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3.29 AVERAGE
3.29 AVERAGE
I like this one way more than the first time I read it, understanding more about the conventions of the genre, and world history, than I did then. Plot-wise, I'd move it up to three stars at least. But it's still two stars because it's Just That Racist.
SOMEONE DARED TO CHALLENGE THE GREAT HERCULE POIROT!!!! He must stop this. And he does.
4 stars for the big four! This was a very interesting book, but I felt like it was missing the small details that make Poirot really shine. He felt hectic through the whole story and not quite himself. It was still good, but not as good as I’d hoped.
mysterious
slow-paced
Definitely one of, if not the weakest of Christie's Poirot novels. I'd read this years ago, and had seen the (mess that was the) TV adaptation in the meantime - and this was why I couldn't bring myself to resume Christie moreless chronologically for a while.
There is some good in there - some of the short stories within the novel are pretty enjoyable, as is the Achille subterfuge, but overall the main plot and the Big Four's reason for being together and wanting world domination is very weak and makes little sense. Some of her earlier spy/adventure books are enjoyable because their silliness is fun, but here the overall mood is darker, and the central premise never sits well.
There is some good in there - some of the short stories within the novel are pretty enjoyable, as is the Achille subterfuge, but overall the main plot and the Big Four's reason for being together and wanting world domination is very weak and makes little sense. Some of her earlier spy/adventure books are enjoyable because their silliness is fun, but here the overall mood is darker, and the central premise never sits well.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia
Not a mystery per se, but an interesting read nonetheless. As I'm working my way through the books, the recurring characters are developing more personality. Not one you'd read on its own, but definitely a must if reading Christie or even just the Poirot mysteries.
challenging
funny
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
This one had more of a far reaching, James Bond kind of plot. A little off the walls.
CW for racist language about Chinese people
CW for racist language about Chinese people