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Come in, my pretties...

If you'd like the directions for making this wreath, please click here.

Happy Halloween, all! Thanks to the lovely A Fanciful Twist, we're starting the Halloween fun just a tad early to get everyone in the mood. Halloween is such a wonderful and unique holiday - it's the only day of the year anyone and everyone can dress however they like and not get arrested. :) Mystery, fun and sweets are musts. All in all, my kind of holiday.
This year, I'm taking inspiration from the Queen of Mystery herself - Agatha Christie. Let's wander through her classic book "Hallowe'en Party"...

A teenager tells everyone at a Halloween party that she saw a murder once, years ago. The girl is known for lying, however, and no one believes her... until she is found later that evening, drowned in a bucket of bobbing apples. One of the detectives in the book, Ariadne Oliver - a mystery writer and a character inspired by Dame Agatha herself - loves apples and eats them all the time. Since apples abound in the book, how about we try some of these this Halloween...

Candy Apples
(Photo and recipe from www.about-recipes.com)

2 cups sugar
2/3 cups white corn syrup
1 cup water
3 oz. red cinnamon candies
pinch of salt
apples

Combine first five ingredients and cook without stirring over low heat. Remove from heat and place pan in a pan of hot water. Dip apples to coat. Set on waxed paper to dry. Insert sticks before or after coating - whichever is easier.

Photo credit: Rick Gayle/Corbis

If caramel apples like the ones above are more to your liking, click here for the recipe.

Once Ariadne realizes the teenager must have been telling the truth and did see a murder all those years ago, she calls on her old friend, Hercule Poirot, detective extraordinaire (and a great idea for a Halloween costume, incidentally.) Ariadne and Poirot, of course, solve the intriguing murders - both the old and new. It should be noted that the home in which the murder takes place is named Apple Trees. I always imagine it as looking something like this...

If you would like this pumpkin carving pattern, click here.

I hope you have enjoyed this little excursion through our Halloween mystery. Be sure to grab some candy before you go...


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Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 17, 2009 at 3:25 AM

    How wonderful! I'm left in a perfectly halloween mood :)

    That Agatha Christie Novel sounds great! I love her.

    Stop by my blog for some more Halloween treats!

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  2. AnonymousOctober 17, 2009 at 7:17 AM

    Love this post! Now I am hungry for a caramel apple while reading this book! :-)

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  3. Teacup MosaicsOctober 17, 2009 at 8:25 AM

    Don't you just love the scary but beautiful halloween season. You have captured it just right. BOO to you!

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  4. Rainey J. DillonOctober 17, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    Greetings Deary from Ireland and what a great party that is being conjured by all!
    Thankyou for your scrummy recipes& delicious pictures..I want to lick the screen!

    Wugs (witchy Hugs)
    And may Magic Always Soar in your Heart

    Rainey

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  5. MaggiOctober 17, 2009 at 9:07 AM

    Muwahahahahahaha!

    What an intriguing mystery and I love the carved pumpkin! Your candy apples were delicious! Thank you for a hauntingly good party!

    I'm visiting from Beyond to celebrate the spookiest Halloween blog party ever! I hope you are having a fang-tastic time today! You are cordially invited to share in the celebration at my party HERE. I do hope you'll stop by!

    Have a spook-tacular day!

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  6. Marie October 17, 2009 at 9:20 AM

    Thanks for the visual goodies feast, they look super yummy! And are giving me caramel cravings.

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  7. Such a Wondrous Place this Faery SpaceOctober 17, 2009 at 9:34 AM

    Pretty place and fun post dear! Blessings.

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  8. ReneeOctober 17, 2009 at 9:45 AM

    Well done and what a beatuiful blog you have.

    Renee xoxo

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  9. Karin van DamOctober 17, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    I love Agatha Christie. Somehow, even with all the murders going on, her books feel comforting. Weird.. :-)

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  10. Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.comOctober 17, 2009 at 10:59 AM

    Mmmmmm......
    unfortunately I'm allergic to EVERYTHING so I can't try the recipe :-/ but lucky for me I'm not allergic to CHOCOLATE! And I have some right here... *comforts self*
    ♥ Maria-Thérèse parties at www.afiori.com ♥

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  11. ChickenbellsOctober 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM

    Thank you for such a lovely party! Those apples look divine indeed...don't mind if I grab one before leaving! Happy Halloween...

    http://foolsewoode.blogspot.com/2009/10/historically-halloween-has-been-time.html

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  12. ifthehatfitsbyjackieOctober 17, 2009 at 11:58 AM

    Devilishly Delicious! Those caramel apples really set the mood for Fall, even though our weather here is in the 80's!
    Thank for your booooootiful inspirations!

