Book Review
N or M? – A Wartime Spy Mystery
Espionage, deception, and danger—can the Beresfords uncover the traitor before it’s too late?
Espionage, deception, and danger—can the Beresfords uncover the traitor before it’s too late?
Published
1 year agoon
By
Arijit Roy
Set during World War II, N or M? follows Tommy and Tuppence Beresford as they are drawn into a high-stakes mission. Britain is riddled with enemy spies, and an unknown traitor—either “N” or “M”—is suspected of infiltrating national security. Tommy is recruited by British Intelligence to track them down at the coastal boarding house, Sans Souci, but Tuppence, ever eager for adventure, refuses to be left behind. Together, they must untangle a web of secrecy where every guest is a potential suspect.
A Cast of Intriguing Suspects
Christie populates Sans Souci with an eccentric and suspicious group, each hiding secrets of their own. From the anxious war widow to the brusque retired major, every resident seems capable of betrayal. Tommy and Tuppence use their intelligence and charm to navigate this tense environment, proving once again why they are one of Christie’s most beloved detective duos.

A Masterclass in Suspense
Unlike Poirot’s meticulous deductions or Miss Marple’s quiet observations, N or M? thrives on espionage and instinct. The wartime setting adds urgency to the plot, as the couple must work against the clock to prevent a disaster. Christie expertly misdirects the reader, keeping the true identity of the traitor shrouded in mystery until the final, thrilling revelation.
A Must-Read for Mystery Lovers
N or M? is a unique entry in Christie’s bibliography, combining classic detective work with a wartime espionage twist. For fans of spy thrillers and whodunits alike, this novel delivers suspense, intrigue, and delightful banter between its two charismatic leads. A gripping, fast-paced read that showcases Christie’s versatility as a storyteller!
Senior Correspondent at the Apeejay Newsroom, Arijit has written more than a thousand articles across varied genres and also shot video interviews and live coverages with the highest viewership, displaying his versatility and skill. Be it a special achievement article, feedback from a parent, high profile alumnus interview or a featured write up on culture, literature and sports, he is the go to person. His initiatives like Aspiring Artist, Promising Poet and Book reviews have earned him special place in the hearts of all students and readers. Arijit initiated video interviews with a wholesome campaign on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, consisting of 16 match review articles and 3 video interviews of budding football players and enthusiasts across various Apeejay schools in Delhi. He also did the live coverage of Apeejay Noida's mega event Runathon 2023 and also many other special interviews. All his videos created new benchmarks for views, especially the latter crossing 2k views in just days. A performing poet, short story writer and football player in the other half of the day, Arijit leads a colourful and passionate life. You can watch his performances at his YouTube channel- Arijit Roy Poems, and also read his poems and short stories at his blog with the same name. He can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected]