I’ve been on an Agatha Christie binge immersed in her classic, uncluttered prose.
Simple language, yet working your imagination as if her hero, Hercule Poirot, and you, were one.
She really ignites your wanderlust since, After Death on the Nile, I’m dying to put a mosquito net around my bed, not to mention locating a camel I could take a spin on. Yes, good writing does that, it influences right down to that silk chemise worn under a chic custom-made safari jacket fitted tight around the waist perfect for the Orient Express, which brings me to…
Peckish, a word she uses often when Monsieur Poirot gets cranky because he simply needs a snack.
Never hearing it before, naturally looked it up.
A British adjective meaning, just plain hungry.
Instead of saying, hey, I’m starved, one could say, at least across the Channel, I am absolutely peckish. Or your comrade can remark, gee, maybe we should eat, since you’re looking rather peckish suddenly.
Does Camilla ever say that to Prince Charles I wonder…Da-ling, you’re looking a bit peckish this morning but do give us a kiss….
pale, wan, weak, you know—peckish.
To be ravenous, empty, hollow and faint. Famished, aching, unfilled and my personal favorite—able to eat a horse.
Now that’s what I call hungry.
Oh Agatha, you really are something. 
SB
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Susannah, Christie is my absolute favorite author. I’ve read every one of her novels and short stories, most four or five times. I began in my early teens and pronounced her first name with the emphasis on the second syllable, not having ever heard it. Now you’ve got me yearning to start another round of rereading!
One of my little chuckles is when she refers to a spinster as ‘an old pussy’.
As for peckish, I’ve always thought it meant a bit irritable, but never associated it with hunger. Thanks for setting me straight.
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I’m now in the midst of, Hickory Dickory Death, penned in 1955. I’m in such awe if her talent Skinny, never reading any of her before. It’s been such a treat. And she gets me every time, because I never see it coming…the whodunnit at the end. So much fun. 🙂
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Years ago, on a very long flight to Germany, I read ‘Passenger To Frankfurt’. It just seemed appropriate. I especially like the ones that take place along the Nile.
One thing to beware of is that many of her novels were re-released with new titles. You think you’ve got a new book and it’s one you’ve already read.
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I haven’t read any, except for Murder on the Orient Express, Evil Under the Sun, Hickory Dickory Death and Death of the Nile, which I think is the one you’re referring to. All great. 🙂
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For instance, ‘Ten Little Indians’ and ‘And Then There Were None’ are the same novel.
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I see. I’m now reading, Elephants can Remember. 🙂
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I’ve never read any of her books. I’ll have to put her on my list along with a cookie so I don’t get peckish while reading!
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I was a bit peckish just a moment ago, eating two eggs on a bagel so, I am peckish no more…:)
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🙂
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“Peckish” is common parlance this side of the big pond. Maeve bought a box set of Margaret Rutherford, as Miss Marple, DVDs last week and has been glued to the screen ever since. Brutal, premeditated murder but all so twee and quaint: go figure!
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I haven’t read her Miss Marpel series…I’m enthralled though with Mr. Poirot. He’s so dashing, and I love how he always has to lift up his mustaches so not to them in the soup…:)
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Have never read her books, though I admire her writing. I have never seen “Murder on the Orient Express” though I fancy it to be a good, classic bit of film. I began one of her books and her style, though eloquent, did not hold my attention. E R Burroughs, “A Princess of Mars,” is much more to my classic liking.
Very good post. Enjoyed it a lot – just ate, so not so peckish.
Scott
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It’s nice to be introduced to a new word, however it arrives.
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Never read any of Agatha’s books. I read mostly what is on the current best sellers list. When I find an author I really like I try to catch up with their older books. Some many books so little time.
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I love to read. It’s my favorite thing to do. She’s been a treat. Can’t believe I’m just now meeting her. 🙂
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I’m going to throw “peckish” at my daughter, who could easily be the murderer in an Agatha book when she’s hungry.
It sounds like you’re enjoying this series. Love that you love to get lost in the pages.
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I do. Agatha rocks. It’s amazing how her mind worked and she gets me every time. Bitch that she was…:)
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