Victim Verse
You know how the Victim Verse goes? It's in poem form, not prose. Victims speak beyond the grave. For mystery, their lives they gave.
Originally exclusive on HPC's Facebook Page, a victim verse is a poem or song that is told in the first person by a victim in an Agatha Christie story. Each verse has a different flavor, either having a witty or clever angle, a puzzling or cryptic twist, a comedic tone, or basically a gruesome outlook. The verses were featured on Facebook from September 2013 to March 2014. I got the inspiration for writing these victim verses from The Christie Caper (1991), by American mystery novelist Carolyn G. Hart.
In posting these here, I was originally not going to include the victims' names. On Facebook, the idea behind each poem was for fans to guess the identity of the victim. (The victim's name was asked for, not the story's title.) The title of the mystery was never important. Instead, the focus was solely on the victims. Therefore, I am not including the title of the mystery here. (Of course, most of these are Poirot stories. Without a doubt, you can figure out the story yourself.)
You may post your comments on these Victim Verses (below) after the following entries.
September 6, 2013
Had a life that was a double, Didn't think would follow me with trouble. It wasn't a thrill ride--not an "E ticket". Got message that they'd stick it. I asked for protection of my life And instead I got the knife. Who am I? Answer: Samuel Ratchett
September 6
Just a lonely lady letting out a room And not knowing life would end soon. The floorboards up & accused's luck is down-- I was just a cleaning lady in town. Descending upon me was a hammer And now the fellow's in the slammer. Made a mistake or two, I think . . . Maybe something else, like buying ink. Who am I? Answer: Mrs. McGinty
September 6
In my life I was quite the matriarch. Like a dog, I had quite a bite & a bark. Warning: I don't forget a face or a name-- Tormenting any soul is my game. I got mine when I made that threat And was dead by the time the sun set. Who am I? Answer: Mrs. Boynton
September 13
Come to me, if you need money And I'll take care of you, honey. That was then, this is now-- I'm dead, dearie--this is how: People seemed to avert their eyes And focused instead on the skies. I wager it was an insect or stick And then fell asleep with a prick. Who am I? Answer: Madame Giselle
September 13
Old man, call me the American prodigy, Sitting across the board with curiosity. A duel I challenge you--that's a mistake! Wasn't the real deal--something fake. I did lose! Shocking! I had skills to prove-- But, I died when I played the third move. Who am I? Answer: Gilmour Wilson
September 20
Specialist of both love and disease-- Thought I could handle both with some ease. Love affairs loaded with fun Are ended with a gun When it's a trigger, finger, and squeeze. Who am I? Answer: Doctor John Christow
September 27
My collection's simply the best, Much more macabre than the rest. In my sleeve I've got an ace-- For truth, it's a battle and race. Cross the bridge to end the quest Of solving the pain in my chest. Who am I? Answer: Mr. Shaitana
October 18
Being honored and respected, It was a surprise and unexpected That a stabbing is my end. (Possibly by my son, you comprehend.) Was it the envelope out of the blue Or the shoes the vital clue? Who am I? Answer: Roger Ackroyd
January 3, 2014
Upon me was everyone's devotion, And poison pen letter set it in motion. Poison letter didn't kill me--morphine did; I guess because of the secret I hid. So I died intestate, as they say, to the grave. But thank Lord a young woman's life was saved. Who am I? Answer: Laura Welman
January 10
A picture I paint for you. Shirt of yellow, slacks of blue. For a minute, let's pause. Go back in time. Look into the crime. See what really was. Flesh and sex is on display-- But everything tastes foul today. I felt alive but died--a shock-- When I drank in the hemlock. Who am I? Answer: Amyas Crale
January 17
Tables turned on me! When I thought a devious plan, There's a conspiracy To make a millionaire a dead man. Myself, wanted for murder, yes-- I'm clever, I admit. Dead! Stabbed in the back, I guess As I laid in the pit. What goes around, comes around! Here's the police force-- Seeing me down on the ground. It seems "par for the course"! Who am I? Answer: Paul Renauld/Georges Conneau
January 24
I'm not shy--quite the opposite. Love to talk--quite a bit. Sharing stories--not mine, I admit! And at parties, I'm a git. Once I get going, really can't quit Telling lies with spirit and wit. Thirsty now--water I need to get. Gulp. But I drank quite a bit. Who am I? Answer: Joyce Reynolds
January 24
My eyes sparkle like diamonds with lust. Here in the Hall no one to trust. For those here, are not merry days. Blood all around me, in literally many ways. For some, my death sentence is just: Squealing like the pig that I am is a must. Who am I? Answer: Simeon Lee
January 31
I thought he was dead. Married again, I thought it was better Until I received letter after letter. It has then brought me dread Leading to a bash in my head. Who am I? Answer: Louise Leidner
January 31
Fates sealed when entering the boat And receiving the welcome note, Apparently from a welcoming guest. It turned out to be simply a mare's nest. One by one, offed in this ghastly home-- By something or someone unknown. Who ... are we? Answer: The 10 guests of Indian Island
February 7
A long time ago In our faraway land, A mistress and her beau Faced death's silent hand. Evil didn't start with her arrival-- It was in our home already present. Surely this was a game of survival, As each of us, to the grave, we went. Who ... are we? Answer: The family of Imhotep
February 7
Was I victim or volunteer, Participating in this trick? Misdirection is near As I type with a click. A shot in the dark they hear As the illusion came quick. Who am I? Answer: Christian Gulbrandsen
February 14
Heart of Fire have I, Which caused me to die. Not a heart attack, mind you. Strangled, to leave me blue. Blue is also the car I ride in To the Isles d'Or, where I would've been. Who am I? Answer: Ruth Kettering
February 21
Was I born into misery, Placed into acres of blight? Or as an heiress, carefree, Born to sweet delight? The supernatural at work-- My life's now with a curse; Watch my back, where evil may lurk. Death! When thrown from the horse. Who am I? Answer: Ellie Gutman
February 21
Our murders designed-- Part of a grander plot. Our lives intertwined, Though knew each other not. One died first, Desiring fame. This is worst-- Other's in flames. Who are we? Answer: Pamela Reeves and Ruby Keene
March 7
The words floated through the air, Spoken, as I had laid there. Choked with sinister claws Resembling beastly paws. In the future, amateur sleuths Piece now sleeping clues and truths. Who am I? Answer: Helen Halliday
March 14
My big mouth that's fat Got me in trouble. What had I said? And my brains went splat When the hatchet came down on my head. And the turning of my head--that! The sleuth's smart, the others mislead. And with a little chit chat You know who struck me down in my bed. Who am I? Answer: Cora Lansquenet
March 21
I suspect someone's a thief; A blackguard in the house, we've. Formula I need to retrieve. I give all a chance without grief. Envelope's on table--relief! But my evening's cut short--too brief, A poisoned coffee, I believe. Who am I? Answer: Sir Claud Amory