Dead Man's Folly

First Published: 1956
Setting: Devon

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Mrs. Oliver, Amy Folliat, Sir George Stubbs, Hattie

Important Other People: Amanda Brewis, Michael Weyman, Alec and Peggy Legge, Marlene Tucker, Merdell

The setup for the plot is awesome. First of all, by fete, I assume they mean carnival, which is fun. I also like the idea of the Murder Hunt, even though the results are tragic. I don't quite get how someone could have influenced Mrs. Oliver without her realizing it. I feel like she would have been able to figure out who was trying to manipulate her. It's like in that episode of The Office where Michael spreads a bunch of rumors, and everyone gets together and figures out that he was the source of them all. It just seems a bit unrealistic that she was unable to at least have an idea of who was manipulating her. Also, if someone really wanted to kill Marlene, there probably could have been an easier way for that to happen than by a small chance that she might be the victim in the Murder Hunt.


Anyway, another aspect that bothers me is that, a lot of the time, some characters know some information, but (aside from the murderer) one person never really knows everything (except The Hollow, where everyone knows everything, and Elephants Can Remember, but that will come later). Here, though, Amy Folliat knows everything and is just so unhelpful to Poirot. You'd think she would want to help a little bit because she loves some of the people that were killed, but she just wants to shut everything out and pretend things are not happening. She makes me mad. 


There are also a ton of red herrings and just overall confusing things happening that obscure the real problems. I guess this happens often with Agatha, just some of the ones in this book bother me. The boy in the turtle shirt, for example. 

Interesting facts: Hastings is mentioned. It's been awhile since he's been in a book. The house in the book, Nasse House, is modeled after Agatha's house in Devon, the Greenway Estate. It was her favorite residence.

Favorite? Not too bad. I like the idea of it, but not a lot of the characters.

Death by: strangulation, drowning, unknown

Body Count: 3; Cumulative: 131

The Count: Poirot-26, Miss Marple-6, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-4, Superintendent Battle-5, George-6, Goby-2, No Recurring Character- 6, Mrs. Oliver-3, Albert- 2, Superintendent Spence-1, Miss Lemon-2

Agatha's Life Lessons: However large and beautiful the flowers, if the earthly roots are destroyed, there will be no more flowers. So much depends on how you look at a thing. Girls don't mind what their mothers say to them. Most men can look after themselves, or ought to be able to. Women tell a lot of lies. Without quarrels and reconciliations, life would be drab. 

Up Next: 4:50 from Paddington

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

Funerals are Fatal (After the Funeral)

First Published: 1953
Setting: Yorkshire

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Mr. Entwhistle

Important Other People: Abernethie's, Cora Lansquenet, Miss Gilchrist

I will say about this book that I like the twists near the end. The murder weapon is incredibly out of character, though.

Interesting facts: Apparently Enderby Hall is loosely based off of Abney Hall, where Agatha spent a lot of time.

Favorite? No. It always reminds me of Dumb Witness, except Emily Arundell is way cooler than Cora.

Death by: hatchet

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 121

The Count: Poirot-24, Miss. Marple-5, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-4, Superintendent Battle-5, George-4, Goby-2, No Recurring Character- 6, Mrs. Oliver-2, Albert- 2, Superintendent Spence-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: The value of money is always relative. A woman who could be intelligent about everything else in the world could be a complete fool when it came to some particular man. You can only say what you really think to someone of your own generation. Life is hell for elderly people. It's a waste of time, having regrets. Nobody ever sees themselves as they appear to other people. You cannot give to people what they are incapable of receiving. So few people know what they want. One ought to plan one's life just as one wants it to be. There are moments when economy should be abandoned. 

Up Next: A Pocketful of Rye

Mrs. McGinty's Dead

First Published: 1952
Setting: Broadhinny

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Mrs. Oliver, Superintendent Spence, Mrs. McGinty (only important because the whole book is about her).

