Peril at End House

First Published: 1932

Setting: St Loo, Cornwall

Starring: Poirot, Hastings, Nick Buckley

Important Other People: Japp, Freddie, Commander Challenger

There are a lot of allusions in this story to some of Poirot's past successes (as well as to his one failure!) The number of references to The Mystery of the Blue Train make me wonder- was she trying to play up the book so we forgot how bad it was? Or maybe it was just to establish a frame of reference in Poirot's life so we know what he's been up to since his last book. Poirot also talks about himself; how he's "not a stage favorite who gives a dozen farewells." Such lies from Poirot.

Nick, as the central figure in the story, continually thought she knew better than Poirot. Although she often got the best of him or made him look foolish, she was never able to predict his reactions, and thus she could not really understand him and get the best of him.

One theme thoroughly explored in this book is that of motives. The main ones mentioned are: homicidal mania (which Poirot dismisses in pretty much every case), hate, temper, gain, jealousy, fear, and the crime passionnel. This is the fullest explanation we've been given so far about motives, and we'll have to watch out for more mention of it.

One thing I noticed: Hastings is always the one to give evidence at the inquest if they need someone; Poirot rarely gives evidence. Hasn't anyone become suspicious of this man who constantly is on the spot when there is a murder?? Has no one thought that Hastings might be a serial killer?? Just a thought.

Interesting facts: The book is dedicated to a friend who first really critiqued Agatha's writing and gave her constructive feedback. As to the story itself, she says, "Peril at End House was another of my books which left so little impression on my mind that I cannot even remember writing it. Possibly I had already thought out the plot some time previously, since this has always been a habit of mine..."

Favorite? Eh. Good twists, for sure. Reinforcement of the idea that we aren't supposed to trust anyone or take anything someone says as true.

Death by: shooting, cocaine overdose

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 26

The Count: Poirot-6, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-4, Japp-3, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-2, George-1, Goby-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: The sleeping dog can be roused. Anything young is beautiful. There is always something to live for. Evil never goes unpunished, but sometimes it's secret(ly punished). How often the simple explanation is the true one.

Up Next: Thirteen at Dinner