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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Never in the previous books did I actively fear for Poirot's life, but here, this all changed. More than a murder mystery, this is a thriller, where Poirot is up against a shadowy global conspiracy. It's giving Bond vibes.
People have remarked that the chapters seem disjointed; and I agree, this flows a bit less than her other Poirot novels. Apparently, the chapters used to be short stories of sorts, that were then combined to form this novel. Over all, the plot is coherent, but the pacing is a bit difficult.
I found the plotline of a sinister conglomerate operating in the shadows very engaging, and, much like Hastings (who returned from South America for this story!), I was beginning to lose hope that even the great Poirot could get to them. The twists and counter-twists were maddening in the best way.
If my rating seems low (I don't think anything above 3 stars should be considered low), it's due to the pacing. The plot - and plotting! - I enjoyed immensely!
People have remarked that the chapters seem disjointed; and I agree, this flows a bit less than her other Poirot novels. Apparently, the chapters used to be short stories of sorts, that were then combined to form this novel. Over all, the plot is coherent, but the pacing is a bit difficult.
I found the plotline of a sinister conglomerate operating in the shadows very engaging, and, much like Hastings (who returned from South America for this story!), I was beginning to lose hope that even the great Poirot could get to them. The twists and counter-twists were maddening in the best way.
If my rating seems low (I don't think anything above 3 stars should be considered low), it's due to the pacing. The plot - and plotting! - I enjoyed immensely!
This isn't as clear cut as other Poirot cases, it feels almost like a lot of little stories tied together. Weirdly like a Bond film I'm grateful Christie didn't write more in this vein. I'm surprised I hadn't read it before but it's possible I tried once and gave up.
Het verhaal is eigenlijk heel vergezocht en maf. Maar ik heb me er wel uitbundig mee vermaakt.
Update januari 2023, bij deze lezing ben ik een stuk minder mild, het is namelijk echt een onzinnig verhaal zonder enig verband.
Update januari 2023, bij deze lezing ben ik een stuk minder mild, het is namelijk echt een onzinnig verhaal zonder enig verband.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A star-and-a-half awarded for Hastings being especially Hastings in this installment and having his intelligence insulted on every page by every character, be they main or tertiary, which is always a good time.
Stars docked for Christie aiming a little too high with this tale of global conspiracy / domination (small village murders are more in her wheelhouse), plus heaps of racist commentary / racist portrayals of Asian characters. Even considering the time period in which this was written, it was…a lot to take.
Stars docked for Christie aiming a little too high with this tale of global conspiracy / domination (small village murders are more in her wheelhouse), plus heaps of racist commentary / racist portrayals of Asian characters. Even considering the time period in which this was written, it was…a lot to take.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
The only reason I gave this book two stars is due to the small gem in here among all the "super villains," ridiculous disguises, and only the vaguest reference to the bad guys actual plans. This gem was Christie's blatant ripping off of, while simultaneously poking fun at, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. That was the one bright spot in this very *cough* unique novel of Miss Christie's.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/08/18/book-review-the-big-four-by-agatha-christie/
This particular novel by Agatha Christie isn’t exactly the best or the most logical novel.
Poirot and Hastings go on a international crime hunt.
There was just so many characters in this novel, like was that necessary? This novel felt more like a trying-to-be-thriller more than anything. It rushes off our of nowhere as well. Also, it was difficult enough keeping track of the four evil villains as usually its one and a sidekick.
Poirot seems to suit the private cases amongst a few people not an international one where there are too many characters who’s existence is not necessary.
This particular novel by Agatha Christie isn’t exactly the best or the most logical novel.
Poirot and Hastings go on a international crime hunt.
There was just so many characters in this novel, like was that necessary? This novel felt more like a trying-to-be-thriller more than anything. It rushes off our of nowhere as well. Also, it was difficult enough keeping track of the four evil villains as usually its one and a sidekick.
Poirot seems to suit the private cases amongst a few people not an international one where there are too many characters who’s existence is not necessary.
This kept me entertained, but it’s utterly ridiculous. There’s an identical twin gambit! Poirot gives a whole speech with a cigarette in his mouth and his hands bound! The villain-set is straight from Bond. Hastings is an idiot who apparently never sees his wife. And yet, Christie remains charming. (Lots and lots of politically incorrect references the Chinese, although not really racism.)