The Secret Adversary (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A 1920s Espionage Thriller of Postwar London, Missing Treaties, and Young Amateur SleuthsBy Agatha Christie
Length17h 14m
About this audiobook
The Secret Adversary (1922) is Agatha Christie's spirited entry into the postwar thriller, introducing Tommy Beresford and Tuppence Cowley, two demobilized young people whose search for employment draws them into a conspiracy involving espionage, political subversion, and a missing survivor of the Lusitania. Lighter and more exuberant than Christie's later puzzle mysteries, the novel combines adventure, romantic comedy, and the anxieties of interwar Britain. Its brisk dialogue, disguises, coded identities, and shifting allegiances place it within the popular tradition of the spy romance while already displaying Christie's gift for misdirection and narrative momentum. Christie, then early in her career, wrote from within a society still unsettled by the First World War, economic uncertainty, and fears of Bolshevism. Her wartime nursing and dispensary work had sharpened her practical knowledge and observational discipline, while her fascination with detection and secrecy found new expression beyond the country-house murder. Tommy and Tuppence reflect the resourcefulness, restlessness, and altered social roles of a generation emerging from war. This novel is recommended to readers interested in Christie beyond Poirot and Marple, and to anyone seeking an intelligent, fast-moving adventure that illuminates the fears and energies of the 1920s.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
Audiobook details
GenreMystery and Thriller
Length17 hrs 14 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJun 5, 2018
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
27Chapter 6 A Plan of Campaign
2Introduction
28Chapter 7 The House in Soho
3Author Biography
29Chapter 8 The Adventures of Tommy
4Historical Context
30Chapter 9 Tuppence Enters Domestic Service
5Synopsis (Selection)
31Chapter 10 Enter Sir James Peel Edgerton
Show all chaptersShow less
6The Mysterious Affair At Styles
32Chapter 11 Julius Tells a Story
7The Mysterious Affair at Styles (The First Hercule Poirot novel)
33Chapter 12 A Friend in Need
8Chapter 1 I GO TO STYLES
34Chapter 13 The Vigil
9Chapter 2 THE 16TH AND 17TH OF JULY
35Chapter 14 A Consultation
10Chapter 3 THE NIGHT OF THE TRAGEDY
36Chapter 15 Tuppence Receives a Proposal
11Chapter 4 POIROT INVESTIGATES
37Chapter 16 Further Adventures of Tommy
12Chapter 5 “IT ISN’T STRYCHNINE, IS IT?”
38Chapter 17 Annette
13Chapter 6 THE INQUEST
39Chapter 18 The Telegram
14Chapter 7 POIROT PAYS HIS DEBTS
40Chapter 19 Jane Finn
15Chapter 8 FRESH SUSPICIONS
41Chapter 20 Too Late
16Chapter 9 DR. BAUERSTEIN
42Chapter 21 Tommy Makes a Discovery
17Chapter 10 THE ARREST
43Chapter 22 In Downing Street
18Chapter 11 THE CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION
44Chapter 23 A Race Against Time
19Chapter 12 THE LAST LINK
45Chapter 24 Julius Takes a Hand
20Chapter 13 POIROT EXPLAINS
46Chapter 25 Jane’s Story
21Prologue
47Chapter 26 Mr. Brown
22Chapter 1 The Young Adventurers, Ltd.
48Chapter 27 A Supper Party at the Savoy
23Chapter 2 Mr. Whittington’s Offer
49Chapter 28 And After
24Chapter 3 A Set Back
50Analysis
25Chapter 4 Who Is Jane Finn?
51Reflection
26Chapter 5 Mr. Julius P. Hersheimmer
52Memorable Quotes
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