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jeet_the_maiden's review against another edition
4.0
It's so interesting to read shorter stories of Poirot, getting more acquainted with his personality and style, and reading about England around the end of WWI.
megjobethamy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
nickdablin's review against another edition
4.0
A thoroughly enjoyable collection of short mysteries starring Poirot, whose fussy mannerisms and dry humour surely make him one of Agatha Christie's greatest inventions.
Some stories have aged badly, others feel contrived or forced, but overall there are far more hits than misses. The better stories are the somewhat longer ones, where characters have more room to breathe, and there is space to allow for more believable developments. The endings of the shortest stories often feel abrupt, and are among the most contrived.
But what really appealed to me and kept me reading was the sheer variety of stories. There are murders in many forms, locked room mysteries, jewel thefts, political plots, fraud - all manner of crimes in all manner of situations, and with consistently interesting characters throughout. The short story format means you are never left confused for too long with any of the mysteries, and they're all eminently cosy. Even if you get to one of the weaker stories, there's usually a better one on the following page. Great fun!
Some stories have aged badly, others feel contrived or forced, but overall there are far more hits than misses. The better stories are the somewhat longer ones, where characters have more room to breathe, and there is space to allow for more believable developments. The endings of the shortest stories often feel abrupt, and are among the most contrived.
But what really appealed to me and kept me reading was the sheer variety of stories. There are murders in many forms, locked room mysteries, jewel thefts, political plots, fraud - all manner of crimes in all manner of situations, and with consistently interesting characters throughout. The short story format means you are never left confused for too long with any of the mysteries, and they're all eminently cosy. Even if you get to one of the weaker stories, there's usually a better one on the following page. Great fun!
makaylia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
knfitzwater's review against another edition
Thought it was like Sherlock Holmes and I was wrong. The author has her own style that is more lighthearted and witty. I want to come back to finish this when I have the chance.
amykastigar's review against another edition
4.0
A mixed bag...some really clever stories, some fairly dull. But what I can say for certain is have back-up listens to mix between stories....35 straight hours of Poirot is too much even for the most devoted Christie fan!
teadrinking_bibliophile's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
rumbledethumps's review against another edition
5.0
I had only ever read Poirot novels, and now realize that, like Sherlock Holmes, much of the great Poirot work is in these short stories.