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  13. julietkOctober 17, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    Hi doing the Halloween party round, I loved your pictures and such yummy things to make :-)

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  14. LoriOctober 17, 2009 at 12:19 PM

    Happy Halloween to you. I love those candy apples! I love your blog as well. I'll be back! I'm off to haunt more blogs!

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  15. AnonymousOctober 17, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    Happy Party! :)
    http://carolinescrafts-carolinejones.blogspot.com/

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  16. DeborahOctober 17, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    OOoooooo I am loving your blog!!! Thanks for all the tip...just printed out the wreath. The recipe I used for my carmel apples had heavy whipping cream added, and it said to stir briskly...well, what they meant was FRANTICALLY!!! Imagine the sound a tornado makes upon it approach! Do stop by my party and join Alice and Dead Bob. If you dare! **kisskiss** Deborah

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  17. mendytexasOctober 17, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    I am visiting with friends and enjoying your beautiful apples! Your party is fabulous! Thank you for including me. :)mendy

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  18. Julie RanaeOctober 17, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    Yummy, yummy food! Very tasty...great Party!

    http://juliesopenwindow.blogspot.com

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  19. Twyla and LindseyOctober 17, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    Ooh, I love candy apples and I enjoyed your party. Thanks for inviting me. Have a magical weekend! Twyla

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  20. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiOctober 17, 2009 at 2:51 PM

    I enjoyed your party! Candy apples were always a favorite Halloween treat when I was a child.

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  21. Whisperings 13October 17, 2009 at 3:03 PM

    What yummy apples! pure sticky goodness!
    Agatha is the best! I spent hours as a child with my nose stuck between those pages!

    Happy Hauntings!
    Tracey

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  22. UnknownOctober 17, 2009 at 3:30 PM

    Oh!! Candy corn, caramel apples, a decorated pumpkin...what more can one ask for! Great post, thank you for sharing with us.

    When you get a chance hop over to my blog to continue celebrating :)

    Vania

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  23. AnonymousOctober 17, 2009 at 4:51 PM

    Happy Halloween awesome post and those apples!

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  24. Oliva OhlsonOctober 17, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    What is a Halloween party without Caramel Apples! Yummily sticky! Love Agatha Christie books!

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  25. UnknownOctober 17, 2009 at 8:22 PM

    Oh, now this is a party. Look at this spread and thanks so much for including the recipes. Happy Halloween!
    Karen

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  26. LYNDY WARDOctober 17, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    Greetings & Salutations, just flying by to see all your pretties & say hello.

    Thought I'd leave my Halloween Party Extravaganza & Giveaway Link:
    http://todaysgold.blogspot.com/2009/10/lady-lyndy-sorceress-of-light-halloween.html

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY...

    Cosmic Blessings With Love & Joy, Lyndy

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  27. Yarni Gras!October 17, 2009 at 9:30 PM

    I'm intrigued...now I'll have to go get that book!

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  28. jewelstreetOctober 17, 2009 at 10:13 PM

    That wreath is both adorable and amazing! Love Agatha Christie, and that is one of my favorites of hers.

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  29. ShellOctober 17, 2009 at 11:19 PM

    I loved how your combined Agatha Christie and Halloween. I remember how i use to love reading her books.

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  30. AwtemNymfOctober 17, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    I'm a fan of caramel apples! Mmmmmm! Thanks for the candy- I just ran out of candy corn and wanted some more (been nibbling on them all day *winks*)
    I flew in from Vanessa's Magical Party!
    I enjoyed my visit! <{:O)
    Be Enchanted!

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  31. JackieOctober 18, 2009 at 1:25 AM

    Very cool party...mmmm those apples look so good!!!!!!!

