All Poirot novels — The Agatha Christie Community Forum Archive

Murder on the Orient Express: The LEGO Version!

GKCfan — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 07:23:23 +0000

Kudos to the fan who created this LEGO version of the MOTOE trailer!

DEAD MAN'S FOLLY............

Rounak Ghosh — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 11:59:10 +0000

Unlike a lot of Agatha Christie books, it takes almost half of the book until someone is murdered. In her classic style of writing, Agatha Christie gives us plenty of possible suspects to choose from. I constantly was changing who I though knocked off the girl and couldn't quite figure out what had happened to Hattie Stubbs. Was she really as stupid as she appeared to be, or does a intelligent woman lurk in the shadows?I found all of this to be quite intriguing, as I do with most of Agatha Christie's novels. There is a list of the cast of characters at the beginning of the story with a brief description of each person. This is helpful for remembering who the characters are, since there are so many.As with all Hercule Poirot tales, I really enjoyed this one. I would have liked to have had more interaction with Hercule since I always enjoy his deductive reasoning, but I do realize that Detective-Inspector Bland is in charge of the case, not M. Poirot.Agatha Christie spins a wonderful yarn about a fake murder that turns out to be real in Dead Man's Folly, a must read for all murder mystery fans.

Sir George and Lady Hattie Stubbs, the hosts of a village fete, hit upon the novel idea of staging a mock murder mystery. In good faith, Ariadne Oliver, the well known crime writer, agrees to organize the Murder Hunt. Despite weeks of meticulous planning, at the last minute Ariadne calls her friend Hercule Poirot for his expert assistance.Instinctively, she suspects that something sinister is about to happen and wants the retired detective there under cover as the person who will hand out the prize to the winner, but is really there to prevent foul play. He soon discovers that the former owner of a Victorian mansion in Devonshire, Mrs. Folliat, still lives on the property, but sold the place to Sir George Stubbs because she could no longer afford the upkeep. During the fete, the 14-year old girl who was playing the victim in the Murder Hunt is found strangled, and Hattie Stubbs has also disappeared. Now, Poirot has to weave his magic and find out why the young girl was murdered and if Hattie is dead too.Dead Man's Folly is a classic Hercule Poirot murder mystery book by Agatha Christie. This story takes place after M. Poirot has retired. The cast of characters includes: Hercule Poirot, Miss Lemon, Mrs. Ariadne Oliver, Superintendent Baldwin, Miss Amanda Brewis, Detective-Inspector Bland, Elsa, Amy and James Folliat, Marilyn Gale, Robert Hoskins, Alec and Peggy Legge, Mrs. Connie Masterton, Major Merall, Merdell, Etienne de Sousa, Sir George and Lady Hattie Stubbs, Marilyn and Marlene Tucker, Captain Jim Warburton, Michael Weyman.

Cat Among The Pigeons.

ianthepoet — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 16:13:16 +0000

I finished Cat Among the Pigeons, I found it to be an intriguing read, and didn't know who the killer was until it was revealed. I found it to be an acceptable and believable story from start to finish. I hate SPOILERS so I will not reveal anything here about who was the killer.

Ending of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Epona — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 04:45:08 +0000

SPOILERS!! I just finished TMORA and loved it, but I simply don’t get the ending. I understand that the doctor is going to commit suicide rather than face prosecution for the blackmailing and the murder. But other than that, I don’t understand what his suicide accomplishes. The mere fact of his suicide will confirm his guilt, and it won’t save Caroline from shame; it will avoid the spectacle of a trial is all. I also didn’t understand the point of his manuscript and was confused by Poirot insisting that in the manuscript Ralph Paton could not be guilty of anything. I thought the manuscript was supposed to be the actual story — which was a very good one — so why would Poirot issue the caution about Ralph Paton?

Rest in Peace, Albert Finney

GKCfan — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 01:10:15 +0000

Sad news. Albert Finney, who was Oscar-nominated for playing Poirot in the 1974 version of Murder on the Orient Express has passed away.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-47175304

John Malkovich to play Poirot in THE ABC MURDERS!

