THE TELL-TALE HEART

Edgar Allan Poe

Genre: Short Story

Published: 1843/Collection 1992

Personal Rating: 4/5

(SS) Yearly Count: 4

A man, who insists he is sane, decides to kill an older man because the older man has an eye that disturbs him.

Yep, it's true. I never read this. But I have now! While it is a very short story, it demonstrates what the conscience can do in a big way.

THE IDOL HOUSE OF ASTARTE

Agatha Christie
Genre: Short Story
Published: 1932/1985 Collection
Personal Rating: 3.75/5
(SS) Yearly Count: 3

My second Miss Marple mystery in The Tuesday Club Murders turns out to be another good one. In this short story, Dr. Pender, the elderly clergyman, tells the happenings of a tragic experience. He shares that he "saw a man stricken to death by apparently no mortal agency". He, of course, knows what really happened and apparently so does Miss Marple.

THE TUESDAY NIGHT CLUB

Agatha Christie

Genre: Short Story

Published: 1932/1985 Collection

Personal Rating: 3.75/5

(SS) Yearly Count: 2

The Tuesday Night Club is one of thirteen stories from The Tuesday Night Murders. The five visitors in Miss Marple's home declare themselves a "Club". They are to meet every Tuesday and "each member in turn has to propound a problem. Some mystery of which they have personal knowledge, and to which, of course, they know the answer." The first up is Sir Henry Clithering, former Commissioner of Scotland Yard. He shares a true drama.

For no particular reason, Agatha Christie has eluded me until now. This short story with Miss Marple as the lead character was my first introduction to her and I was rather pleased. I'm fairly certain the next twelve stories are the tales that the other members bring to the table. I will definitely continue with this collection and seek out other work by the ever-so-popular Agatha Christie. Any suggestions?

AWAITING ORDERS

Tobias Wolff
Genre: Short Story

Published: The New Yorker, 2005

Personal Rating: 3/5

(SS) Yearly Count: 1

Sergeant Morse was finishing up his duty when a call comes in from a woman looking for her brother, Billy Hart. Morse reveals that he was shipped out for Iraq a week earlier and offered to help her. As the story progresses, I found that Morse's curiosity about the sister was different from what I expected. The difference happens to be the core of the story.

It was a good story and I liked the fact that I had to think a little as to what the point was or what conflict was resolved. However, I would have liked more substance or direction, so I wouldn't have to guess at the author's meaning.