Important Other People: Maureen and Johnnie Summerhayes, James Bentley, Eve and Guy Carpenter, Laura and Robin Upwards, the Wetherby's, the Rendell's, Deidre Henderson, Mrs. Sweetimen

This novel is unique because, as Poirot says, usually the personality of the murdered is the most important aspect of the case. Seeing as Mrs. McGinty was just an ordinary charwoman (and thus not good enough to be important, apparently), the personality of the murderer is what is important in this book. There are a lot of different personalities Poirot has to sort through until he finds one that fits with the crime. 

There are a lot of red herrings in this book, as well as people that you think must be important, but actually aren't. It reminds me of The Murder at the Vicarage, where there were a lot of different characters who eventually were revealed to all have some part in the events surrounding the murder, so I guess that's what I expected here. There are so many characters, and they seem so mysterious that I assume they must be important. It turns out that almost none of them are, they just have silly little things they don't want Poirot to find out about (other than murder). Anyways, ordinary charwoman, extraordinary murderer... less than extraordinary book.

Interesting facts: This is one of the few books where someone actually tries to murder Monsieur Hercule Poirot! This is the only the second appearance of Poirot working with Mrs. Oliver, the first being Cards on the Table. Hastings, Shaitana from Cards on the Table, and Battle are all mentioned, although none make appearances (especially since Shaitana is dead). Apparently, this novel was written after Agatha had recently collaborated with producer Peter Saunders on The Mousetrap, and she had a few frustrations with the process. Mrs. Oliver was used to vent those frustrations, as she says, "You've no idea of the agony of having your characters taken and made to say things they never would have said, and do things that they never would have done. And if you protest, all they say is that it's 'good theatre.'" 

Favorite? No, although Hercule is, of course, ingenious in his deductions. I just always want the plot to be better somehow. 

Death by: cosh on the head, strangulation

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 115

The Count: Poirot-23, Miss. Marple-4, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-4, Superintendent Battle-5, George-3, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 6, Mrs. Oliver-2, Albert- 2, Superintendent Spence-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: You can't get away from heredity- it's in people as well as in dogs. Power must only be used for the right ends. Life is very unfair- some people never seem to get any happiness. If everyone thinks you know a thing, no one will tell you about it. Acute fear always produces the truth. Everyone has something to hide. Success is on the side of the big mustaches. 

Up Next: Murder with Mirrors

Taken at the Flood (There is a Tide)

First Published: 1948
Setting: Warmsley Vale, London

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Lynn Marchmont, David Hunter, Rowley Cloade, Enoch Arden

Important Other People: Rosaleen Cloade, Jeremy and Frances Cloade, Lionel and Katherine Cloade, Adela Marchmont

I have to start by saying that even though I love this book, I don't love a lot of the characters. First of all, David. I know we're supposed to hate David, and I do, but that's not what bothers me about him. We keep getting this idea from Agatha about all those men who are only suited for wartime and can't seem to fit back into British society afterwards. David falls into that category, which is one reason why I don't like him. If you can't follow peacetime rules and societal norms, go back into the army. Or go somewhere else. Don't just sponge off of other people. This is really the crux of my issue with David: he keeps saying that the Cloades aren't entitled to Gordon's money, but it's okay for him to spend the money that technically belongs to his sister (I know this isn't totally accurate, but I don't want to give away any important plot twists). First of all, I think the Cloades ARE entitled to Gordon's money. He told them to rely on him, and so they did. It's not like they didn't work or do anything for themselves. There's lots of characters in lots of her other books that really don't do anything because they or their relative has a lot of money. The Cloades all work, at least to some degree. But why does David think the Cloades can't sponge, but he can? That is my least favorite thing about him, and it makes me really mad every time I read this book. He doesn't work! At all! He gets all of his money from Rosaleen. The Cloades all do work. The double standard he yells about to Lynn all the time makes me angry. Someone, please tell me why he thinks it is okay for him to use her, but it wasn't okay for the Cloades to use Gordon. I really don't understand it at all.


Lionel has no backbone, Adela is weak, and Jeremy just messed everything up for him and Frances. Frances is awesome, though. I wish more of her characteristics were in Lynn, so that Lynn would be a little bit more awesome. 


