Reviews

"Every one of you in this room is concealing something from me [...] Each one of you has something to hide."

My second Christie novel under my belt and it was, of course, a pleasure! I managed to use my ‘little grey cells’ and solve it this time, although a lot of it was on a hunch.

Naturally, Hercule Poirot was a highlight - it would be difficult for a vegetable marrow enthusiast not to be. His findings fueled the pace of the novel, regularly revealing little clues to draw your own conclusions with.

The parallels between Poirot and Caroline Sheppard were fun to read - both gifted in harvesting village folk activity but differing in approach. Poirot's eye was in the small details and variables, giving little away and preferring his suspects to do the talking. Caroline, on the other hand, was unabashedly opinionated and quick to tell you her theories, allowing no room for disagreement. In a novel where many characters were unforthcoming and suspicious, Poirot and Caroline were authentically themselves and served as the perfect comic relief!

It was tricky to rate this book, as although I enjoyed it, I didn't experience the same shock factor so many people have loved about it. What was an innovative twist at the time of publication is a device that has been used many times now and so is easier to consider than it would have been back in 1926. That being said, it was still another fabulous mystery full of tension and scandal and I am very much looking forward to my next AC instalment!

nisuomi's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I have read quite few Poirot books, but this had a very twist ending compared to others that I have read. Surprised me! Really good storytelling as well, that you would expect from master of mystery, Agatha Christie

fraggerbot's review against another edition

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5.0

★★★★½

So good! Agatha Christie tickles those little gray cells in a way that a reader would not see coming; Such a well-written narrative that distracts you, plants those small clues but still surprises in the end, like a brilliant magic trick!

“The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.”