GKCfan — Wed, 23 May 2018 21:50:16 +0000

Please discuss your reactions:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/john-malkovich-take-role-hercule-12585396
(Note: Sometimes that link doesn't work, but the same article can be found here: https://europe.easybranches.com/ireland/John-Malkovich-to-take-on-role-of-Hercule-Poirot-in-new-BBC-murder-mystery-381639)

Also, Rupert Grint, Andrew Buchan, and Tara Fitzgerald are cast in supporting roles. Further casting will be announced later.

Trying to find a novel

SantiagoReinosa — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:51:26 +0000

I have never been an Agatha Christie reader. Recently i've seen the movies starred by David Suchet, and I like them.

I'm trying to find a novel in which Poirot is talking with a couple in the garden of a big "castle", and they are talking about nonsense, and start saying names and their nicknames. Like Robert, Bob, Jack, etc.

I hope that someone can help me.

Thanks from Spain.

#ReadChristie2019– January Book of the Month– THE ABC MURDERS

GKCfan — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 09:50:46 +0000

Welcome to the first month of #ReadChristie2019! (https://www.agathachristie.com/news/2019/read-christie-2019).

We're talking about The ABC Murders here. Feel free to talk about the original novel, the recent BBC adaptation, and all the other adaptations of the story here, and please start any other threads on specific themes that you like. Thanks!

HICKORY DICKORY DOCK

edubeltran — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:20:49 +0000

I read it again last weekend, maybe fifteen years after the last time I did it. As happened with Murder in Mesopotamia, I found it quite enjoyable and better than I remembered. The only think I can argue it's not top-quality Christie (apart from the silly title, which sounds quite bad and does not make any favour to the story) is the bit far-fetched plan SPOILER as it is quite unbelievable that the rucksack strategy can go on indefinitely in all airports, always finding someone with the same exact one. Anyway, another thing that stroke me: how on Earth did Poirot guess that SPOILER Mrs Vanilos was Valerie's mother? No clue or explanation is given anywhere

Sarah Phelps to adapt The ABC Murders

Miranda — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:23:02 +0000

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a853308/bbcs-agatha-christie-writer-drops-first-hint-about-new-poirot-tv/
This bit is quite scary:

quote - Asked by Digital Spy how she felt about approaching the iconic character, Phelps explained: "I've never read a Poirot, and I've never watched a Poirot, so for me, this is all about asking who he is. That's all I've got to say."

David Suchet as Salvador Dali

GKCfan — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 19:21:42 +0000

David Suchet's Poirot mustache now has some competition for "most distinctive mustache" of his career... https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/david-suchet-salvador-dali-urban-myths-extraordinary-man-ive-played-529674/

Worst Poirot Novel

lachy.a.w — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 22:39:36 +0000

What did everyone think the worst Poirot novel was? I haven't read too many so I can't really choose yet but I've heard that The Big Four, The Clocks and Third Girl aren't great. Thoughts?

DECEMBER 2018 BOOK OF THE MONTH: HERCULE POIROT'S CHRISTMAS!

GKCfan — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:39:43 +0000

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing says "Happy Christmas!" like a miserable, lecherous old man getting his throat cut in a locked room! Join us in reading this classic Poirot story of a dysfunctional family, stolen diamonds, and long-hidden secrets over the holidays!

Gal Gadot to play Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle!

GKCfan — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 20:13:35 +0000

Gal Gadot to play Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle in upcoming Death on the Nile!
https://deadline.com/2018/09/gal-gadot-death-on-the-nile-movie-1202473170/

Death on the Nile Movie Casting

GKCfan — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 07:34:13 +0000

Now that we know that Kenneth Branagh will probably be returning as Poirot in Death on the Nile, please share your thoughts on who you think should be cast in the movie.

Simon Doyle

Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle

Jacqueline De Bellefort

Cornelia Robson
Andrew Pennington
Tim Allerton
Joanna Southwood

Mrs. Allerton

Jim Fanthorp

Rosalie Otterbourne

Mrs. Salome Otterbourne

Lord Windlesham

Mrs. Van Schuyler

Miss Bowers

Colonel Race

Signor Guido Richetti

Mr. Ferguson

Louise Bourget

Fleetwood

Dr. Bessner

"Fixing" HALLOWE'EN PARTY

JRF — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 23:45:20 +0000

Spoiler Alert! This discussion contains revealing detailing about Hallowe'en Party.