Let's talk about Lynn. I like a strong female lead (obviously, since Sad Cypress is my favorite). I admire Lynn for her strength and her loyalty, but both of those qualities disappear throughout the book! She throws them by the wayside (and pretty much turns her back on her family) when she starts getting closer with David. She was a WREN, for goodness' sake, but with David, she becomes a totally different person. Secret assignations, cheating on her fiancee, sneaky phone calls. I don't like it. Lynn, you know better, and you know he's a scoundrel. She loses her head and her sense of self, and I don't like it. 


Don't read this if you haven't read the book! But I do have to complain about something really quickly. Rowley tries to strangle Lynn. For real. As in, to kill her. Why exactly does she go back to him? David is a rotter, and she shouldn't be with him (especially since he's going to prison or to get hanged), but Rowley tried to KILL her. At the end, she says that she wants danger in her life, and that she will always be a little bit afraid of him, so that will be the danger in her life. Are you kidding??? Go skydiving, eat raw eggs, or run off to Africa if you want danger. Don't stay with him, Lynn! That ending really makes me mad. And before that, I had really liked Rowley! Except that he tried to make someone commit perjury. Maybe I don't like Rowley all that much.


I've come to a conclusion. I don't really like any of these characters (except Frances and Hercule). They all have some good characteristics, but they all pull these smarmy moves that I really don't like. So maybe I like this book because it's about unpleasant people whose lives are worse than mine? Maybe not. I don't think I'm going to like this book as much next time I read it, and that makes me really sad.

Interesting facts: The title is taken from a line in Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. Japp is mentioned. Matthew Bunson tells us, "...Christie took the unusual step of using World War II as the backdrop for Taken at the Flood. At the start of the novel, London is suffering through the Blitz."

Favorite? YES. I love Frances. I love the plot, and the twists. I love Hercule in this book. 

Death by: Head bashed in (cosh), shooting, morphia

Body Count: 3; Cumulative: 104

The Count: Poirot-22, Miss. Marple-3, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-4, Superintendent Battle-5, George-2, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 4, Mrs. Oliver-1, Albert- 2

Agatha's Life Lessons: There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. One should never struggle against the inevitable. Ill-will is the aftermath of war. Some people thrive only in war- they are dangerous otherwise. What a person really is, is only apparent when the test comes. What happens to the ivy when the oak round which it clings is struck down? Nobody is cut off from the mercy of God. The world is becoming a difficult place to live in, except for the strong. The tragedy of life is that people do not change. Where you are not, there you will want to be. One can't blame anyone else for the things one decides to do with one's eyes open. 

Up Next: Crooked House

The Hollow (Murder After Hours)

First Published: 1946
Setting: The Hollow, London

Starring: Hercule Poirot, John Christow, Gerda Christow, Henrietta Savernake

Important Other People: Lucy and Henry Angkatell, Midge Hardcastle, Edward Angkatell, Inspector Grange, Veronica Cray, Mrs. Crabtree, Gudgeon

The enigma of John Christow. I would like to talk to Agatha about how she feels about him. He is a complete contradiction- he is awful to Gerda (who is awful herself) and their children (also awful), he doesn't treat Henrietta well, he overshadows Edward, and he is pompous. At the same time, he is a completely different person when he is with Mrs. Crabtree trying to tackle Ridgeway's disease. Usually, I can tell what characters Agatha expects us to like and which we should dislike based on the descriptions of them that she gives. With John Christow, though, the descriptions differ so wildly throughout the book that I don't know what to think. Overall, I hate him because he is an ass and because he blatantly cheated on his wife in front of the entire house party, as well as surreptitiously with Henrietta, but I love Mrs. Crabtree and I have to like him a little bit because she likes and respects him so much. 


I also have to wonder if John would ever have married Gerda if he had not been coming off the rebound with Veronica Cray. He wants someone to dominate after having just been dominated by Veronica, and so he naturally turns to Gerda, although she is not as weak as he thinks. When he meets Henrietta, he must have realized he made a mistake with Gerda, but it was too late. Besides, he liked dominating Gerda. I hate that John was able to have both of them- Henrietta, at least, had a strong enough personality to stand on her own. 


See, that's part of the problem with John Christow. I hate him, yet I just spent two paragraphs writing about him.


