The Secret Adversary (Tommy & Tuppence, #1)

by Agatha Christie

This was fantastic. This mystery was strong and had me guessing with all the twists and turns and drama. I didn't see it coming. Well written, fast paced and humorous. The characters - wow. I LOVED Tommy and Tuppence. Tommy is down to earth, logical and calm. Tuppence is headstrong, quickwitted and severe. I loved how practical and honest Tuppence is - and she has such a sense of adventure. Afterall their inital partnership is thus named The Young Adventurers, Ltd - ‘Two young adventurers for hire. Willing to do anything, go anywhere. Pay must be good. No unreasonable offer refused.’

Christie, Agatha. The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection (Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries) . William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.

The banter between them is adorable. They've known each other since childhood and are great friends and it's clear in every interaction that they have a long history and feel comfortable around one another. Tuppence may be strong willed and imaginative but Tommy is no push over - he's more than willing to call Tuppence out on her crap.

“There wouldn’t be the least difference if you were caught!”
“Perhaps not. But I shouldn’t be caught. I’m so clever.”
“Modesty always was your besetting sin,” remarked Tommy.

Christie, Agatha. The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection (Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries) . William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.

Together they make one hell of a team. And I don't think I've read any other book set in this time where the female character is so badass. I mean she tackles a guy.

“Just a word with your pretty friend here.” He stretched out an unsteady hand, and clutched Jane by the shoulder. Tuppence heard other footsteps behind. She did not pause to ascertain whether they were friends or foes. Lowering her head, she repeated a manœuvre of childish days, and butted their aggressor full in the capacious middle. The success of these unsportsmanlike tactics was immediate. The man sat down abruptly on the pavement. Tuppence and Jane took to their heels.

Christie, Agatha. The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection (Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries) . William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.

I mean sure I've read heroines outsmarting people. Thinking for themselves. Being proactive when faced with danger. But I think it's a first to read one who's willing to physically take on an attacker in such a manner. Belting someone over the head with a candlestick yes. Rugby tackling no. And it was freaking awesome!

The romance is very abrupt and somewhat disjointed but the friendship between them is really special and makes it easier to ignore. The other characters were interesting but my favourite was Albert. Especially how he's taken in by the idea of spies and criminals and whatnot. It was adorable to read Tuppence buying threepenny detective novels to make sure she had more cliches ready for him. Plus when Tommy and Albert commando crawl unnecessarily to undertake surveillance. It was awesome.

Overall a solid read. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.