Five Little Pigs

First Published: 1942

Setting: Devonshire, London

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Caroline Crale, Amyas Crale

Important Other People: Philip Blake, Meredith Blake, Elsa Greer, Angela Warren, Cecelia Willams

In Five Little Pigs, Agatha takes us on a journey into the past. Carla Lemarchant, Amyas and Caroline Crales' daughter, asks Poirot to investigate into the murder of her father, some sixteen years previous. Her mother had been convicted of the crime and died in prison, although she wrote to Caroline and told her she was innocent. Once we have that fact to go on, there are only five suspects Poirot can look to- his five little pigs.

One of the things that I really like about this book is that we hear about the day of the murder from five different people, all with their own take on the events. They all have something to hide, and so their accounts are guarded in some sense. At the same time, the things they do reveal are very telling- to Poirot, that is. I am amazed at how he puts together the tiniest pieces of evidence gathered from what everyone says and doesn't say, and is able to come up with the only viable solution to a murder that has long-since been thought of as solved.

One thing that is amazing to me is how accurately the different suspects can remember the events of the day, particularly the conversations that were held. The police record from the time is helpful in this process, of course, but I don't know if there is some artistic liberty on Agatha's part for them to recall all of these details. I guess since it was such a memorable event that it would be easier to remember everything that happened. It's noticeable with Angela, given that she was much younger than the other characters at the time, does not remember the day as well, and mixes several instances that happened when she was younger.

I also like how the different characters in the book are irrevocably changed because of this incident. Not to give away any plot points, but both Blakes are unable to get past their younger loves, Elsa is completely embittered and tortured due to her relationship with Amycas, Ms. Williams is still staunchly loyal to her employer, and Angela has a hole in her life left from her sister's death. Thankfully, Poirot is there to uncover the real truth, allowing these people to finally heal and move on from their past tragedy.

Interesting facts: I must quote extensively from Matthew Bunson here: "Five Little Pigs was the first of the five novels written by Christie that present a murder case solved in retrospect....[it] is considered the best, although it is one of Christie's lesser-known works. The novel is notable for two other reasons. First, the book uses- entirely with success- the most complicated of narrative styles. Hercule Poirot must interrogate witnesses who provide their own personal views of distant events. Thus, the murder of Amyas Crale and the trial of his wife, Caroline Crale, are recounted several times, albeit from the differing perspectives of the individual witnesses...Second, the story details the complex psychological and emotional components of a marriage that disintegrates, mirroring in many ways the unfortunate events in Christie's own life during her failed marriage to Archie Christie."

Favorite? Of the "cold case" books, where we look into a case from the past, this is my favorite. I typically do not love books that focus heavily on conversations about what happened, but this one is really well done. There are also some really great lessons in it.

Death by: Coniine (hemlock)

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 85

The Count: Poirot-21, Miss. Marple-2, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-3, Superintendent Battle-4, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 3, Mrs. Oliver-1, Albert- 2

Agatha's Life Lessons: Amongst everyone's ancestors is violence and evil. The ability to put on the brakes comes with maturity. Youth is vulnerable, ruthless, sure, generous, demanding. The young have no doubts, fear, or pride. With women, love always comes first. Some of us see beauty in curious places. The truth has a habit of making itself known. When a person has determined on a certain course, it is not easy to turn them from it. The desire for drama is very strong in human nature. Things can only pain you when they are happening. There are things that no woman should put up with. A woman should have a certain respect for herself and not submit to humiliation. One must have the courage to face reality- without it, life is meaningless. The people who do us the most harm are the people who shield us from reality.

Up Next: The Moving Finger