I love the subplot with Midge and Edward, even though it is quite depressing through much of the book. The faithful kind usually get what they want in the end- in Edward's case, he gets what he wants, even if he didn't realize beforehand what exactly it was that he wanted. He knew he wanted Ainswick the way he remembered it from the past, and eventually, he got that. Just not in the way he imagined. 


One small aspect of this book that we do not usually get to see in Agatha's novels are the conversations among the servants. This is helpful because we learn more of the devoted nature of Gudgeon and the other servants to the Angkatells, and we also get more insight than we are used to. The conversations help show how everyone worked together to protect the murderer, which is another unusual aspect. Poirot usually knows who the murderer is before anyone else in the book does, but in The Hollow, everyone else knows who murdered John, and we have to watch Poirot try to stay one step ahead of everyone's intentions to save the murderer. 


One last thing: Poirot always considers the human aspect of his cases, but this one is particularly difficult- there are children in this case that are going to have one parent murdered and the other one hanged. To compensate for that, Poirot offers another solution- poison. The children will still be orphans, but there may be less animosity towards society when they grow up (especially with Terence). 

Interesting facts: According to my pal Matthew Bunson, "The Hollow was the first Christie novel published after the end of World War II...the setting for this story, the country house of the Angkatells, was based on the real-life house of the famous British stage actor Francis L. Sullivan and his wife at Hazlemere, Surrey." Agatha acknowledges the use of their house as the setting in her dedication, "For Larry and Danae, with apologies for using their swimming pool as the scene of a murder." Agatha herself adapted The Hollow into a play. She writes, "It was, of course, in some ways rather more of a novel than a detective story. The Hollow was a book I always thought I had ruined by the introduction of Poirot. I had got used to having Poirot in my books, and so naturally he had come into this one, but he was all wrong there. He did his stuff all right, but how much better, I kept thinking, would the book have been without him. So when I came to sketch out the play, out went Poirot." Agatha adds that the success of The Hollow as a play helped spur her on to write more plays. 

Favorite? Yes. So favorite, in fact, that I went to see a production of the play with my family at a theater in the country. Talk about high quality acting...especially the guy who played Sergeant Clark. I would like to point out that, in the play, John Christow is still a respected doctor from Harley Street, but the whole subplot with Mrs. Crabtree and Ridgeway's disease is left out. Accordingly, the John in the play has little to no redeeming qualities, and is thus a lot easier to dislike than the John in the book.

Death by: shooting, poison

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 101

The Count: Poirot-22, Miss. Marple-3, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-4, Superintendent Battle-5, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 4, Mrs. Oliver-1, Albert- 2

Agatha's Life Lessons: There can be a certain zest to existence. One can't go back (into the past). Some people are wise- they never expect to be happy. Servants can be very useful (shoutout to Gudgeon!) Expressions can be very helpful. The eyes see sometimes what they are meant to see. Police don't always consider the human aspect (but don't worry, because Poirot does). It is hard to tell right from wrong when right is unpleasant and wrong is agreeable. The faithful kind usually get what they want in the end. Despair is coldness and loneliness. 

Up Next: Taken at the Flood

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

Evil Under the Sun

First Published: 1941

Setting: Smuggler's Island, Leathercombe Bay, off the coast of Devon

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Arlena Stuart, Kenneth Marshall, Linda Marshall, Rosamund Darnley

Important Other People: Christine and Patrick Redfern, Inspector Colgate, Emily Brewster, The Gardeners, Horace Blatt, Stephen Lane

I have really no insight on this book, other than the fact that it is a well-written mystery with lots of twists and surprises, relies heavily on the element of time (which Agatha writes impeccably), and presents many likable characters. The only thing I would really add is that, although this book was published in 1941, there is virtually no mention of the war that was going on at the time. I find it odd that very few of her books published during the war years mention the war, although many books that were published after this time period deal heavily in issues related to the war. Thankfully, we have Tommy and Tuppence to look forward to next...

Interesting facts: Apparently, many other Christie fans say this is one of their favorite books.

Favorite? It's ok. There's a lot of subterfuge and deception, which I like, but I never like when characters I like turn out to be evil...under the sun (haha).

