4/5 stars
Black Dog and Leventhal Publishers, 1939
271 pages
Adult Mystery
Source: Bought
I realized that it had been ages since I'd read an Agatha Christie and that I just happened to own one that had been left unread. Thus I set about to rectify the situation. The title meant nothing to me but it's apparently a quote from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" (which I am planning to read later this year!)
The book is divided into three parts.
I. This introduces all of the characters, including the setup for the story as flashing back from a trial, and concludes with someone dying, under suspicion of poison.
II. In this part, Hercule Poirot is brought in to investigate and we go over some evidence although nothing is revealed yet.
III. And in conclusion, we return to the trial where Poirot reveals what really happened. Did the police put the right person on trial? You'll have to read to find out!
As is usually the case in these Christie mysteries, the characters aren't particularly deep or memorable beyond Poirot's usual mannerisms (and his stupid egg-shaped head).
Did I solve the mystery? Well, I am utter crap at that so it will not be surprising to hear that I did not figure out the murderer or specific motive (although it's usually love or money and that was the case here). But I did feel a prickle of suspicion about one point that was crucial to Poirot's deductions. I couldn't manage to put everything together but at least I caught something.
Overall: I would not recommend this as your first introduction to Christie or Poirot but certainly worth a read for the die-hard fan.
Cover: I love, love, love these covers-I am collecting all of them!
I grew up in a house with a basement full of old Agatha Christie paperbacks, but I don't think I've ever seen this one!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
I haven't ever read an Agatha Christie book - which one should I put on my TBR list to start with?
ReplyDelete- Jessica @ Book Sake
"Did I solve the mystery? Well, I am utter crap at that so it will not be surprising to hear that I did not figure out the murderer or specific motive"
ReplyDeleteHahaha I'm so bad at figuring out mysteries too! I've basically stopped trying when I'm reading because I know whatever direction my mind goes is likely the opposite direction from where it should go if I wanted to solve the case. I am amazing ;-)
Wow, it's a Twelfth Night reference? I thought I knew that play backwards and forwards, but apparently not. O_O
ReplyDeleteI do love the covers for these editions!
Great review! I really need to read more of her books as she is one of my favorite authors! I have a bunch of them but I just never have time! Maybe next year when I clear out my schedule a little!
ReplyDeleteI usually can't figure out mysteries either.
ReplyDeleteI saw the film version of this story and then read the book. I actually own it too and it is the "newest" Poirot book I've read too. I don't remember what happened so I could probably read it again and be surprised :)
ReplyDeleteWow--it's been a while since I've read any Christie. Love her, though. And, no, I almost never solve the mystery. I'd make a terrible Miss Marple.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Agatha Christie in ages. I don't even remember the last one I read.
ReplyDeleteBut this one sounds good. And I don't ever figure out the murderer either. And like you, I really like the cover of this one!
Heather
LOL I am utter crap at solving mysteries as well. I do love reading Agatha Christie though!
ReplyDelete