A Scanner Darkly

A Scanner Darkly
by Philip K. Dick
read: 2017

Philip K. Dick's novels always mess with the reader's mind The mindwarping of A Scanner Darkly boasts another layer to it, as protagonist Bob Arctor falls under the influence of powerful drugs that fracture and destroy his mind. In the afterword, Dick reveals that he himself suffered from drug addiction, making this the rare semi-autobiographical science fiction novel.

The Big Four

The Big Four
by Agatha Christie
read: 2017

Poirot doesn't work as well in a spy tale as in a murder mystery. The humor in Poirot's mannerisms and in his relationship with Hastings seems out-of-place, and the much more linear plot in The Big Four didn't provokes as much thought as in the other Poirot novels.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
by Agatha Christie
read: 2017
Guardian 1000 Novels

The memorable twist in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (I won't give it away) works because I ended up somewhat attached to the villain. The reveal startles but also provokes feelings of pity.