmaker, proving that these partners in crime are adept at more than just mystery-solving.
The Less Impressive Case: “The Affair of the Pink Pearl”
“The Affair of the Pink Pearl” is admittedly one of the weaker stories in the collection. Focusing on missing jewels and a house full of potential suspects – a socialist, a kleptomaniac guest, a maid, and a disgruntled daughter – the mystery itself feels somewhat generic. However, even in a less compelling plot, the real draw remains the witty banter and dynamic between Tommy and Tuppence. Their partnership, their playful arguments, and their shared determination still make this story enjoyable, even if the mystery is “ish.”
Imitating Okewood Brothers: “The Adventure of the Sinister Stranger”
In “The Adventure of the Sinister Stranger,” Tommy decides they should emulate Valentine Williams’ Okewood Brothers, famous detectives of the era. A mysterious blue letter and a “sinister stranger” seeking their help plunge them into intrigue. While the ending might be predictable, the fun lies in watching Tommy and Tuppence adopt the style of other fictional partners in crime, adding a layer of meta-detective work to their own endeavors.
Costume Party Caper: “Finessing the King” / “The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper”
Originally titled “Finessing the King,” this story is sometimes split into two parts, with the latter half known as “The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper.” Here, Tommy and Tuppence channel Isabel Ostrander’s McCarty and Riordan. A costume party, a mysterious stabbing, and a dying woman’s last words, “Bingo did it,” set the stage for a classic whodunit. Tuppence’s desire to dance leads them into a puzzling murder investigation, proving that even social outings can turn into cases for these ever-alert partners in crime.
Hilarious Misdirection: “The Case of the Missing Lady”
“The Case of the Missing Lady” is a standout for its comedic elements. An explorer seeks Tommy and Tuppence’s help to find his missing fiancée, whom he believes is vacationing and avoiding him due to his dislike of her aunt’s weight. This story is filled with hilarious assumptions and misdirection. Tommy and Tuppence’s elaborate investigation, culminating in a staged rescue from a supposed cult, only to reveal a farcical truth, makes this story incredibly amusing. Tommy’s Sherlock Holmes imitation at the end, humorously dismissing the case’s distinctiveness, adds to the overall lightheartedness.
Cover Blown: “Blindman’s Buff”
In “Blindman’s Buff,” the stakes are raised as Tommy and Tuppence’s cover as amateur detectives is potentially compromised. Tommy has been impersonating a crooked private investigator for British Intelligence, and now they suspect their true identities might be exposed. This story introduces a sense of danger and urgency. Tommy’s imitation of Clinton H. Stagg’s blind detective, Thornley Colton, provides a humorous contrast to the escalating tension, as their playful role-playing is interrupted by real peril.
Tommy pretending to be a blind detective, showcasing their playful approach to serious situations.
Airhead Actress Mystery: “The Man in the Mist”
“The Man in the Mist” presents a simpler mystery involving an actress. While not a favorite, it’s still a decent addition to the collection. Tommy’s impersonation of G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown adds a different flavor to their detective style, showcasing their versatility in adopting various fictional personas as partners in crime.
Tommy dressed as Father Brown, bringing a different detective style to their investigation.
Fake Money and High Stakes: “The Crackler”
“The Crackler” is a particularly cute and engaging mystery. Inspector Marriot enlists Tommy and Tuppence to investigate counterfeit money. Tommy’s humorous nickname for the forger, “The Crackler,” sets a light tone for a story that delves into the world of high-stakes gambling. This story is a favorite due to the delightful interactions between the married detectives as they navigate the exciting and risky world of counterfeit currency.
Armchair Deduction: “The Sunningdale Mystery”
In “The Sunningdale Mystery,” Tommy channels Baroness Orczy’s armchair detective, the Old Man in the Corner. Over lunch, Tommy presents Tuppence with a newspaper clipping about a murder and casts her as Polly Burton, the reporter from Orczy’s novel. They attempt to solve the case using pure deduction. This story highlights their intellectual partnership, relying on their wits to unravel a crime from afar, and showcases their evolving skills as partners in crime.
A Proper Poisoning: “The House of Lurking Death”
“The House of Lurking Death” stands out as a more traditional and complex mystery. While many Tommy and Tuppence stories lean towards the silly, this one is a “proper” poisoning case, worthy of Poirot or Marple. Imitating A.E.W. Mason’s Inspector Hanaud, Tommy takes the lead while Tuppence plays Ricardo, Hanaud’s often-clueless assistant. This story offers a twisty plot and a more serious tone, demonstrating the duo’s capability to handle intricate and darker mysteries as well as lighthearted capers.
Tommy and Tuppence investigating a complex poisoning case, adopting a more serious detective approach.
Mystery Without a Crime: “The Unbreakable Alibi”
“The Unbreakable Alibi” is unique as it presents a mystery without an actual crime. A young man seeks Tommy and Tuppence’s help to win a bet and impress a girl. The challenge is to disprove a seemingly impossible alibi – a woman claiming to be in two places at once. This story showcases Tommy and Tuppence’s ability to apply their detective skills to unusual situations, proving their versatility as partners in crime extends beyond typical criminal investigations.
Tommy and Tuppence unraveling an impossible alibi for a client trying to win a bet.
Haunted House Investigation: “The Clergyman’s Daughter” / “The Red House”
“The Clergyman’s Daughter” (sometimes called “The Red House”) takes Tommy and Tuppence into the realm of the paranormal. Investigating a potentially haunted house for a clergyman’s daughter and her invalid mother, they encounter seemingly supernatural disturbances. This story blends mystery with a hint of the supernatural, as they try to discern whether the house is truly haunted or if there’s a more earthly explanation, testing their detective skills in a different context.
Tommy and Tuppence investigating a haunted house, blending mystery with supernatural elements.
Diplomatic Dilemma: “The Ambassador’s Boots”
“The Ambassador’s Boots” involves a diplomatic mystery. A US ambassador’s bag is mistakenly given to another man and then returned, seemingly untouched. However, something feels amiss to the ambassador, leading him to hire Tommy and Tuppence. This story is a bit convoluted but still enjoyable, with a mention of Sherlock Holmes, connecting Christie’s work to the broader detective fiction landscape of her time.
Meta Finale: “The Man Who Was No. 16”
“The Man Who Was No. 16” marks the final case for Tommy and Tuppence’s fake detective agency and brings the collection to a meta-fictional close. Their agency is a front for espionage, and this story sees them imitating Hercule Poirot – Christie’s own famous creation! This self-referential touch is a highlight, as Christie playfully acknowledges her own place in the detective fiction world while having her partners in crime embody her iconic detective. The story culminates in Tuppence’s kidnapping, a dramatic rescue, and the announcement of her pregnancy, leading to their (temporary) retirement from their adventurous life.
Tuppence in danger, leading to a dramatic rescue and the end of their detective agency adventures.
Final Verdict: A Highly Recommended Collection
Partners in Crime is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of short stories. The charm of Tommy and Tuppence as partners in crime, their playful imitations of other detectives, and the light-hearted tone make this a delightful read. Perfect for Agatha Christie fans and anyone looking for fun, engaging, and slightly whimsical mysteries, this collection is highly recommended. If you love detective duos and enjoy a touch of humor with your crime-solving, Tommy and Tuppence are the perfect partners in crime to spend your time with.
