The Affair of the Pink Pearl by Agatha Christie

 

Thorndyke or Holmes?

If you've ever wondered what would happen if a charming married couple decided to open a detective agency armed only with enthusiasm and a love for classic mysteries, The Affair of the Pink Pearl has you covered.

Tommy and Tuppence may have read their fair share of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Thorndyke stories, but does that really make them qualified sleuths? Probably not. But that’s exactly what makes this story so fun. It kicks off with a humorous scene of Tuppence stepping into their brand-new office, only to find Tommy buried under a pile of books. Turns out, he was doing research on how to be a great detective by consulting with famous novels. They are both clearly in over their heads here (literally and figuratively) but before they can second-guess the whole detective business idea, a young woman shows up at their door with a juicy case: a pink pearl has vanished during a swanky country estate party. Naturally, they jump at the chance to prove themselves.

What follows is a whimsical little mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Honestly, the who-done-it isn’t all that gripping and mostly forgettable. The real charm lies in the duo’s witty banter and the way they throw themselves into their new roles, even mimicking their favorite fictional detectives. The couple's playful chemistry and amateur sleuthing antics is entertaining enough although the actual story lacks any kind of staying power. It's worth reading if you're already a fan of Agatha Christie but it's difficult to recommend based on merit alone.