Christie is one of the greatest authors ever, but I consider this in her top 10 best. The story is set in Africa (most of the time), with a master criminal who is charming and adorable, handsome dashing heroes and an in omnia paratus heroine - Anne. All of whom are searching for a murderer and Kimberley diamonds.
Anne is brilliant - she's so vibrant, ebullient, sparkling, vivacious... there just aren't enough words for how lively she is. You can feel Anne throughout the novel, everything she does and says. I couldn't relate to her one bit, I don't want to emulate her in any ways, I definitely didn't approve of the hero she chose for her husband - but I still adore her!
The only part of this novel that made me sad was the point where Colonel Race is described as a big game hunter (he's really British secret service, thankfully). I know everyone thought it was a fair fight back then, a bunch of guns and an unaware animal. But, I don't and never will. I know it continues today on private safari-slaughter sites in Africa and I'm appalled by it. Anyways, ending the rant - still a great novel!
