Nemesis has a very interesting cast of characters, each a layered, real person. There’s so much depth to Christie’s plots, characters, and stories, and yet they’re they the kind of books that draw you in and compel you to read them in a few sittings, if not one!
Title: Nemesis
Author: Agatha Christie
Genre: Classics, Mystery, Crime
Publication Date: January 1, 1971
Review Date: November 10, 2025 // August 31, 2026
Number of Pages: 213 (digital)
My Rating: 5.0/5
Buy here:
Book Blurb of Nemesis:
In utter disbelief, Jane Marple read the letter addressed to her from the recently deceased Mr Rafiel – an acquaintance she had met briefly while on vacation in St. Honore, as recounted in “A Caribbean Mystery.”
Rafiel had left instructions for her to investigate a crime after his death. The only problem was, he had failed to tell her who was involved or where and when the crime had been committed. It was most intriguing. Soon she is faced with a new crime – the ultimate crime – murder. It seems someone is adamant that past evils remain buried.
Book Review of Nemesis:
One of her best, if not THE best. High praise, I know, but the premise, process and development is delightful.
Mr. Rafiel is back (we first meet him in A Caribbean Mystery) but with a twist – his representatives reach out to Miss Marple because he wants her to take up a case. However, Mr. Rafiel has died, so she has no way of asking him anything or getting any information whatsoever.
He is, however, a wealthy, intelligent man and has resources to send her way, providing snippets of information over the course of the story. Miss Marple herself says, ”He gave me just enough information in small packets each time. I was, as it were, directed.”
In true Christie fashion, the breadcrumbs are all there if you can see them for what they are. For me, the joy is in following the plot and maybe just guessing. But if you’re the kind of reader who takes joy in solving cases while you read detective fiction, you will thoroughly enjoy digging into this one!
Nemesis also has a very interesting cast of characters, each a layered, real person. There’s so much depth to Christie’s plots, characters, and stories, and yet they’re they the kind of books that draw you in and compel you to read them in a few sittings, if not one!
As the story unfolds, you go deeper into probable motivations. Miss Marple doesn’t know much about this crime to begin with, which makes things tricky and delightful. She not only has to discover the criminal, but also the true nature of the crime! Along the way, she creates some red herrings too – to throw off other people, yes, but also us readers!
At the end, Miss Marple explains everything for our benefit, and I do enjoy that exposition at the end. If you’ve missed any clues while solving along, here is where you find them!
A deeply interesting addition to the universe of Miss Marple. I am attempting to read ALL her Poirot and Marple, so check out the challenge reading list if you’re a fellow Christie fan!
Do I recommended Nemesis?
Yes, of course, I gave it 5 stars!
If you enjoy how well Agatha Christie develops characters, Nemesis is a must read!
Also, Miss Marple fans, mystery readers looking for a fast-paced classic whodunit, anyone searching for a good cozy mystery read, or books with interesting characters. It’s also an easy recommendation for fans of classic detective fiction.
Oh, and also if you liked the character of Mr. Rafiel in A Caribbean Mystery – though he’s not actually around for the witty banter with Miss Marple this time.
