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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
I never thought I’d read a bad Christie. Alas, this is indeed a bad read.
This was definitely one of the weirdest Poirot novels, and probably had the most events happen, but I think it might be the shortest Poirot on my shelf. It was very silly at times, especially closer to the end, but it was also really amusing and fun to read. There was some great lines, and some mysteries I was proud to have figured out myself earlier on! Definitely not the best, especially after how much the last one shook me (I am reading them all in order), but I was able to suspend my disbelief long enough to enjoy it.
I'm very confused about where Poirot and Hastings will go now, I assume the next books happen chronologically in the past but I've constantly been surprised at the differences between the series with David Suchet and the books themselves. I'm excited to read on, although I hope the next ones are a little bit more humble, and we don't see Poirot facing real action all the time but instead using his little grey cells.
I'm very confused about where Poirot and Hastings will go now, I assume the next books happen chronologically in the past but I've constantly been surprised at the differences between the series with David Suchet and the books themselves. I'm excited to read on, although I hope the next ones are a little bit more humble, and we don't see Poirot facing real action all the time but instead using his little grey cells.
Another twisty turny masterpiece from Christie - this time also featuring Hercule's twin brother Achille Poirot as they take on an international conspiracy.
Agatha Christie has given in to conspiracy theories in ‘The Big Four,’ pitting Hercule Poirot against a cabal of four evil geniuses out to control the world. “These four are banded together to destroy the existing social order,” Poirot deduces, “and to replace it with an anarchy in which they would reign as dictators” (160). The brilliant French physicist has developed a world-busting weapon, thanks to the American’s unlimited wealth. The stereotypical “Chinamen” contributes his criminal mind. And Number Four? He is a master of disguises who can be anywhere without anyone noticing. The only obstacle to their world domination is the little Belgian. The first half of the book consists of numerous confusing plots designed to get him out of the way, all of which fail, of course. When Poirot proactively takes matters into his own hands, the book finally comes together. Poor Hastings is always a step behind Poirot’s little grey cells, and he ends up in perils as dire as Pauline’s, from which his partner always rescues him. There are several criminal lairs, many devious Chinese, and one Russian noblewoman duped by the Four. Nevertheless, Hastings remains ever-skeptical of the detective’s abilities: “Poirot’s vanity was of the case-hardened variety that could withstand all attacks,” he observes. “But I might have known it was impossible to diminish Hercule Poirot’s enthusiasm for his own methods” (189). Wade through the first half to get to the more cohesive and fun second half.
Personally, my least favorite agatha. It was written in a weird way, after researching the book, it was not intended to be a full novel but a magazine series and that it why the "cliff hangers" kept happening like a daily soap opera.
It pains me to say it, but this isn't Christie's best work. It feels kinda crammed together because it is. She wrote this one at a particularly rough time in her life after the death of her mother and the divorce request from her first husband. I *think* this one is even after her infamous disappearance.
Don't get me wrong. There are moments with Hastings and Poirot that I really liked, but the overarching concept of some international organization didn't work here any more than it did inPassenger to Frankfurt. And the racism, particularly toward the Chinese. Lawd. That I did not care for at all.
Anyhoo, the quest to read the Complete Works of Christis continues.
Don't get me wrong. There are moments with Hastings and Poirot that I really liked, but the overarching concept of some international organization didn't work here any more than it did inPassenger to Frankfurt. And the racism, particularly toward the Chinese. Lawd. That I did not care for at all.
Anyhoo, the quest to read the Complete Works of Christis continues.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
A weird mix. If you crossed Sherlock Holmes with James Bond and added Poirot and Hastings this is what you'd get. Odd as it is I loved it and read it in a couple days