Reviews

4.8 stars.

This is my favourite Agatha Christie.

I've seen all of David Suchet's Poirot adaptions several times and they're all excellent, but this one was one of my favourites. Now I've read the book, and of the Christie books I've read this is now also my favourite.

This story is so sad. It's so tragic. The death, the life left behind, the sixteen years of belief.

But it was also so interesting. The study into how five different people all experienced the same day so differently, and largely because of who they are as people. The analysis of youth was also fascinating. I feel like I learnt some things reading this.

This is clever, and knowing that you really cannot trust any of the witnesses, either because of the time that has passed and a naturally flawed memory or because someone is a killer, you know that not everything you're being told can be true.

The only thing I would have liked a little differently would have been to see a little more of the emotions of the five witnesses during the revelation. That was done in the movie and I appreciated it a lot. In the book the ending is quite abrupt, and while I think it does serve its purpose, it also does leave me wanting, just a little.

But yes, my favourite Christie for sure. So happy I got to this one, finally!

itydarling's review against another edition

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mysterious tense 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? Yes

3.5

lordsuggs's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

5.0

kaylstew's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This one is a bit slow for a Christie- I understood the purpose of the letters, but by necessity it meant a lot of information was repeated. Still good fun and kept me guessing until the end. I definitely thought I had it but was wrong! Some red herrings I wish had been explained too.

bellatrix's review against another edition

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3.0

There's a reason why this book is not as popular as some of her other novels.
It's just meh.. I have read few other Christie's books and this one was far from a masterpiece. I saw the ending coming.
It's not a bad books, don't get me wrong. Just not as good as 'And then there were none' or 'The murder on Orient Express'

dharitri143's review against another edition

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5.0

"The truth, has a habit of making itself known. Even after many years."
•
"I have to admit that she looked incredibly beautiful that afternoon. Women do when they've got what they want."

•••
Oh! Agatha Christie Agatha Christie Agatha Christie.

You, once again proved why I did the best choice of making you as one of my most favourite (till date) authors of all time.

Halfway through the book I had cracked it (or so I thought) and decided to give it a 3star as the storyline was good but in the back of my mind I had thought (prayed) of giving it a 5star if the ending would kill me (not literally). For that split second when I thought I could beat Agatha Christie (the Agatha Christie. I beg your pardon.) and read her mind, Oh boy, I could not be more wrong.

She boggled and blew my mind (and (killed) me)once again with her wit and intelligence.

Her writing style as usual will remain my favourite.

Give this book a read if your haven't. Duh.

- Maaya

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