Death by: strangulation

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 80

The Count: Poirot-20, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-3, Superintendent Battle-4, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 3, Mrs. Oliver-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: There is evil everywhere under the sun. A woman is as old as she looks. It's not beauty that counts in the end- to really count, a woman must have goodness and brains. Men are such fools. Wives have to put up with a lot. Woman can be man's help and inspiration in life- she can also be his downfall. One can't put sorrow behind one.

Up Next: N or M?

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (The Patriotic Murders)

First Published: 1940

Setting: London, Exsham

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Inspector Japp

Important Other People: Mabelle Sainsbury Seale, Alistair Blunt, Morley, Amberiotis

To me, this is another example of a murderer asking for help from Hercule Poirot. Seriously, what is wrong with these people?? I don't want to give anything away, but time and again people think they can outsmart Poirot, and time and again he proves them wrong. The plot of this book also pretends to be about so much more than it actually is. Once again, Poirot has to clear away the clutter to get to the heart of the issue- someone murdering someone else. No matter how else it is dressed up to be, it still is a murder committed by an evil person.

The underlying theme of the importance of politics and globalization in this book are a direct result of the events that were happening at the time. Even though there is thought that the book was written before the fall of 1939 (see below), the world was going through a tumultuous time, both politically and socially. I think Agatha was responding to that with the tone of the book, even though there are no real references to the war or what was about to happen in Europe.

Interesting facts: Although this novel was published during World War II, there are very few references to the war itself. Matthew Bunson, who wrote The Complete Christie, says that this puts the time period of the novel before the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939.

Favorite? Not at all. Dull and unnecessarily confusing.

Death by: shot, anesthetic, medinal

Body Count: 3; Cumulative: 79

The Count: Poirot-19, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-3, Superintendent Battle-4, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 3, Mrs. Oliver-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: Relations don't always know everything. In every profession and walk of life there is someone who is vulnerable to temptation. If a man feels a woman expects a lot of him, he tries to live up to her ideal of him. Don't trust the respectable people. You can't beat plain common sense. The gap between theory and practice is a wide one. One must not yield too soon- there is pleasure in the chase. Manners help you along in life. One doesn't like things one cannot explain (especially Hercule Poirot!)

Up Next: Evil Under the Sun

Sad Cypress

First Published: 1940

Setting: Maidensford, London

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Elinor Carlisle, Peter Lord

Important Other People: Laura Welman, Roddy, Mary Gerrard, Nurse Hopkins

What I love about this book is that it's not just a crime at the beginning, a series of interviews of everyone involved in the middle, a few twists here and there, another murder or two, and the big reveal. It starts with the trial, and goes back into the whole complicated story. The beginning of this book is entirely different from the beginnings of any of her previous novels, and we get an insight into a trial.

Another aspect of this book that I really like is how we see Poirot detecting and trying to find out the truth, but there are a lot of clues that just get brought up at the trial- we are kind of in the dark about Poirot's methods and movements until the end.

This, to my recollection, is also one of the first times that someone tries to impede the cause of justice in favor of someone they love. This will come up again (The Hollow comes to mind right away), but I don't think it happened before.

I love this book so much. I think a lot of that has to do with Elinor's personality. I also love the plot, and the way the book is set up. It's just so good.

Interesting facts: First of Agatha's courtroom dramas. The title comes from a quote from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Apparently, Agatha said something about how she should not have included Poirot in this novel- I think she's wrong. He isn't too over the top in this novel.

Favorite? YES. One of my two ultimate favorite books.

Death by: morphia

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 76

The Count: Poirot-18, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-7, Japp-6, Colonel Race-3, Superintendent Battle-4, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 3, Mrs. Oliver-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: Love should be a pleasurable emotion- not something that hurts with its intensity. Men don't like devotion and adoration. It's not wise to care too much. Life is rather cheap. Anyone who has never really loved has never really lived. To care passionately for another human always brings more sorrow than joy. People ought to be forced to make wills. One cannot always turn aside and pass by from the unpleasantness of life. Life is not reasonable. Lies tell a listener just as much as the truth. Ordinary things are the best.

