This was a re-read of the very first Agatha Christie mystery, written on a dare from her sister. I first read it in the 1970s-80s during which time I read all 80+ Christie mysteries. I decided to revisit it when I found an audiobook version read by Hugh Fraser, the actor who portrayed Captain Hastings in the David Suchet Poirot television series. The story itself is told from Hastings' point of view so it is ideal to have him read it. It takes place during WWI when Hastings is recuperating from injuries he suffered in the war. He is invited to stay at the manor house called Styles, by an old friend, John Cavendish, whose father owned it. During Hastings' stay Cavendish's stepmother is the victim of a poisoning. Hastings who believes himself to be a detective of sorts begins to investigate. Then he runs across Poirot, who he met while in Belgium. Poirot has relocated to England with other war refugees, Hastings then consults Poirot for assistance in solving the murder. Short and sweet and a good start to a long and successful mystery career for Christie.
No comments:
Post a Comment