While I have read all of Agatha Christie books, there are a select number that I love to re-read. A Murder is Announced, Murder is Easy, Funerals are Fatal - these, among others, hold a special place in my affections. Perfect mysteries. Perfect characterizations. Perfect murders. Perfect motives. Perfect resolutions.

An anomaly among my list of favourites has always been Hallowe'en Party, a later Agatha Christie title that almost never figures as a fan favourite. And i can see why -- you have an out-of-left field resolution, repetitive dialogue, muddled characterizations, an over reliance on co-incidence and plot holes you could drive a truck through. Cases in point:

* A resolution that fingers two characters who don't have even one interaction in the story

* A never-ending barrage of characters sounding off about England deinstitutionalizing mental patients

* A lazy plot contrivance about a forged will, without any real sense as to why

* A murder in retrospective plot with lots of murder potentials (a school teacher, a legal clerk) but one that ignores the most obvious (man with polio struck by a car)

* A confusing timeline (did the aunt die before or after the man with polio was struck by a car?)

* A poor depiction of mothers (Joyce's and Miranda's)

Despite its flaws, I love Hallowe'en Party. I love the Hallowe'en theme. I love Ariadne Oliver in the book. I love the concept (boastful child says she has witnessed a murder and then is murdered herself). I love the garden. I love Hercule's description of Michael when he first meets him in the garden. I love Mrs. Llewellyn-Smythe (though she doesn't even appear in the book). I love half of the murder resolution (the one involving a vase).

It seems likely to me that as one of her later book, Ms. Christie tripped up in executing what I think could have been one of her best. In the hopes that I don't raise the wrath of her fans, part of me wishes that it could be possible to go in to "fix" some of the elements of the novel that make it less than perfect. This is what I would fix:

* the confusing time-line

* I would have the two murderers meet

* I would rejig the character of Miranda's mother and her relationship to Michael

Would others like to see a "fixed" Hallowe'en Party?

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.

Tommy_A_Jones — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:14:37 +0000

I have just finished One, Two, Buckle my Shoe and I read something about Keys, Did Morley's Patient's have keys to get into the Building and if so why and was this something that used to happen?

Book club / Buddy reading in London

gowoon — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 23:06:43 +0000

Surprisingly there isn't a single Agatha Christie book club in London. Anyone is interested in forming an off-line book club or start a buddy reading with me? I will start reading all Poirot novels in order of publication. Just let me know if you'd like to join me!

what is your favorite Poirot?

rabbity300 — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 07:45:51 +0000

When it comes to the little,Belgian detective, what is your favorite one ? On holiday in Egypt or maybe down in Cornwall dealing with lies and drugs. What ever it is what is yours?

AUGUST 2018 BOOK OF THE MONTH– APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH

GKCfan — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 21:37:36 +0000

Appointment With Death is the book of the month for August 2018! Let's hear what you all think about it!

https://www.agathachristie.com/news/2018/book-of-the-month-appointment-with-death

In Defence of The Big Four

Miss Sainsbury Seale — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 13:33:20 +0000

While commenting on the Worst Poirot Novel topic, it struck me that lots of people don't like The Big Four much. Yet is one of my favourites. I am all too aware of its faults - it really does read like a series of short stories which have been rather desperately threaded together, which of course is what it is. Yet I find it genuinely thrilling. There is a sense of danger throughout for me and at times it makes me feel sad, other times makes me smile. I reread it a lot and have listened to the audiobook several times.

I don't want to say much more at the moment. I am new here, and not entirely sure of what is acceptable to reveal about a book's plot. But I wondered if there is anyone else out there who likes The Big Four?

The Orient Express (only for those who have already read it)

LukeMcLAren — Wed, 11 May 2016 05:09:04 +0000

I have just finished reading the Orient Express and I felt a slight disappointment when it came to the end. However I still think that it is a marvelous book. The reason i felt disappointed is because normally Hercule Poirot is on justice's side and no matter what the conditions were he condemns the murderer. This time however he doesn't. I suppose justice was that he should be stabbed, considering what he had done. Have you watched the David Suchet documentary on the Orient Express? You should...