Up Next: One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

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

Appointment with Death

First Published: 1938

Setting: Petra, Jordan

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Sarah King, Boynton family

Important Other People: Jefferson Cope, Dr. Gerard, Lady Westholme, Miss Pierce

Similar to Why Didn't They Ask Evans, the story opens with a phrase that leads to a mystery that must be resolved. In this case, it is a lot more sinister and a bit more urgent- "You do see, don't you, that she's got to be killed?" The speaker of these words, Raymond Boynton, goes on to explain how killing his mother, Mrs. Boyton, would be like killing or putting down a mad dog. One of the characters shows that she has inside knowledge of what actually happened in Murder on the Orient Express, and asks him, like he did in that case, to let it go. Hercule must refuse because, as he says, he does not condone murder. I think, if the murderer had turned out to be someone different, he may have condoned it in a similar manner to how he did in the Armstrong case.

This is different from some of the other family-centric novels. In other novels, the family usually knows who committed the crime, while here, they all suspect each other because they don't know who committed the crime, creating an atmosphere of guilt and suspicion that causes some of the members of the family to begin to crack. Thankfully, Hercule comes to the rescue in time for everyone (who isn't evil) to have a happy ending. He does love playing the matchmaker.

Interesting facts: One of the characters recognizes Hercule Poirot from his work on the ABC case. Colonel Race is mentioned as Poirot talks about his detecting from Cards on the Table. The events from Murder on the Orient Express are also mentioned.

Favorite? Yes, because I really love the characters and because I really and truly am afraid of Mrs. Boyton. It's funny to think that Agatha wrote about all of these murderers, but hardly any of them really frighten me. Mrs. Boynton, while not a de facto murderer, is still terrifying.

Death by: Digitoxin, shooting

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 55

The Count: Poirot-16, 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: A man who respects himself strikes out on his own and makes something of his life. No one is truly free- there are different degrees of bondage. If you have a belief in yourself and in the rightness of what you are doing, you can often accomplish things that are well worthwhile. One cannot lie all the time. Love is agony on another's behalf.

Up Next: Hercule Poirot's Christmas

Death on the Nile

First Published: 1937

Setting: Wadi Halfa, on the Nile

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Colonel Race, Linnet Ridgeway, Jacqueline de Bellefort, Simon Doyle

Important Other People: Mrs. Allerton, Tim Allerton, Rosalie and Mrs. Otterbourne, Cornelia Robson

One of the major themes of the book is the idea of how one can want something so passionately that they lose sight of everything else, including rationality and reason. Once one thing becomes your whole reason for existence, you will do whatever it takes to achieve that end, including opening your heart to evil. Poirot knows this, and so takes steps to avoid evil from occurring. He warns Jackie about the possible consequences of her actions because he knows it's always better to prevent a murder than try to get justice after it has been committed. There are three pieces of advice about forgetting the past and moving on the the future in the book, which should have given Jackie a hint...

I also like how this is another one of Christie's murders that takes place in a confined space (although I don't think any other novel is in quite so confined a space as Cards on the Table). The suspect pool is limited, and there are quite a few people who have huge motives for murder. Still, the ones who are most likely to have committed it have alibis. There is only one day of questioning before the truth is revealed, so Poirot and Race have their work cut out for them trying to clear away all the extraneous mysteries and uncover the real motives and alibis.

The whole book is about money. Linnet has too much of it, Jackie and Simon have not enough of it. Simon gets enough of it, but then struggles to come to terms with it all, especially because the finances are controlled by his wife. The idea of money in this era is different- they talk about how poor Jackie is, but she went on a trip to the Middle East...in what way, exactly, is she poor? Even at that time, I can't imagine a trip to the Middle East being affordable for people from all walks of life. I think Jackie must be like many of Agatha's characters who are from the upper class, but have lost their money in some way and become "impoverished" according to their usual or familial standards (like the Lytton Gores from Three Act Tragedy, the Cloades from There is a Tide, and Lance's wife Pat from A Pocketful of Rye). This is also the first novel (I believe) that Agatha makes a point of yellow symbolizing money. Linnet with her golden hair is the supreme symbol of money, while Jackie with her dark hair, is in stark contrast. Love can be a very frightening thing, and the lengths characters in this book go to for love- of a man, and of money, have drastic results.

