I certainly haven’t read all of Agatha Christie’s work, but, in all of the books I’ve read, my favorite character remains Harley Quin, featured in her collection of short stories, The Mysterious Mr. Quin. Each story in the edition I read is introduced by the title and date when it was published.
We see Harley Quin through the eyes of Mr. Sattertwaite. Mr. Sattertwaite is an odd man himself. In his sixties,he’s a loner who enjoys the company of the wealthy class, and moves among Duchesses and the rich with ease. He knows everyone, including artists, is a bit of a snob, collects art and enjoys classical music. He’s described as a bird-like, small, epicure. He’s also an avid observer of other people. He’s always an onlooker, and seldom a participant in life.
Satterthwaite sees Harley Quin the first time as a thin, dark, mysterious appearing man. When the light through a window strikes him just right, he appears to be dressed in all the colors of the rainbow. He often appears suddenly, and doesn’t stay after a murder is resolved. He’s the catalyst that forces Mr. Sattertwaite to ask the right questions, and see the solution to crimes. Quin believes that one sees things better afterwards than at the time when emotions run high. And, he’s a fan of lovers. Solutions to mysteries often unite troubled lovers. Sattertwaite realizes he’s the tool Quin uses. “Mr. Quin was pulling the strings, setting his puppets in motion.” In “The Sign in the Sky”, the solution is a matter of life and death. In that story, Mr. Sattertwaite knows Mr. Quin has “A knack of showing you the things you had known all along in a totally different light.”
There are twelve stories in The Mysterious Mr. Quin, stories of desperation and sadness at times. Although I enjoyed every story, the 1927 one, “Harlequin’s Lane”, the concluding one in the book, is the most revealing. Although other stories had later publication dates, I found this story the most powerful, one that seemed to put a conclusion to the relationship between Mr. Satterthwaite and Harley Quin. I know I’m wrong, but it just feels as if it’s right to conclude the book with that one.
I’ve read a number of Agatha Christie’s books. I’ve seen some of the movies and TV shows. But, The Mysterious Mr. Quin remains my favorite character and my favorite of her books.
The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie. William Morrow, 1930/2012. 306p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
I’m so glad you told us about this book, Lesa. I’ve never heard of either character, Quin or Sattelthwaite.
As I said, Kim, my favorite Agatha Christie character.
Interesting, because Jackie is a big fan of the Mr. Quin stories too, though I don’t think he’s her favorite character. As I recall, Mr. Satterthwait appeared in a few other Christie books, perhaps a Poirot and one or two of the non-series books. I can’t remember exactly, as it has been 50 years since I read some of them.
I think you’re right, Jeff. I think Mr. Satterthwaite did appear elsewhere. It’s no surprise that Jackie and I like those stories.
Always a soft spot for Harley Quin. I was so young when I started reading Agatha Christie, I just accepted “Harley Quin” as a character name, not knowing the historical reference.