    I hope you have a frightfully good Halloween...hApPY hAunTinG!
    http://www.chicscraps.blogspot.com/

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  32. ClaudiaOctober 18, 2009 at 1:28 AM

    Ahhh Yes Agatha... ;)

    What a great celebration! Please stop by and while they might be a bit on the slacking side, come see some of the cutest Witches on the planet! Would love for you to stop by if you have a moment.

    http://www.dipityroad.com

    TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

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  33. SueannOctober 18, 2009 at 6:14 AM

    I had a fang-tastic time at your party and I think I will munch on the caramel apple if you please! Yummy! Thanks ever so much for the recipe!! Come by my party!! We are still going on
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  34. PixieOctober 18, 2009 at 8:04 AM

    Thanks for inviting me, sorry I'm late!

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  35. Ana BalbinotOctober 18, 2009 at 9:51 AM

    Happy Halloween! Come on to my party!The tradution of My blog's name is "The beauty of everithing"...
    Xoxo

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  36. MJ OrnamentsOctober 18, 2009 at 11:34 AM

    Thanks for the party, and the book sounds great. Pop on over to my party and see if you can solve the mystery! Happy Halloween! Take care, Martha

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  37. Decor To AdoreOctober 18, 2009 at 12:10 PM

    Your images are hauntingly bootiful. Have a spooktacular day!

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  38. Lynn StevensOctober 18, 2009 at 12:34 PM

    yummy yummy halloween apples, Hope you stop by my party as well.!

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  39. AnonymousOctober 18, 2009 at 1:45 PM

    Agatha Christie, a fun wreath and sweet treats! What more can a girl ask for?

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  40. UnknownOctober 18, 2009 at 6:31 PM

    Hi, Wonderful Halloween post! Great Halloween decorations! Happy Halloween to you!

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  41. beachvintage.comOctober 18, 2009 at 9:32 PM

    I love those cute miniature sweets.

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  42. ChrisOctober 18, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    I love Agatha, and I love reading and mysteries and caramel apples and candy corn! So this was a fabulous time for me. Thank you!

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  43. http://afancifultwist.typepad.comOctober 18, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    Those candy apples make me insane!! I LOVE THEM!! Oh wonderful treats you share!!

    Bwuahahahaaaa, thank you for being a delightful part of the festivites!

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  44. DeborahOctober 19, 2009 at 4:46 AM

    Girl, you are making me some hungry right about now when I should be in bed. Scrumptious pictures!

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  45. KristalOctober 19, 2009 at 7:34 AM

    Your photos are divine, especially the caramel apples, my favorite! I think this is my first time to visit your blog, I think I will take a few minutes and look around.

    Happy Haunting!

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  46. queen-of-nostalgiaOctober 19, 2009 at 8:17 AM

    OH! I love Dame Agatha too! Great goodies ;) If you haven't stopped for a visit, hop on your broom and come to my party!

    Cheers!
    Kristen

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  47. Stella Dora von SwineburgOctober 19, 2009 at 8:31 AM

    Thank you for the caramel apple, it was delicious!
    Come over to my party and giveaway at
    http://stelladorasdiary.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-bash-and-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  48. SewPaperPaintOctober 19, 2009 at 10:13 AM

    Yummy goodies! Thanks for the party!
    http://autumnsantics.blogspot.com/2009/10/frightful-soiree.html
    ~ Autumn Clark

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  49. HeatherOctober 19, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    Oh man, that's an Agatha Christie I haven't read yet!

    I'll have to see if I can find it!

    Thanks for the great party!

    Please stop by my party for fun and a giveaway!

    http://littlebearries.blogspot.com/2009/10/come-in-come-in.html

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  50. JorgelinaOctober 19, 2009 at 12:51 PM

    What yummy apples!
    Happy Halloween !
    Boooooooooooooo

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  51. AnonymousOctober 19, 2009 at 9:27 PM

    Luv those candy apples!

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  52. CandaceOctober 19, 2009 at 11:10 PM

    Yummy. This is the type party I do so love. Food and books. LOL.
    Have a great great Halloween!

    Candace in Athens (EyeCandy)

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  53. Chris October 20, 2009 at 8:36 AM

    Fab party. Happy Hauntings. I love candy corn, so Ill defintely be taking some as I go

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