Source: Publisher
Description: Agatha Christie's debut novel was also the first to feature Hercule Poirot, her famously eccentric Belgian detective.
A refugee of the Great War, Poirot has settled in England near Styles Court, the country estate of his wealthy benefactor, the elderly Emily Inglethorp. When Emily is poisoned and the authorities are baffled, Poirot puts his prodigious sleuthing skills to work. Suspects are plentiful, including the victim’s much younger husband, her resentful stepsons, her longtime hired companion, a young family friend working as a nurse, and a London specialist on poisons who just happens to be visiting the nearby village.
All of them have secrets they are desperate to keep, but none can outwit Poirot as he navigates the ingenious red herrings and plot twists that contribute to Agatha Christie's well-deserved reputation as the queen of mystery.
Genre: Mystery - Classic
Why I Picked This Book: I'm doing the Read Christie 2024 Challenge from Agatha Christie Ltd and this was the first pick.
My Impression: I think every time I reread this book I enjoy it and appreciate it more. There's something a bit thriller about reading Hercule Poirot's debut on the printed page and it gives me a little shiver every time. This is the first of what will become a classic Christie mystery. There is a variety of characters with varying amount of means and motive and so many threads to unravel.
This isn't the fastest paced mystery but it is entertaining from start to finish and keeps me guessing even though I know the end. I love seeing how Poirot's mind works and the exchanges between him and Hastings are always wonderful. This is such a good mystery with fantastic detective work and is the world's introduction to Hercule Poirot, Captain Hastings, and Inspector Japp.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course! I always enjoy reading a Christie mystery!
Would I Recommend this Book? Definitely! If you enjoy mysteries than you absolutely need to read this one.
Would I Recommend this Book? Definitely! If you enjoy mysteries than you absolutely need to read this one.
It's been many years since I read or probably reread this one. I did enjoy it and agree that it is a good introduction to Poirot, Hastings and Japp. What will you read next in your challenge? Just curious. LOL
ReplyDeleteI don't remember reading this one. I have to check if my library has it. It sounds great.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a huge mystery fan. Maybe I can find this one on audio for an upcoming trip.
ReplyDeleteI've read many of her Hercule Poirot mysteries, but I still haven't read this one. It is high on my list though. :D
ReplyDeleteI love Christie although I prefer Miss Marple. But they are all classic and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
Sounds wonderful and any book like this that you can delve into again and again and get more from it is great.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you continue to like this one!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this one. That challenge is perfect for you. 📘📙📗
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