The Case of the Discontented Soldier audiobook

This one is special because it has Ariadne Oliver's first appearance!For those of you who aren't familiar with the name, Mrs. Oliver is a mystery writer (perhaps a nod to Christie herself) that exists in both the world of Poirot and Miss Marple.Besides that, this is also a fun Parker Pyne short story. Pyne seems to take on 'cases' for people who have a need in their lives. In the case of the soldier, he's bored with civilian life, and Pyne sets him up with exactly the sort of adventure that he needs but has no idea that he wants. Good stuff!You can also read this as part of the short story collection Parker Pyne Investigates.

4.5 starsA retired soldier is unhappy with his boring English life. And Parker Pyne gives him a little adventure to fix that.This is hilarious and Mrs. Oliver (omg she's made a cameo!) is such a treasure.

4 Stars. When Charles Wilbraham, a retired Major with the British Army, takes his reason for being unhappy to detective Pyne, he's unaware of the changes the visit will bring. The unmarried Major is bored. He's accustomed to the excitement of service in east Africa, likely Kenya or Uganda, and finds life in the village of Cobham boring. Pyne's analysis is correct, "The long and the short of the matter is that you find life tame." The 23 page story is in the 1971 collection, "Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective." It first appeared in "Woman's Pictorial" in 1932. Pyne's methods are amusing but they get results. He sees that his new client needs a little romance and adventure. He points out that, "There is plenty of danger, plenty of excitement here in London if you know where to go for it." First Pyne sends him to lunch at a busy restaurant with Madeleine de Sara, you'll remember her intrigues in "Problem at Pollensa Bay." Together de Sara and Pyne determine what type of woman Wilbraham might like. and they set him up with a lovely one who fits the bill, Freda Clegg. Then Pyne sends the two on a dangerous mission. Even Ariadne Oliver and Miss Lemon are involved. Loved it. (July 2021)

** spoiler alert ** A major recently retired is restless and comes upon Mr. Pyne’s advertisement. He agrees to do as Mr. Pyne suggests and sets off to a meeting with Mr. Jones, arranged by Mr. Pyne. As he is looking for the location, he hears muffled creems and comes upon a lady in distress. He rescues her from her attackers and she tells her own tale of intrigue. She was approached by a man claiming to have been her deceased father’s lawyer. If she can recover a very important paper her father once had, he can help her claim the money owed to her. She searches in vain and then agrees to meet the lawyer and was jumped by two thugs. The major sees at once that she is in possession of some important information but neither of them know what it is. When he searches her father’s old trunk, he notices a secret hiding spot and discovers the paper, which is a treasure map to buried money in Africa, where the major was recently stationed. They agree to meet the next day but the woman is kidnapped and the major must save her. Once they are safe, he proposes and she agrees and they set off to search for the missing fortune on their honeymoon. An interesting aside, in addition to Miss Lemon being Mr. Pyne’s secretary before Poirot’s assistance, Ms. Oliver is also an employee of Mr. Pyne’s and was responsible for the harrowing adventure that the major and his lady friend were embroiled in. She wrote and directed the whole plot, in addition to writing her successful novels.

Another thrilling setup of Parker Pyne setting two of his clients up for a thrilling adventure with a happy ending and a treasure hunt to keep life exciting. I loved the little self insert Christie pulled with this author Parker hired to help plan these high stake setups.

My kids and I listened to a bunch of these Agatha short stories the past couple days. We love them all :)

** spoiler alert ** The Case of the Discontented SoldierBy Agatha ChristieParker Pyne is at it again. Ms. Christie’s “social worker of yesteryear” is answering the needs of a soldier who was bored with his life. Major Wilbraham has just returned from East Africa and he is dissatisfied with his life in the slow lane. He needs excitement. As usual, Mr. Pyne provides what his customer needs. The Major saves a damsel in distress, and fell head-over-heels for this gorgeous creature. As the day goes on, they find themselves embroiled in a life or death situation. Of course, the Major is a gentleman and not afraid of danger, so he is called upon again, to save the day. Unbeknownst to him, he was living out a plot that was written by another well-known character in Ms. Christie’s imagination: Miss Oliver, the apple eating writer. This was a fast read and very fun story. I give it 4 stars.

I really enjoyed this story, as Mr Parker Pine is a character of Christie's I rather liked.

The story is pretty amusing although it wasn't that mysterious to me. However, I recommend it if you're looking for an interesting short story with a pleasant ending.