David Suchet

Book Review: Murder on the Orient Express

/ Kristi / 2 Comments

Murder on the Orient Express
Hercule Poirot #10
by Agatha Christie
read by David Suchet

My rating: 5 / 5
Genre: Classic mystery

Up front, I’ll say that some time in my life, though I have no idea when or where, I heard a spoiler for this novel. I’ve never seen any adaptations for it or read it before now, but somehow I’ve known the basic solution for a while (the who but not the why or the how). I have no idea if not knowing it would have affected my reading experience. I’m absolutely certain that I would not have figured out the mystery without foreknowledge. This story was one of the more engaging Poirot novels I’ve read so far, not feeling as bloated as some of the earlier ones. Though I do miss Poirot having a sidekick to discuss his thoughts with, at least it means we don’t have to listen to him putting poor Hastings down while extolling his own virtues. Yes, Poirot is brilliant…but he’s not always very nice. On the other hand, his decision at the very end of this book shows much compassion, even if I don’t necessarily agree that it was the right decision.

I definitely understand why this is the most famous Poirot mystery, and I think I’ve gotten to a point in the series that the writing has gotten better and tighter than early on, when I struggled to engage in the mysteries. My expectation is high as I continue on!

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Book Review: Poirot Investigates

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Poirot Investigates
Hercule Poirot #3
 by Agatha Christie
read by David Suchet

My rating: 4 / 5
Genre: Classic mystery

Reading this collection of short stories after reading 3 full-length Poirot books, I really appreciated the succinctness of the mysteries here. As far as I can tell, the short stories are very uncommon in this series, though, so it’ll be back to the longer plots that I can’t help but feel run on too long after this. Though some of the stories in this collection were more enjoyable than others, overall I felt much more engaged throughout than I have so far in my readings of Poirot. Poor Hastings, though…if I were in his place, I’m sure I’d make all the same “stupid” mistakes that Poirot berates him for. If only Poirot were a bit more understanding of those who aren’t the genius he is.

I know that David Suchet, who narrated this version of the audiobook, famously portrayed Poirot in TV adaptations, though I have not seen any version of Poirot on any size screen. I will say, though, that for a good portion of these stories, his French accent for Poirot was almost too difficult to understand. Then it suddenly seemed to lighten partway through. Outside of that, though, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook.

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If you’ve read this book, or read it in the future, feel free to let me know what you think!