You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
Read in preparation for A Haunting in Venice. And based on the trailer it has nothing to do with this book…
I was very curious how this book would compare to the other Poirot novels I’ve read considering this is a much later book than I am used to. In a way, it is charming how little difference there is, but at the same time it almost feels as if Christie had put more weight to this story.
I really love the bookends to this story. Contrary to the title, only the first 30 pages or so of this story is spooky. The party itself felt very Halloween, however, that vibe quickly evaporates once Poirot is introduced. That said, I wasn’t expecting the ending to be like a Greek tragedy and references to fallen gods. That’s pretty heavy.
I’m kinda mad at myself for not giving myself time to figure it out. I’d say I got 50% of it right, but the part of the story I was mulling over to fill my gaps happened fairly close to the end so I didn’t give it a proper think until it was revealed. I really enjoyed how convoluted it got and then the short breakdown Poirot gives in the final pages simplifies everything so exquisitely. I maybe wanted more in the denouement, but I’m not mad about that.
I think this is my 8th Poirot book and it easily ranks high.
I was very curious how this book would compare to the other Poirot novels I’ve read considering this is a much later book than I am used to. In a way, it is charming how little difference there is, but at the same time it almost feels as if Christie had put more weight to this story.
I really love the bookends to this story. Contrary to the title, only the first 30 pages or so of this story is spooky. The party itself felt very Halloween, however, that vibe quickly evaporates once Poirot is introduced. That said, I wasn’t expecting the ending to be like a Greek tragedy and references to fallen gods. That’s pretty heavy.
I’m kinda mad at myself for not giving myself time to figure it out. I’d say I got 50% of it right, but the part of the story I was mulling over to fill my gaps happened fairly close to the end so I didn’t give it a proper think until it was revealed. I really enjoyed how convoluted it got and then the short breakdown Poirot gives in the final pages simplifies everything so exquisitely. I maybe wanted more in the denouement, but I’m not mad about that.
I think this is my 8th Poirot book and it easily ranks high.
Another Poirot that fooled me. I would like to get it right just once.
Ein solider Krimi, der sich gut lesen lässt.
Merged review:
Ein solider Krimi, der sich gut lesen lässt.
Merged review:
Ein solider Krimi, der sich gut lesen lässt.
fast-paced
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not my favourite Poirot but I did find myself drawn into the small village and trying to figure out the murderer - some of which I managed to unravel before Poirot. There’s a lot said about this book, I think particularly that the victim(s) is a child. And Christie’s attempts to make her unlikable and an unsympathetic victim ultimately failed for me. There’s also a lot of interesting perceptions of “young people” and the modernising of society that I found interesting. There are some rather dull sections about gardening which I recommend skipping over. I really enjoyed listening to Robin Stevens discuss this on the Tea & Murder podcast which I recommend after reading. And also looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation which I think will be quite different.
So this would have been an easy 4 star read if it hadnt been for the emphasis and imo dogpiling on the "mental illness = violent/criminal = belongs in asylum away from "good society".
I get that it was a nod to the actual character of the murderer, who turns out to be a narcissist. But imo that point could have been made differently. I strongly suspect it is a product of its time.
I found some "societal observations" quite fitting for "todays kids" as well (less behaved / respectful/more prone to ennui and destruction/coddled kids get up to mischief).
Generally, the plot was nicely set up, the characters were well fleshed out. The mystery unfolded and was explored in a not-rushed manner and there was no shenanigans going on that veered into uncanny valley. Nothing too over the top, but also nothing cookie-cutter boring.
I get that it was a nod to the actual character of the murderer, who turns out to be a narcissist. But imo that point could have been made differently. I strongly suspect it is a product of its time.
I found some "societal observations" quite fitting for "todays kids" as well (less behaved / respectful/more prone to ennui and destruction/coddled kids get up to mischief).
Generally, the plot was nicely set up, the characters were well fleshed out. The mystery unfolded and was explored in a not-rushed manner and there was no shenanigans going on that veered into uncanny valley. Nothing too over the top, but also nothing cookie-cutter boring.
Perfect little mystery with all the Halloween party vibes! For fans of Agatha Christie and readers who haven’t read her before - check this one out!
“One forgets that what may seem insignificant can sometimes be the key to the whole mystery.”
I guessed the plot twist yeey
I guessed the plot twist yeey