Posted by Hi everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve updated my blog but I’m back because it’s time for a new season of Blogaberry Dazzle (register here for the blogging contest that keeps you regular with your blogging / vlogging and gives you the chance to win awesome cash prizes). To kick off this season, I couldn’t think of a better subject than my ongoing Project Poirot series.
For those who aren’t aware of what this is, a couple of years ago, I decided to re-read all the Hercule Poirot novels written by Agatha Christie in the order they were published. I’ve made good headway so far and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the character progression, as well as the subtle social changes that took place with the passage of time, which Christie captures so well in her books.
You can read episodes 1, 2, 3, and 4, and today I have episode 5 for you where I will share my thoughts on ‘Three Act Tragedy’, ‘Death in the Clouds’, and ‘The ABC Murders’. So, without further ado, let’s begin:
Three Act Tragedy:
Goodreads Blurb:
Who wouldn’t be pleased to attend a small dinner party being held by Sir Charles Cartwright, once the leading star of the London stage? At his “Crow’s Nest” home in Loomouth, Cornwall.
Unfortunately, thirteen guests arrived at the actor’s house, most unlucky. One of them was a vicar. It was to be a particularly unlucky evening for the mild-mannered Reverend Stephen Babbington, who choked on his cocktail, went into convulsions and died. But when his martini glass was sent for chemical analysis, there was no trace of poison — just as Hercule Poirot, also in attendance, had predicted. Even more troubling for the great detective, there was absolutely no motive!
My Review: 4/5
This is a very interesting read. It keeps the reader guessing till the last moment! I re-read this one after nine years as part of my Project Poirot re-readings. Though this time I could see clearly who the killer was and how the murder took place, but Christie keeps the motive hidden away till the very last minute, making them very tough to guess! A delightful read nevertheless.
Buy your copy here:
Death in the Clouds:
Goodreads Blurb:
A woman is killed by a poisoned dart in the enclosed confines of a commercial passenger plane. Flying from Paris to London.
From seat No.9, Hercule Poirot was ideally placed to observe his fellow air passengers. Over to his right sat a pretty young woman, clearly infatuated with the man opposite; ahead, in seat No.13, sat a Countess with a poorly-concealed cocaine habit; across the gangway in seat No.8, a detective writer was being troubled by an aggressive wasp. What Poirot did not yet realize was that behind him, in seat No.2, sat the slumped, lifeless body of a woman.
How could this happen with the world’s No. 1 private detective on board?
My Review: 4/5
An ingenious plot strewn around endearing characters, with detective Poirot in his finest form! This book is a great example of why I love Christie so much.
There’s a point where she outlines a possible solution which is completely absurd and sensational, yet it’s the kind of thing most detective novels present. Then she puts forth a perfectly believable, yet completely surprising final outcome and one is left thrilled and completely satisfied!
She really was a genius!
Buy your copy here:
The ABC Murders:
Goodreads Blurb:
When Alice Asher is murdered in Andover, Hercule Poirot is already looking into the clues. Alphabetically speaking, it’s one letter down, twenty-five to go.
There’s a serial killer on the loose. His macabre calling card is to leave the ABC Railway Guide beside each victim’s body. But if A is for Alice Asher, bludgeoned to death in Andover, and B is for Betty Bernard, strangled with her belt on the beach at Bexhill, who will then be Victim C? More importantly, why is this happening?
Often considered to be one of Agatha Christie’s best.
My Review: 5/5
I have to agree with the above assessment. This book certainly is one of Christie’s best works. It perfectly shows the amazing range of her skills as a writer and crime novelist. She creates credible characters and a fantastic plot by presenting just the right number of clues, while also holding back the most important information. It was unputdownable!
Buy your copy here:
In case you prefer to hear me discuss the books instead of reading the reviews, here’s my Insta Live of Episode 5 of Project Poirot:
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This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Growing with Nemit.
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**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.
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I cannot tell you how glad I am that episode 5 of Project Poirot featuring a book on my #TBR – The ABC Murders, did not spoil the suspense for me.
