Hickory Dickory Death (Hickory Dickory Dock)

First Published: 1955
Setting: London

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Mrs. Hubbard, Inspector Sharpe

Important Other People: Nigel Chapman, Mrs. Nicoletis, Valerie Hobhouse, Sally Finch, Len Bateson, Celia Austin, Elizabeth Johnston, Patricia Lane, Colin McNabb, Akibombo (my favorite)

I know my version is called Hickory Dickory Dock, but Hickory Dickory Death is just a way cooler name. 


I love this book. It's my favorite of all of her books. It's so wonderful. Go read it now if you haven't. There's poison, comedy, Hercule, romance, murder, nursery rhymes, drugs, jewels. What more could you ask for?? Poirot is so clever in this book. He just figures everything out and unravels more mysteries and just knows everything. I like how everyone in the hostel has a part in the unraveling of the mystery as well, especially Akibombo because he is the best.


There's also some communism in this book as well! The 50s were a scary time. 


The whole part with the poison bet is amazing. I don't know how much of it would work nowadays, but it is still pretty badass. Even if Nigel is a jerk.


Miss Lemon has to show up for work at 10a.m. I used to have to show up for work at 7a.m. Do people still go to work so late in London? It seems inefficient. And unfair.


Read this book.

Interesting facts: Mrs. McGinty is mentioned, as well as The Nemean Lion, a case from The Labors of Hercules. Countess Vera Rossakoff, the love of Hercule's life, is also mentioned. There is also mention of the "Abernathy business" that may be a reference to Funerals are Fatal, but in the book, the family is Abernathie. Also, the solicitor in the book is Entwhistle, not Endicott, but I think it's supposed to be the same person. This is Miss Lemon's first appearance! She is the best. 

Favorite? YES. I've read this book so many times that it literally is falling apart and has to be held together with tape. 

Death by: morphia, poison, cosh on the head

Body Count: 3; Cumulative: 128

The Count: Poirot-25, Miss. Marple-6, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-4, Superintendent Battle-5, George-5, Goby-2, No Recurring Character- 6, Mrs. Oliver-2, Albert- 2, Superintendent Spence-1, Miss Lemon-1

Agatha's Life Lessons:  People do all sorts of funny things. No one is as clever as they think they are (except Hercule, of course!). Don't trust people who live beyond their means.

Up Next: Dead Man's Folly