A.B.C. contre Poirot

Name: A.B.C. contre Poirot
Rating: 7.76 (77044 reviews)
Author: Agatha Christie
ISBN: 9782253028802

Language: French
Published in: 1984
Publisher: Librairie générale française
Pages: 329
ISBN: 9782253028802

Subjects

Original edition details

Poirot Investigates Originally published in 1924

Original language

English

Original publisher E-Kitap Projesi & Cheapest Books

Other editions (178)

Poirot rechnet ab

2004 • Fischer Taschenbuch Verlag

German

Poirot Investigates (Annotated)

2021 • Independently Published

English

Poirot Investigates 90th Anniversary Edition : The 14 Short Stories Special

2014 • CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

English

Poirot Investigates : (Cambridge BOLD LIBRARY)

2021 • Independently Published

English

Poirot Investigates (Cambridge BOLD LIBRARY)

2021 • Independently Published

English

7.76 / 10 (77K ratings)

Reviews summary

Positives

The collection is widely praised for its clever and engaging short mysteries, showcasing the brilliant deductive talents of Hercule Poirot. Readers appreciate the fast pace and entertaining nature of the stories, which are often described as perfect for quick reads, allowing for a sense of accomplishment. Many found the cases to be deviously clever, highlighting Poirot's ingenuity and the effective use of his "little grey cells." The dynamic between Poirot and his often bumbling companion, Captain Hastings, provides comical moments, and Poirot himself is seen as a fascinating, irresistible, and iconic detective. For many, these stories serve as an excellent introduction to Poirot's character and methods, offering bite-sized insights into the world of Agatha Christie's famous Belgian sleuth.

Negatives

However, some reviewers expressed a general preference for Agatha Christie's longer novels, finding that the short story format inherently limits character development, setting exploration, and the inclusion of complex sub-plots. This brevity sometimes results in stories that feel rushed, or in conclusions that are too simplistic, rely on coincidences, or leave loose ends. A common criticism is that Poirot occasionally withholds crucial information from Hastings and, consequently, the reader, making it difficult to follow his deductions until the very end. Some stories were found to be less engaging, repetitive in their case types, or lacking the intricate plot twists typically associated with Christie's full-length works. Furthermore, Poirot's conceited nature and Hastings' perceived cluelessness were sometimes noted as drawbacks, and a few stories were considered mediocre or underwhelming, with one even containing outdated offensive language.

Conclusion

Despite these reservations, Poirot Investigates is generally considered an enjoyable and highly recommended collection, particularly for existing fans of Hercule Poirot or those looking for a quick entry into Agatha Christie's mysteries. It offers a valuable glimpse into Poirot's earliest cases and Christie's developing writing style, demonstrating her ability to craft compelling puzzles even within a concise format. While not always matching the depth of her novels, the book is celebrated for its sheer fun and the opportunity to witness Poirot's distinctive investigative process. It is best suited for readers who appreciate brisk, self-contained mysteries, enjoy character-driven detective stories with a touch of humor, and want to experience the foundational cases of one of literature's most iconic detectives.

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