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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I've read a lot of Agatha Christie books at this point (but still have so many left! She was a gift) and this has to be one of my favorite so far. This was also the first of her novels I've not read by audiobook, and I liked it! (I do still love the indulgent feeling I get from listening to a Christie by audio, especially if it's Dan Stevens reading it to me.) I will probably pepper in a few hard copies here and there as I make my way through her work.
The premise here is that Hercule Poirot takes on a serial killer, or rather, the serial killer takes on Poirot. Hastings, the boob, is back in town from Argentina and is hanging around, also, so that's a treat. He narrates the book and is appropriately clueless and as always makes a nice foil for Poirot. Poirot is sent a letter by a killer saying that there will be a murder in Andover, and daring Poirot to solve it. The murder indeed occurs, a woman named Alice Ascher, despite the police taking no stock in Poirot's letter. When a second murder occurs in Bexhill with a victim whose name begins with 'B', Poirot's hunch is confirmed. The killer is working the alphabet. The question is, why?
As always, Christie is too clever for me, and the conceit here is one I haven't seen before, and if it's been copied, I haven't seen that either. I was very curious to see how she dealt with the topic of serial killers, as it's not one she's known for, but she handled it beautifully, and book still feels like a classic whodunit despite the more sensational type of the murders. The cast of characters here was also particularly good, and the structure of the murders also lent a structure to the book that was both satisfying and played right into Christie's hands.
Was almost tempted to give this five stars, but I think I would have needed some emotional oomph for that to happen. Still, this is as close as you can get.
[4.5 stars]
The premise here is that Hercule Poirot takes on a serial killer, or rather, the serial killer takes on Poirot. Hastings, the boob, is back in town from Argentina and is hanging around, also, so that's a treat. He narrates the book and is appropriately clueless and as always makes a nice foil for Poirot. Poirot is sent a letter by a killer saying that there will be a murder in Andover, and daring Poirot to solve it. The murder indeed occurs, a woman named Alice Ascher, despite the police taking no stock in Poirot's letter. When a second murder occurs in Bexhill with a victim whose name begins with 'B', Poirot's hunch is confirmed. The killer is working the alphabet. The question is, why?
As always, Christie is too clever for me, and the conceit here is one I haven't seen before, and if it's been copied, I haven't seen that either. I was very curious to see how she dealt with the topic of serial killers, as it's not one she's known for, but she handled it beautifully, and book still feels like a classic whodunit despite the more sensational type of the murders. The cast of characters here was also particularly good, and the structure of the murders also lent a structure to the book that was both satisfying and played right into Christie's hands.
Was almost tempted to give this five stars, but I think I would have needed some emotional oomph for that to happen. Still, this is as close as you can get.
[4.5 stars]
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
My rating might not be accurate since I already knew who was the murderer before reading. However, it was still an enjoyable book to read.
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the narrative being split between Hastings and the third person.
Good ending that wrapped everything up nicely.
Good ending that wrapped everything up nicely.
mysterious
tense
fast-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
adventurous
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
Update:Reread 1/11/25 I think I actually liked this better on round 2.
After book 3 or so I was so ready for someone other than Hastings to narrate but maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder because now I'm always happy to see him back. If for no other reason than it being fun to laugh at his expense lol Poirot is funniest with Hastings in my opinion. I was happy to see the duo back together for this adventure. I love the concept of this book and I really enjoyed the story, but I'm not sure I was psyched about the twist. I do think it was very clever and well done as per usual though.
After book 3 or so I was so ready for someone other than Hastings to narrate but maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder because now I'm always happy to see him back. If for no other reason than it being fun to laugh at his expense lol Poirot is funniest with Hastings in my opinion. I was happy to see the duo back together for this adventure. I love the concept of this book and I really enjoyed the story, but I'm not sure I was psyched about the twist. I do think it was very clever and well done as per usual though.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated