The Thirteen Problems (1932) is a classic short story collection by Agatha Christie, featuring the brilliant and unassuming sleuth, Miss Marple. This collection introduces readers to Miss Marple’s incredible ability to solve crimes using her deep understanding of human nature and small-town life.
The stories are structured around a dinner party game—a group of friends, including Miss Marple, take turns telling mysterious cases, challenging each other to solve them. While the professional detectives and experts struggle, Miss Marple, using her keen intuition and observations from village life, always finds the solution.
With thirteen cleverly crafted mysteries, The Thirteen Problems is a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction, Agatha Christie, and intriguing short stories.
Story-by-Story Review – Miss Marple’s Unmatched Deduction Skills
1. The Tuesday Night Club
🍽️ At a casual dinner party, the guests discuss an unsolved poisoning case involving a man who died after eating a meal prepared by three women. Miss Marple stuns everyone with her unexpected yet correct deduction.
2. The Idol House of Astarte
🏰 A murder occurs during a mystical ceremony at a country estate, leading to whispers of a supernatural curse. Miss Marple, however, sees the truth hidden in human behavior.
3. Ingots of Gold
🏴☠️ A sunken treasure mystery off the Cornish coast involves gold ingots and a suspicious disappearance. While the others focus on adventure and greed, Miss Marple uncovers the real crime.
4. The Blood-Stained Pavement
🚤 A holiday turns dark when a woman mysteriously vanishes. Is it an accident or cold-blooded murder? Miss Marple notices a crucial detail that everyone else misses.
5. Motive v. Opportunity
🔎 A wealthy man is murdered, and all the suspects have either motive or opportunity—but not both. Miss Marple explains why the least likely suspect is actually the most guilty.
6. The Thumb Mark of St. Peter
💀 A suspicious poisoning case shakes a family, and the victim’s dying words hint at a terrifying truth. Miss Marple solves the case with a shocking revelation.
7. The Blue Geranium
🌸 A woman, known for her superstitious fears, dies after a strange blue flower appears on her wallpaper. Was it fate, or a cleverly planned murder? Miss Marple provides the perfect explanation.
8. The Companion
🏖️ A woman drowns mysteriously while her companion watches helplessly. Miss Marple sees through the deception and exposes a cold-hearted crime.
9. The Four Suspects
🏡 A German refugee is found dead, and four people could have done it. Only Miss Marple recognizes the subtle clue that reveals the real murderer.
10. A Christmas Tragedy
🎄 During the holidays, Miss Marple predicts a murder before it happens—but no one believes her. When tragedy strikes, she proves that her instincts were correct all along.
11. The Herb of Death
🌿 A poisoned dinner party results in a young girl’s tragic death. Miss Marple’s knowledge of gardening and human psychology helps her uncover the truth.
12. The Affair at the Bungalow
🏡 A theater actress claims she was framed, but Miss Marple notices an inconsistency in the story that leads to a surprising twist.
13. Death by Drowning
🌊 When a young woman is found drowned, the police suspect suicide, but Miss Marple is convinced it’s murder. She helps prevent another tragedy by revealing the true killer.
Why The Thirteen Problems Is a Must-Read
- A fantastic introduction to Miss Marple, showcasing her unique detective skills and sharp intuition.
- Engaging short stories—each mystery is concise yet brilliantly constructed.
- Clever psychological insights—Miss Marple’s solutions often reveal deep truths about human nature and crime.
- Perfect for mystery lovers—ideal for readers who enjoy quick, intriguing detective tales with unexpected twists.
Final Thoughts – A Classic Mystery Collection with Brilliant Deduction
The Thirteen Problems is an entertaining and clever collection that highlights Miss Marple’s brilliance as an amateur detective. The stories are short yet packed with suspense, deception, and satisfying conclusions.
If you love Agatha Christie, classic whodunits, and intelligent crime-solving, this book is a must-read. Step into the world of Miss Marple and see if you can solve the mysteries before she does!