The Listerdale Mystery

Published on June 30, 2022

Reviewed by Marybeth Ginsberg

This book of twelve classic short story mysteries was first published in 1934. Agatha Christie was the author of a lengthy list of stories, including Murder on the Orient Express, a Hercule Poirot detective novel. The Listerdale Mystery and Other Stories is available at the Morris County Library as a book and as an audio book.

The Listerdale Mystery is set in London. After losing the family home, Mrs. St. Vincent and her adult children, Rupert and Barbara, are living in a boarding house. While Rupert’s career is off to a good start, Mrs. St. Vincent has concerns about her daughter’s prospects for marriage. She knows that “genteel poverty” will not attract the right husband for her daughter. Yet, as readers will soon discover, life is about to change when  Mrs. St. Vincent picks up the Morning Post.

A chain of events will lead Mrs. St. Vincent and her children to take up residence in a new home that is much more suited to her taste and former stature. A nominal rent makes the new house very attractive, and Mrs. St. Vincent soon learns that the house comes with many unexpected amenities, including a very attentive butler. However, Rupert becomes suspicious when the family learns that Lord Listerdale, the owner of the house, has seemingly disappeared.

While things do not seem to add up, questioning and provocation by Rupert ultimately leads to resolution. The mystery of Lord Listerdale’s disappearance is finally revealed, and the domestic life of the characters achieves the highest level of blissfulness.

Favorite Excerpt: Rupert cleared his throat, and began a judicial cross-questioning. “There’s something behind all this. It’s fishy if you ask me. Decidedly fishy.” “So’s my egg,” said Barbara, wrinkling her nose. 

Other Stories in this Collection: The Listerdale Mystery is just one story in this classic collection of short stories. Two of my other favorite stories include Philomel Cottage and The Rajah’s Emerald.  In Philomel Cottage, things turn deadly as a new bride decides she must take matters into her own hands. In The Rajah’s Emerald, a hapless suitor becomes noticed as he takes measures to undo an accidental outcome caused by his desire to be esteemed and admired. 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