Roger Ackroyd and the sister of Dr.Sheppard

Ackroyd — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 16:00:05 +0000

Hi Besides Poirot I have another favourite and that is Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping up Appearances.
Isn´t Hyacinth very much like Caroline Sheppard and Richard Bucket like Doctor Sheppard? And Miss Griffin
like Elizabeth?

The Big Four

stephen — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 20:03:15 +0000

can anyone tell me who is the murderer in The Big Four? I found this story extremely confusing when reading it and although I have also seem the filmed version with David Suchet, it bears little resemblance to the actual story. Also, if anyone can enlighten me as to who was the murderer/murderess of the original crime in Postern of Fate (not the later crime investigated by T&T) I would be grateful to learn that also. Please mark the start of your reply 'Spoiler Alert' so not to spoil it for others who have not read the stories. Thank you.

Closed Casket

CrookedQuin — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 16:05:57 +0000

did any one else begin Closed Casket? I was not a fan of the monogram murders but this seems more in the vein of Agatha Christie. Of course, it isn't the best but it is an improvement from its predecessor.

Poirot and Hastings figurines

GKCfan — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 23:18:52 +0000

Take a look at these limited edition Poirot and Hastings figurines, sold by The Strand: https://strandmag.com/produc…/poirot-and-hastings-figurines/.

The Mystery Of The Blue Train

MissQuin — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:50:15 +0000

What are other fans opinion of The Mystery Of The Blue Train- the following post contains SPOILERS!!!

I read that Agatha Christie really hated the book. It's not surprising if you taken into account what was going on her life at that time. But the book was much better than I expected it. The pace is a slower one than in many Poirot stories. But that's not a bad thing, as we get to learn more about the characters.

I was surprised by one of the murderers and I can't figure out why the end didn't feel right. I also didn't feel that Katherine grey getting married seemed to fit.

As for the adaption- I couldn't watch it to the end. It was so full of spoilt, obnoxious characters! In fact I had no sympathy for the victim at all in the adapt.

For fans I pose the question- how many murders took place on trains in all of Agatha Christie's works?

Some articles on Murder on the Orient Express's themes

GKCfan — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:50:00 +0000

Here are some articles on the themes central to MOTOE.

Warning! Spoilers!

http://thefederalist.com/2017/11/22/great-detective-hercule-poirot-becomes-christ-figure-orient-express/

http://www.crisismagazine.com/2017/murder-orient-express-theology-murder

Adventure of the Christmas Pudding - special London event 6 December

ChristmasPudding — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 13:18:53 +0000

The classic Poirot story will be read by Mel Giedroyc (one half of Mel & Sue from the Great British Bake Off) as part of Winter's Tales, a storytelling event at the Print Room at the Coronet in Notting Hill, London. Detective Hercule Poirot is enjoying a Christmas break in an English country house when a sinister plum pudding sets off a trail of baffling cases...!

Winter’s Tales brings families together to enjoy stories of wonder, heroism and silliness, inspiring children with the joy of storytelling. Well-known classics and contemporary tales will be read by stars of the stage and screen, including Penelope Wilton, Emelie Sande, Toby Stephens, Jamie Glover and Toby Stephens.

The theatre will be transformed in the spirit of the season, complete with Grotto, pop-up bookshop, and a variety of other special seasonal activities. 20% of all box office income will be donated to the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation Grenfell Tower fund.

Weds 6 December, 6pm
Tickets £15.50 (adult), £12.50 (child)
Find out more and book tickets http://www.the-print-room.org/theatre/autumn-winter-2017-season/winters-tales/

An interview with Kenneth Branagh

GKCfan — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:46:00 +0000

Here's video interview where Branagh talks about MOTOE and Dunkirk :

Warning! Spoilers!

http://www.goldderby.com/article/2017/kenneth-branagh-dunkirk-christopher-nolan-murder-on-the-orient-express-video-interview-news/