The Secret of Chimneys
is a work of detective fiction by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in the UK by The Bodley Head in June 1925<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"> </sup> and in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year.<sup id="cite_ref-US_2-0" class="reference">[2]</sup> It introduces the characters of Superintendent Battle and Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent. The UK edition retailed at seven shillings and sixpence (7/6)<sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference"> </sup> and the US edition at $2.00.<sup id="cite_ref-US_2-1" class="reference"> </sup>
At the request of George Lomax, Lord Caterham reluctantly agrees to host a weekend party at his home, Chimneys. A murder occurs in the house, beginning a week of fast-paced events with police among the guests.
The novel was well received at first publication, described as more than a murder mystery, as it is a treasure hunt. Later reviews found it a first-class romp and one of the author's best early thrillers. The most recent review says the novel requires a hefty suspension of disbelief. The later reviewers note that descriptions of characters use the terminology of the times in which it was written, and might be considered racist decades later.
