norwegianforestreader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Murder, Suicide, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Violence, Death, Grief, and Infidelity
emma6544's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
questingnotcoasting's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I've had this for years but have always been a bit reluctant to read it because I knew it wouldn't be as good as Christie's own novels. I got over that and I'm glad I've finally read it, but I also had quite a few reservations.
The plot felt very convoluted and it was the type of mystery where as a reader you aren't really given enough clues to formulate any of your own theories. I also prefer a mystery where there's a clear circle of suspects to consider but that wasn't the case here.
Another flaw for me was Catchpool, Poirot's bumbling detective sidekick, who seemed so clueless that it just became a little irritating. I imagine Hannah intended him to play the Hastings role but I didn't find it that effective.
I don't think I'll be going out of my way to read the rest of Hannah's Poirot stories but I still have about 40 of Christie's books to read anyway.
The plot felt very convoluted and it was the type of mystery where as a reader you aren't really given enough clues to formulate any of your own theories. I also prefer a mystery where there's a clear circle of suspects to consider but that wasn't the case here.
Another flaw for me was Catchpool, Poirot's bumbling detective sidekick, who seemed so clueless that it just became a little irritating. I imagine Hannah intended him to play the Hastings role but I didn't find it that effective.
I don't think I'll be going out of my way to read the rest of Hannah's Poirot stories but I still have about 40 of Christie's books to read anyway.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Infidelity
atamano's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Blood, Suicide, and Injury/Injury detail
iffygeneia's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This is a pretty decent detective story, and I would have given it a slightly higher rating were it not for the inevitable comparison to Agatha Christie's own Poirot novels.
Hannah's novel, and her version of Poirot, lacks all of the subtlety Christie had. Christie's novels generally have very clear and straightforward motives, making for a big 'aha'-moment as everything clicks into place during the big reveal.
Hannah's Poirot has all of his peculiarities enhanced up to 11, making him unlikeable at times. He lacks the magnanimous gallantry of Christie's version.
Detective Catchpool, the main character, is a likeable if somewhat generic detective. None of the other characters really became clear to me, partly because of the convoluted plot.
All that said, I did like it. It had the feel of a good Midsomer Murders episode, which I liked. It just didn't quite work as a Poirot novel.
Hannah's novel, and her version of Poirot, lacks all of the subtlety Christie had. Christie's novels generally have very clear and straightforward motives, making for a big 'aha'-moment as everything clicks into place during the big reveal.
Spoiler
This book, however, has very muddy and seemingly fluctuating motives for the murders. And it's all very convoluted and far-fetched on a level Christie rarely stooped to.Hannah's Poirot has all of his peculiarities enhanced up to 11, making him unlikeable at times. He lacks the magnanimous gallantry of Christie's version.
Detective Catchpool, the main character, is a likeable if somewhat generic detective. None of the other characters really became clear to me, partly because of the convoluted plot.
All that said, I did like it. It had the feel of a good Midsomer Murders episode, which I liked. It just didn't quite work as a Poirot novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Murder, Blood, Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Gore, Grief, and Death
Minor: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
catandherbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Suicide
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