Hercule Poirot's Christmas

First Published: 1938

Setting: Addlesfield

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Lee family, Superintendent Sugden

Important Other People: Pilar Estravados, Stephen Farr, Tressilian, Horbury

"Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?"

One of my favorite parts of this book is the dedication. It is dedicated to Agatha's brother in law in response to his complaint that her murders were getting too refined, and he wanted one with lots of blood. This novel is her response to him, and there is plenty of blood to let us know that a murder has occurred, and that it has been violent.

Simeon Lee, similar to Mrs. Boynton in Appointment with Death. They are both presented as tyrants that rule over their families. Mrs. Boynton dictated her family's every move, controlling them completely in mind, body, and spirit. Simeon Lee, on the other hand, does not have the level of control he wishes he had. Because of that, he must occupy himself in other endeavors, such as saying and doing malicious things and observing peoples' reactions. We would think that this streak of evil would be inherited by the tyrant's children, but Mrs. Boynton was killed by an outsider to the family. Simeon, on the other hand, was killed by one of his children, although not who we would expect. The idea of inheritance and nature versus nurture that Christie begins to explore in these two books will be explored in further detail in future novels (particularly Crooked House, Ordeal by Innocence, and Murder with Mirrors). A big difference between Simeon Lee and Mrs. Boyton is that, while I find Mrs. Boynton terrifying, I have to admit that I kind of like Simeon. I have a lot of pity for him, similar to how Sarah King realized that Mrs. Boyton was someone to be pitied because her tyranny only extended over her family. I also like Simeon because, although he is malicious and sneaky, he makes me laugh a little bit. Also, he's senile.

Interesting facts: Three Act Tragedy is mentioned. The book is dedicated to Agatha's brother in law. The theme of the innocent suffering while the police and detectives look for the culprit is introduced in this book, and it is one that Agatha explores in greater detail in later novels. We also are reminded that yellow symbolizes money.

Favorite? Yes. I read it every year at Christmas, and try to read it on the correct days. A bit macabre, perhaps, but definitely fitting.

Death by: Slit throat

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 56

The Count: Poirot-17, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-7, Japp-6, Colonel Race-3, Superintendent Battle-3, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 2, Mrs. Oliver-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: The world is as you yourself make it. If we seek to keep the past alive we end up distorting it. The world is very cruel to women- they must do what they can for themselves when they are young. A man does not live and die to himself alone.

Up Next: Easy to Kill