brii_brii's review
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
artyemis's review against another edition
3.0
Piacevole, come tutti i libri della Christie, però non mi ha catturata come speravo.
Ovviamente ero curiosa di sapere chi fosse veramente X, e non è facile pensare ad un colpevole che sia completamente estraneo ai fatti e che quindi non abbia nessuna motivazione per uccidere la vittima ed infatti non avevo capito chi fosse (ammetto che non mi ero nemmeno impegnata questa volta, ho letto il libro solo per godermelo e divertirmi).
Il problema del libro sono i personaggi, insulsi. Franklin lo trovo tremendo, giustificarlo dicendo che la moglie era una palla al piede per lui è una cavolata enorme sopratutto quando lo si giustifica con "era così leale! era contro il divorzio infatti" ma allora sei idiota perché tu non la amavi, lei non ti amava ma sei contro il divorzio? fedele (solo con i fatti FORSE poi perché scommetto che non lo sarebbe stato a lungo con Judith attorno) ma infelici entrambi? che genio questo. Barbara è una lagna incredibile, non sa nemmeno avvelenare il marito.
Judith è uno dei personaggi più odiosi mai incontrati in un libro, è vero che Hastings sbaglia molto con lei ma lei è veramente un calcio dei denti. Odia Barbara e cerca di giustificarsi con "non ammira abbastanza il marito!" quando la verità è "mi farei suo marito ma non posso perché c'è lei!" e perché il marito è un idiota contro il divorzio ovviamente. Motivazioni di lei e Franklin sull'uccidere i deboli ed i malati poi sono motivazioni da veri nazi wannabe, tremende. E Poirot la giustifica anche dicendo "ma è una ragazza intelligente! e lui pure" o vabbè, fortuna allora perché se erano idioti che succedeva?. L'infermeria non pervenuta, l'avevo considerata colpevole ma effettivamente l'avevo sopravvalutata, gli altri davvero non pervenuti.
In generale mi aspettavo qualcosa di più? pensavo avrebbe cercato di incastrare Hastings con la storia delle aspirine, quello si che sarebbe stato un colpo di scena! ed invece niente. Ho apprezzato la fine di Poirot, per niente scenica ma molto reale.
Ovviamente ero curiosa di sapere chi fosse veramente X, e non è facile pensare ad un colpevole che sia completamente estraneo ai fatti e che quindi non abbia nessuna motivazione per uccidere la vittima ed infatti non avevo capito chi fosse (ammetto che non mi ero nemmeno impegnata questa volta, ho letto il libro solo per godermelo e divertirmi).
Il problema del libro sono i personaggi, insulsi. Franklin lo trovo tremendo, giustificarlo dicendo che la moglie era una palla al piede per lui è una cavolata enorme sopratutto quando lo si giustifica con "era così leale! era contro il divorzio infatti" ma allora sei idiota perché tu non la amavi, lei non ti amava ma sei contro il divorzio? fedele (solo con i fatti FORSE poi perché scommetto che non lo sarebbe stato a lungo con Judith attorno) ma infelici entrambi? che genio questo. Barbara è una lagna incredibile, non sa nemmeno avvelenare il marito.
Judith è uno dei personaggi più odiosi mai incontrati in un libro, è vero che Hastings sbaglia molto con lei ma lei è veramente un calcio dei denti. Odia Barbara e cerca di giustificarsi con "non ammira abbastanza il marito!" quando la verità è "mi farei suo marito ma non posso perché c'è lei!" e perché il marito è un idiota contro il divorzio ovviamente. Motivazioni di lei e Franklin sull'uccidere i deboli ed i malati poi sono motivazioni da veri nazi wannabe, tremende. E Poirot la giustifica anche dicendo "ma è una ragazza intelligente! e lui pure" o vabbè, fortuna allora perché se erano idioti che succedeva?. L'infermeria non pervenuta, l'avevo considerata colpevole ma effettivamente l'avevo sopravvalutata, gli altri davvero non pervenuti.
In generale mi aspettavo qualcosa di più? pensavo avrebbe cercato di incastrare Hastings con la storia delle aspirine, quello si che sarebbe stato un colpo di scena! ed invece niente. Ho apprezzato la fine di Poirot, per niente scenica ma molto reale.
luna545's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
sarahna's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
arielle0's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
damencer's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
andreab777's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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? No
4.5
izzatiidrus's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow, wow, wow, wow!
Just when I thought that there would not be another Agatha Christie's mystery that could top or at least be on par my favourites And Then There Were None and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, she gave me this one.
What a perfect way to end Poirot's adventures!
I'd advise you to read this book after reading other mystery novels involving Poirot (written by AC) or at least The Mysterious Affair at Styles because there might be spoilers in this one.
