The Case of the Discontented Soldier is only my second story featuring Parker Pyne, that I’ve read. The first one (The Case of the Middle Aged Wife) felt very similar to this one. In this case, there was a soldier that felt boredom and Parker Pyne advised that he could cure his boredom. It seems like these stories are more of a romantic version of a detective, then any actual detecting on Parker’s part.

While this was a enjoyable story I felt the lack of a real mystery. It was pretty obvious who was behind curing Mr Wilbraham’s boredom and the ending was predictable. I will still continue to read the rest of the Parker Pyne short stories, to see if any of them involve a actual mystery.

I’d recommend this story to those that like a romantic side to their mysteries. Otherwise for new fans to Agatha Christie I recommend starting with Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple. ( )