One final aspect of this book that I really enjoy is all of the extra mysteries that abound on this one trip up the Nile. It keeps the book moving at a face pace, it keeps it interesting, and it also makes it more difficult for Poirot to figure everything out. He does, of course, find the answer to ALL of the questions in the end, but I like how he brings different characters in one by one to basically explain that he knows the truth to their actions. To me, the extraneous mysteries in this book make it even that much more interesting.

Interesting facts: Japp is mentioned... yet again. I think I should keep a tally of how many times Japp is mentioned, but not actually in the story. The trip the group takes up the Nile is similar to one that Agatha and her husband, Max Mallowan, took in the 1930s. The vegetable code mentioned that is used by the man Colonel Race is looking for is similar to the one used in South Africa in The Man in the Brown Suit, which, coincidentally, Race also appeared in.

Favorite? One of them.

Death by: Shooting, stabbing

Body Count: 5; Cumulative: 53

The Count: Poirot-15, 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: To have money and looks is too much for one person- it isn't fair. Nearly everyone only likes successful people. Marriage has a sobering effect on people. Youth is the time of greatest vulnerability. You can't alter the past- you must live with things the way they are. Give up the past, turn to the future. What is done is done...bitterness will not undo it. When the sun comes out you can no longer see the moon. Do not open your heart to evil because evil will come. There is always a moment where one could hold their hand (as in, make a move). To succeed in life, every detail should be arranged well beforehand. When anything beautiful is dead, it's a loss to the world. Love can be a very frightening thing. It's not the past that matters but the future. "Un qui aime et un qui se laisse aimer" can be very dangerous. (Translation, according to google translate, and which I agree on based on my sketchy knowledge of French: One who loves and one who allows them self to love can be very dangerous).

Up Next: Appointment with Death

Poirot Loses a Client (Dumb Witness)

First Published: 1937

Setting: Market Basing

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Hastings, Emily Arundell (deceased)

Important Other People: Miss Lawson, Charles and Theresa Arundell, Bella Tanios, Bob (the dog, and possibly the greatest character in the book)

I love Bob. In a rather unusual move for Agatha, she gives us an insight into Bob's narrative within the overall narrative that is provided by Hastings. I can't think of another time that she does this, or another time that an animal really features prominently in a novel. I'm not sure why she didn't focus more on animals with the fantastic way she writes Bob and the insights that she gives us into his personality. They are really spot-on for an English terrier.

In the novel, we are told that "It's no good making a fuss after things have happened." Obviously, this is untrue considering the way that Hercule Poirot takes on this case and fights for his client, even though she is dead and buried without any suspicion of foul play. Of course Hercule would be able to find the mystery and pinpoint the murderer without ever having met Emily Arundell and without the support of an investigation by the police. He does get support from Bob- I think the only time an animal helps to elucidate a case for Poirot.

Interesting facts: According to Matthew Bunson, Bob was probably based off a Agatha's own dog named Peter. The book was also dedicated to Peter. Plot idea originally came from one of Agatha's short stories, "How Does Your Garden Grow." Hastings' last appearance until Curtain (sniff!)

Favorite? A very good one. I love Emily Arundell, even though we don't really get to meet her in the sense that she isn't alive during the book, but I love her feisty attitude. I also love Bob. I don't know why Agatha didn't feature more dogs in her books, because she really writes them well.

Death by: Phosphorus poisoning, chloral

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 48

The Count: Poirot-14, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-7, Japp-6, Colonel Race-2, Superintendent Battle-3, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 2, Mrs. Oliver-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: Old people don't understand what it is to live (I disagree). People are prepared to be unscrupulous if paid. The law has a lot of latitude. One must go not by one's feelings but by facts. Every man for himself. Those that isn't married don't know what trouble is. Taste is one thing, brains are another. It's a great drawback to be so sensitive (I can vouch for that!). It's no good making a fuss after things have happened. Sometimes tomorrow is a long way off. Tomorrow succeeds today with monotonous regularity. (those last two directly contradict each other, but both have good advice)

Up Next: Death on the Nile