Written from the the point of view of Poirot's loyal "sidekick" Captain Hastings, both characters found themselves back in Styles, a country house where they solved their first murder together. But Poirot was now a frail man with deteriorating health even though he insisted that his mind was still as good as ever. He called on Hastings to Styles because he suspected that a crime would be committed there on the flimsy basis that 5 unrelated crimes were the handiwork of one X who was staying at Styles. Why he thought so? Because he suspected that X knew all of the people involved in all 5 cases. And he needed Hastings to be his eyes and ears.
I did not expect that ending at all. So many surprises in the last few pages that I actually laughed out loud because I enjoyed it too much! While Christie used Shakespeare reference, I was more reminded of satan, like Johan Liebert in Monster. Ah, it was so satisfying for me in so many ways!
Just when I thought that there would not be another Agatha Christie's mystery that could top or at least be on par my favourites And Then There Were None and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, she gave me this one.
What a perfect way to end Poirot's adventures!
I'd advise you to read this book after reading other mystery novels involving Poirot (written by AC) or at least The Mysterious Affair at Styles because there might be spoilers in this one.
Written from the the point of view of Poirot's loyal "sidekick" Captain Hastings, both characters found themselves back in Styles, a country house where they solved their first murder together. But Poirot was now a frail man with deteriorating health even though he insisted that his mind was still as good as ever. He called on Hastings to Styles because he suspected that a crime would be committed there on the flimsy basis that 5 unrelated crimes were the handiwork of one X who was staying at Styles. Why he thought so? Because he suspected that X knew all of the people involved in all 5 cases. And he needed Hastings to be his eyes and ears.
I did not expect that ending at all. So many surprises in the last few pages that I actually laughed out loud because I enjoyed it too much! While Christie used Shakespeare reference, I was more reminded of satan, like Johan Liebert in Monster. Ah, it was so satisfying for me in so many ways!
nadiitaa's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
asterix77's review against another edition
4.0
A few years ago, I embarked on a mission to (re)read all of Agatha Christie's books. This book happened to be the final installment in the Poirot series. To be honest, I've grown a bit weary of the character after reading eight consecutive Poirot books, but I can hardly blame Agatha Christie for that. The fault lies with me.
The Poirot series comprises around 36 books, and what strikes me is the consistent quality that Christie maintains throughout. Although not every book is of the same caliber, they all offer enjoyable entertainment. It's quite unpretentious.
In the last book of the series, Poirot is depicted as old and confined to a wheelchair due to arthritis. He's residing at Styles, which has been transformed into a pension. This brings the series full circle, as Poirot's initial case in the UK occurred at Styles. Poirot orders Hastings to visit him, and Hastings discovers that his daughter is also there. His wife had died in Argentina, and he returned to England. To be honest, Hastings seems like an old nag in this book. It's a bit out of character since we've never seen him as a husband or father, and all of a sudden, he's aged, and he has a 21-year-old daughter, behaving like an overprotective father. Although the timeline works out, this theme was never explored in the series.
Poirot informs Hastings that a murderer is present at Styles, but he refuses to reveal the culprit's identity because Hastings is an open book to others. Poirot already has an idea of who the killer is and their motives, deviating from the standard formula where Poirot himself is also in the dark.
It takes until two-thirds of the book before the first murder or suicide (who can tell?) occurs. Then, towards the end, the final curtain falls for Poirot, leaving Hastings in despair. But, for the last time, Poirot explains everything.
Agatha Christie finishes this series in style(s).
The Poirot series comprises around 36 books, and what strikes me is the consistent quality that Christie maintains throughout. Although not every book is of the same caliber, they all offer enjoyable entertainment. It's quite unpretentious.
In the last book of the series, Poirot is depicted as old and confined to a wheelchair due to arthritis. He's residing at Styles, which has been transformed into a pension. This brings the series full circle, as Poirot's initial case in the UK occurred at Styles. Poirot orders Hastings to visit him, and Hastings discovers that his daughter is also there. His wife had died in Argentina, and he returned to England. To be honest, Hastings seems like an old nag in this book. It's a bit out of character since we've never seen him as a husband or father, and all of a sudden, he's aged, and he has a 21-year-old daughter, behaving like an overprotective father. Although the timeline works out, this theme was never explored in the series.
Poirot informs Hastings that a murderer is present at Styles, but he refuses to reveal the culprit's identity because Hastings is an open book to others. Poirot already has an idea of who the killer is and their motives, deviating from the standard formula where Poirot himself is also in the dark.
It takes until two-thirds of the book before the first murder or suicide (who can tell?) occurs. Then, towards the end, the final curtain falls for Poirot, leaving Hastings in despair. But, for the last time, Poirot explains everything.
Agatha Christie finishes this series in style(s).