They also mimic the methods and habits of famous literary detectives. The two go through all sorts of machinations to try and prove their importance to their clients, claiming to be called away to important cases by Scotland Yard. Some are not very difficult, and Tuppence repeatedly proves herself to be the superior detective. Posing as a detective and his "confidential secretary" the Beresfords take on all sorts of cases. They are commissioned to take over a detective agency that will be used as a front to try and trap said Russian spies. Tommy and Tuppence are once again on the trail of Russian spies.
Tommy and Tuppence ranking: 2nd out of 5. Sadly, when Christie revived the couple for three further escapades in middle age, they’d be largely a waste. An enjoyable confection, but won’t sate your hunger for long. The first time I read this book, however, I didn’t realise this aside from the occasional discombobulating moment, it wasn’t an issue. Many of these have faded into history, which can lead to hidden jokes feeling disconnected, and witty one-liners become merely non-sequiturs. "Partners in Crime" is let down by the fact that each short story parodies a detective or detective style from the era. (A pity, because the fanboy inside me wishes James Warwick and Francesca Annis could reunite and film the later books, for continuity’s sake!) All of the stories are enjoyable, and they were the basis for the 1980s TV series 'Partners in Crime', which I’ve never seen but reliable sources inform me wasn’t very good. The characters shine as in their first outing, "The Secret Adversary", and their bubbliness – which was a bit off-putting in the trenches of "N or M?" – is used to maximum effect in these giddy little cases. Christie’s second Tommy and Tuppence book (of five) is also the second-best.
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