‘Death in the Clouds’ was good too and I still have to read ‘The three-act Tragedy’. mY #TBR list keeps growing so I will only be reading the ABC murders from this list because you said it is the best work of Dame AC
It’s definitely one of the best!
Going by your review and rating, I guess I’ll pick up The ABC Murders first out of these three books. But will that affect the growth progression, I wonder. The kind of changes you’re aiming to observe by reading the series as per its publication in ascending order
No it won’t – her books can be read as standalones and enjoyed too 🙂
I must say that you motivated me so much to go back to Agatha Christie, that I did manege to see the movie Murder on the Orient Express, but have yet to get down to reading. This year, I have decided to read more quality rather than quantity.
I hope you enjoyed the movie!
Yes. Now, i have another one on my watch list
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Not an Agatha fan anymore. Your reviews are very interesting though. After all my grief and agony I prefer to read only romcoms and even watch them too. Living alone it scares me to read or watch thrillers.
I can understand
I’ve been thinking about diving into Agatha Christie’s books! I’ve only read a couple of them so far, like ‘And then there were none’, ‘Death on the Nile’, but I’m itching for more. Her mysteries are just too good to resist. Got any favorites you’d recommend I start with?
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Agatha Christie and the chilling encounters 😱
The blurbs are enough to raise my hair. Despite this, I’m ready to dig into the chase for the murderer! Thanks for this post:)
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Great review, not my fave Christie but very inventive murder weapon for sure. I am rewatching all the BBC ones and just played the new PC game- may review that- it’s very interesting as it’s a fresh take on Orient Express with new angles and even an added killer
Which one are you speaking about when you mention the murder weapon?
Murder in the Clouds. For some reason never loved the book or ABC’s- although great motive in that one. Love 3 act tragedy
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The blurbs alone are enough to send shivers down my spine 🥲 and you have truly inspired me to revisit Agatha Christie. Based on your review and rating, I think I’ll start with The ABC Murders, but I am going to purchase all the recommended books during my visit to India.
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I’m reading Agatha Christie’s books too and The ABC Murders sure was a thrilling read! Haven’t read the other two but looking forward to them.
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Dear Noor, I am aware that you are an ultimate fan of Agatha Christie and I love you for that and appreciate your love for the author. I am too an Agatha Christie fan but I am more in love with Desi detectives. While reading your post a thought came in my mind … The baby on the way is also reading Agatha Christie along with you and analyzing it through your mind… so can we say that he/she is going to be born Agatha Christie fan like Mommy or a born detective like Hercule Poirot /Miss Marple … what’s your take on this ?
Haha maybe!
I was in my hometown in April and I was going through my old books and found several of Agatha Christie’s. I immediately thought about you Noor and was wondering when you’ll publish your next post of Project Poirot… and here you are…😊
Although I do not read AG anymore, I enjoy reading your posts as it gives me an opportunity to jog my memory.
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I used to read a lot of Agatha Christie books but I have not read one in a long time. I remember reading ABC Murders. I liked it too.
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Hi, your Project Piorot with the legendary crime thriller author Agatha Christie is tempting, especially for those who are not yet in-depth into her writing, like me. I have included all three of the books in my TBR list. Thank you.
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I was hoping to catch the series but dropped the ball. Way too much going on and reading time is a lot limited these days. But I do plan to catch up. Thank you for this reminder, Noor. As always, love reading your reviews and picking books on your recommendations.
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Agatha has been favourite since my school days. Your review just cements my love for her. I’ve got her entire collection!
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I really enjoy your series, and love reading about the books. I myself dont have the time to do such a project, but i really love that you are doing this and sharing it. I hope to get back to reading these again too.
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Interesting recommendations. Sure coming back when in need of a interesting read
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I don’t think I was ever into this genre but after reading your blog, it is making me want to pick these books and start reading. Thank you!
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Honestly, I haven’t read any of her books. But after reading your review, I feel like giving it a try. I will begin with ABC Murders. Thanks for sharing these book recommendations.
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That is asusal a fantastic compilation of books from your favorite author. The way you described the characters and plot along with your review rating for each book makes it easy to understand. Always a fan of your writing scale.
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