Take a photo of a barcode or cover
absireads 's review for:
Peril at End House
by Agatha Christie
I liked this one, overall. It stars the clever Hercule Poirot -- still clever, still Belgian -- and the steadfast Hastings once again serves as our narrator. It felt nice to read about the sun-drenched Cornish coast in summer, whilst I sat in lockdown on a grey January day. The characters were suitably mysterious and full of secrets, and the novel had all of the 1930s vibes that I long for in an Agatha Christie mystery -- cocktails, silk dresses, parties, extended stays in luxury hotels. I thought I had worked out this mystery before the end, though of course, I hadn't. I did feel a bit smart, though, because I had worked out a small part of it, and I had given consideration to the actual conclusion. But largely, no. Poirot, mon ami, those grey cells!
I would note, this novel includes several unfortunate references to Jewish stereotypes and others -- they really stood out to me this time. I know other Christie books have outdated, negative stereotypes, but they really irked me reading this book. More than usual. The ending was pretty clever, but until the mystery reveal I felt certain I'd give this book three stars, in large part because of these stereotypes. And of course, the last moment recalled a bit of a stereotype, too. *Sigh*
I would note, this novel includes several unfortunate references to Jewish stereotypes and others -- they really stood out to me this time. I know other Christie books have outdated, negative stereotypes, but they really irked me reading this book. More than usual. The ending was pretty clever, but until the mystery reveal I felt certain I'd give this book three stars, in large part because of these stereotypes. And of course, the last moment recalled a bit of a stereotype, too. *Sigh*