Helpful Score: 1
The first time through, I felt this mystery was one of Christie's most unfair, as it rests on a visual clue. Because I felt that way, I remembered the solution the second time through perfectly, and then I was able to see that Christie gave every possible hint, and the failing was mine -- I simply do not try to picture things as I read, so I missed all of the ways Christie gave the mystery away. After discovering that, i was very impressed by this mystery. It was extremely clever, had some fun characters, and (always a plus for me) no Hastings whatsoever. Definitely a good holiday read for fans of Poirot!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, as are all of Christie's work, just FYI -- this book was also published as "Murder for Christmas."
Helpful Score: 1
Nice, well-rounded mystery. Not Christie's best, but still a good read.
Poor Poirot! He thinks he is to spend a quiet Christmas with his friend, a chief constable. Not so! On Christmas Eve they are called to the scene of the dastardly murder of a local curmudgeon and family despot. This elderly churl has gathered his family under the pretext of a reunion to once again torment and humiliate them, which he does successfully before he gets his just deserts. His violent demise leaves everyone with motive and opportunity. But, never fear Hercule is one the scene to outwit the culprit which, after a rather convoluted denouement, he does. I voted for a rather extraordinary suicide, although an Orient Express outcome would also have been an option. Boy, was I fooled! You may be too if you are not an absolute virtuoso on Poirots analytical processes.
I had actually read this book years ago and had forgotten the details of it. As I commented to some family members, I was truly surprised by the ending--hats off to Agatha Christie again!--and enjoyed the read throughout.
I am discovering Agatha Christie at this late date and finding the stories more involving than I thought. Dated yes, but the mystery and it's execution are really good, as is the writing. This is her only Christmas book and is a later Poirot. I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed. A fun read.
