The Pale Horse
Ratings35
Average rating3.8
Agatha Christie’s The Pale Horse is an enjoyable mystery, though not her best work. As with most of her novels, readers know exactly what they’re in for: a twisty, suspenseful ride with high stakes. Christie excels at building tension and keeping readers guessing until the very end, and The Pale Horse delivers on that front. While the story may not rank among her most iconic works, it’s still a fun read. Christie’s trademark clever plotting and the eerie atmosphere make it a worthwhile addition to any mystery lover’s bookshelf. Overall, The Pale Horse is a solid four out of five stars—a good example of Christie’s writing that any fan of hers would appreciate. It may not be the pinnacle of her career, but there’s no such thing as a Christie novel not worth reading!
This is an example of a mystery with the all the right elements that isn't executed well enough. I am three-quarters of the way through reading all of Christie's mysteries and this one came up short. Not only did I guess the murderer a quarter of the way into the book, I also rolled my eyes more times than I could count.
What if you could make someone die just by willing it? What if science advanced enough for our brainwaves to combine with sound waves so that we could kill each other with our minds?
If that sounds at all ridiculous to you, get ready because sentiments such as these are what you will be reading the entire book. All of the puzzle elements of the mystery are replaced with superstitious mumbo jumbo telling of the time, reminding you of how they used to hide under desks under threat of nuclear bombs.
In the end, the solution is the obvious one. The one you have been muttering to the protagonist since the beginning, but he's too caught up in his fear of MAGIC that he doesn't see what is right in front of him.
That said, it probably would make a better movie. It's very theatrical.
Update: Prime did make a film adaptation and, yes, I enjoyed it better than the book. Actually, I have enjoyed all of their Christie adaptations.
The murder part is quite easy and simple. It's the covering up that's so difficult. I mean, why should it be anyone else but you?
... if you can't go out to everything, then everything must be made to come to you.
Is there no such thing as an evil man, then, who can be described as great?
“Come, come,” said Venables. “I really can't go along with this modern playing down of evil as something that doesn't really exist. There is evil. And evil is powerful. Sometimes more powerful than good. It's there. It has to be recognised - and fought. Otherwise -“ he spread out his hands. “We go down to darkness.”
“Will machines take the place of men eventually?”
“Of men, yes. Men who are only units of manpower - that is. But Man, no. There has to be Man the Controller, Man the Thinker, who works out the questions to ask the machines.”
Evil is not something superhuman, it's something less than human.