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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
adventurous
slow-paced
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An unusual one this, as it takes the form of twelve separate cases with something in each that reminds Poirot of the twelve labours of Hercules.
Having only seen the excellent tv production with David Suchet as Poirot, this audio book was a bit of a revelation, as it is completely different, but I was really struck by the clever way they they used elements from the cases to make up an on-screen drama that works.
This has all the best features of the little Belgian detective, and is rather quirky, but I think I would have preferred a full blown case rather than what is, in actuality, a set of short stories. Still worth your time though!
Having only seen the excellent tv production with David Suchet as Poirot, this audio book was a bit of a revelation, as it is completely different, but I was really struck by the clever way they they used elements from the cases to make up an on-screen drama that works.
This has all the best features of the little Belgian detective, and is rather quirky, but I think I would have preferred a full blown case rather than what is, in actuality, a set of short stories. Still worth your time though!
I loved this book. Quite unexpectedly, as I have not enjoyed Christie's short stories up to this point. These were much more focused. Poirot got straight to the point, and was allowed to make his extravagant guesses with less proof. I'm not one who disapproves of Christie's neatness, which is very much this book, so keep that in mind. Otherwise the theme was wonderful and so well executed. Poirot was very true to brand, and we got a smattering of recurring characters being their wonderful selves.
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Only the pompous Poirot would hear someone say "see you in hell" and assume they mean London.
Christie's The Labors of Hercules is a funny assortment. Only the Queen of Mystery would compile an anthology ranging from stories about coping with insanity and suicidal thoughts, and stories about the suburban search of an obsessive Pekinese thief (and by that I mean a stealer of dogs, not a criminal Pekinese - although it might be interesting to see if Poirot's understanding of the human mind also works on canids).
That was an ugly digression.
As with all Christie anthologies (and certainly all anthologies in general), some of the stories within the collection were better than others. A couple of them would have been interesting enough to develop into full novels. Christie's always been wonderful at giving her characters character whether the story is 400 pages or 40.
Conclusively, I wouldn't choose this as an entry point into the series, but it's a fun read for seasoned fans if you can manage to get your hands on it.
Just a social commentary note: I've noticed in several Christie novels and stories that the seriousness of suicide is treated relatively depending on the victim. For example, a non-criminal committing suicide because of loss or grief is considered an absolute tragedy. However, the suicide of a criminal in result of guilt or fear of retribution (even if the crime isn't as serious as murder) is considered noble and almost expected as 'the right thing to do'. I'm sure this mentality was a product of the time, but I find it really interesting (and a little disturbing, to be honest) in retrospect. This doesn't effect my view of Christie in any way, but I will be conscious of it moving forward with her novels.
Christie's The Labors of Hercules is a funny assortment. Only the Queen of Mystery would compile an anthology ranging from stories about coping with insanity and suicidal thoughts, and stories about the suburban search of an obsessive Pekinese thief (and by that I mean a stealer of dogs, not a criminal Pekinese - although it might be interesting to see if Poirot's understanding of the human mind also works on canids).
That was an ugly digression.
As with all Christie anthologies (and certainly all anthologies in general), some of the stories within the collection were better than others. A couple of them would have been interesting enough to develop into full novels. Christie's always been wonderful at giving her characters character whether the story is 400 pages or 40.
Conclusively, I wouldn't choose this as an entry point into the series, but it's a fun read for seasoned fans if you can manage to get your hands on it.
Just a social commentary note: I've noticed in several Christie novels and stories that the seriousness of suicide is treated relatively depending on the victim. For example, a non-criminal committing suicide because of loss or grief is considered an absolute tragedy. However, the suicide of a criminal in result of guilt or fear of retribution (even if the crime isn't as serious as murder) is considered noble and almost expected as 'the right thing to do'. I'm sure this mentality was a product of the time, but I find it really interesting (and a little disturbing, to be honest) in retrospect. This doesn't effect my view of Christie in any way, but I will be conscious of it moving forward with her novels.
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
Very enjoyable Hercule Poirot who embaerks on a quest to perform his own 12 labours of Hercules before he retires.
What I loved the most are Christie's portrayals of people. How she paints countryside women made me chuckle. How she lets Poirot voice her feminist views and her critcism on a certrain breed of women had me laugh out loud at times!
What I loved the most are Christie's portrayals of people. How she paints countryside women made me chuckle. How she lets Poirot voice her feminist views and her critcism on a certrain breed of women had me laugh out loud at times!
I loved the short story format and variety in the mysteries! It was so fun to see a different side to Poirot throughout. A 5 star read for me!
Plot: 4.75/5. This book is a series of 12 short stories that can be read standalone. It follows the theme of the 12 mythological labors of Hercules and our main detective Hercule Poirot takes on 12 cases that fit the theme. I loved all of them but did struggle with animal death in one of the short stories.
Pacing: 4.75/5. Well paced overall. The stories go quick and make you think. I really enjoyed them.
Character Development: 5/5. The best part! I loved the characters. I think they were exceptionally well done and liked learning more about Poirot.
Overall Rating: 5/5. I would absolutely recommend to a friend and plan to reread in the future.
Mood: mystery, short stories, quirky characters
TW: death, violence, suicide, substance use (alcohol and drugs), child abduction
Plot: 4.75/5. This book is a series of 12 short stories that can be read standalone. It follows the theme of the 12 mythological labors of Hercules and our main detective Hercule Poirot takes on 12 cases that fit the theme. I loved all of them but did struggle with animal death in one of the short stories.
Pacing: 4.75/5. Well paced overall. The stories go quick and make you think. I really enjoyed them.
Character Development: 5/5. The best part! I loved the characters. I think they were exceptionally well done and liked learning more about Poirot.
Overall Rating: 5/5. I would absolutely recommend to a friend and plan to reread in the future.
Mood: mystery, short stories, quirky characters
TW: death, violence, suicide, substance use (alcohol and drugs), child abduction
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced