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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
mysterious
tense
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
My most favourite of Agatha Christie’s works I have collected so far! Definitely thrilling and the final plot twist was so unexpected.
An odd one - this is a really strong Poirot book if you ignore the fact that Poirot is barely in it (he turns up on page 182, approximately 3/4 of the way through, proceeds to listen to everything that has happened before explaining the solution). He feels like an afterthought, brought in to wrap it all up and bring in some readers.
However, despite that, the actual story and intrigue is excellent. Wartime espionage, secret identities, a middle eastern revolution, a quaint English girls boarding school and some gems. The best of everything!
It all feels far more detailed than some Poirot stories, rich in plot, environment and location with a cracking opening sequence. The characters are classic Christie, creating an almost entirely female cast, filled with a wonderful cross section of personalities. You can read a lot of Christie's thoughts on her fellow women here. The private school setting works wonderfully and there's an awful lot to like throughout.
So, despite not really being a Poirot story, this is Christie at her best. Well worth reading for a riveting story, a great intrigue and a lovely school setting.
However, despite that, the actual story and intrigue is excellent. Wartime espionage, secret identities, a middle eastern revolution, a quaint English girls boarding school and some gems. The best of everything!
It all feels far more detailed than some Poirot stories, rich in plot, environment and location with a cracking opening sequence. The characters are classic Christie, creating an almost entirely female cast, filled with a wonderful cross section of personalities. You can read a lot of Christie's thoughts on her fellow women here. The private school setting works wonderfully and there's an awful lot to like throughout.
So, despite not really being a Poirot story, this is Christie at her best. Well worth reading for a riveting story, a great intrigue and a lovely school setting.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
A bit too theatrical and Bond like, but charming
3.5 stars. Would've been higher, except Poirot doesn't appear until nearly the end. Also, the casual racism is a bit off-putting to this modern reader, even though it was likely quite usual in the time period in which it was written. Other than that, it's a quick, thrilling read.