Towards Zero

Towards Zero (1944) Agatha Christie (Superintendent Battle)

This one I remembered bits and pieces of.

“It may be just by being somewhere— not doing anything— just by being at a certain place at a certain time— oh, I can’t say what I mean, but you might just— just walk along a street some day and just by doing that accomplish something terribly important— perhaps even without knowing what it was.”

She was like a child who, by a tightly clenched hand over a treasure— calls attention to what it wants to hide.

“I always hoped that when my time came, it would come quickly— that I should meet Death face to face— not feel him creeping along behind me, always at my shoulder— gradually forcing me to sink to one indignity after another of illness. Increased helplessness— increasing dependence on other people!”

On the lift in front of them hung a notice:

LIFT OUT OF ORDER

A lot of injudicious things were said at times like these, as he well knew. The unfortunate part was that they were usually remembered most inconveniently afterwards.

But other parts of the story obviously didn’t stick at all.

And considering that John MacEnroe was in his prime when I was growing up, I found this hilarious.

“Nevile, blast him, is always the complete good sportsman. I’ve never seen him lose his temper over losing a match.”

“Of course not,” said Kay. “People don’t.”

“Oh yes, they do! We’ve all seen them. Tennis stars who give way to nerves— and who damn’ well snatch every advantage.”

Publisher: William Morrow

Rating: 7/10

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