The Clocks
- First published 1970
- 275 pages
- English
- Classic
A young typist, Sheila Webb, arrives for an assignment at 19 Wilbraham Crescent only to discover a dead man in the living room, surrounded by six clocks, four of which are stopped at 4:13. To add to the confusion, the blind owner of the house, Miss Millicent Pebmarsh, denies having called for a typist and claims no knowledge of the clocks or the victim.
As Inspector Hardcastle grapples with this baffling scene, a young intelligence agent named Colin Lamb, on a separate Cold War investigation, becomes entangled in the mystery. He turns to his father's old friend, Hercule Poirot, who, challenged to solve the crime using only his intellect and without visiting the scene, delves into the perplexing details of the case from his armchair. This intricate puzzle of mismatched times and an unidentified corpse will test Poirot's "little grey cells" as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the clocks.
As Inspector Hardcastle grapples with this baffling scene, a young intelligence agent named Colin Lamb, on a separate Cold War investigation, becomes entangled in the mystery. He turns to his father's old friend, Hercule Poirot, who, challenged to solve the crime using only his intellect and without visiting the scene, delves into the perplexing details of the case from his armchair. This intricate puzzle of mismatched times and an unidentified corpse will test Poirot's "little grey cells" as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the clocks.
- Protagonist
- Female protagonist
What readers say
3.73
45K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book is widely praised for its intriguing and original premise, drawing readers in with a baffling crime from the very first pages. Reviewers highlight the clever and complex plot, which expertly intertwines a murder mystery with elements of international espionage, making it difficult for readers to guess the resolution. Despite Hercule Poirot's reduced presence, many found his analytical mind to be at its best, solving the case from a distance and proving his "little grey cells" are more than capable. The narrative is often described as engaging, fast-paced, and full of red herrings, keeping readers thoroughly entertained. Colin Lamb, a key investigating character, is frequently noted as a likeable and observant protagonist who carries much of the story effectively.
However, several reviewers expressed disappointment with Hercule Poirot's limited role, noting he appears only halfway through the book and often investigates from his armchair, which some felt detached the reader from the active investigation. The resolution, while surprising to some, was frequently criticized as being underwhelming, unlikely, or not living up to the brilliant initial setup, leaving a sense of "is that all?". Concerns were also raised about certain plot conveniences, implausible coincidences, and a romantic subplot that felt forced and lacked chemistry. Some found the pacing to drag in the middle, with too many characters to track, and felt that Christie's later writing style included outdated character stereotypes or lacked the consistent genius of her earlier works.
Ultimately, "The Clocks" offers a mixed but generally entertaining experience. While it may not stand among Agatha Christie's absolute best, it is still considered a solid whodunnit that showcases her ingenious ability to craft a convoluted mystery. This book would particularly appeal to devoted Agatha Christie fans who enjoy her later works and don't mind a less prominent role for Poirot. It is also recommended for readers who appreciate complex, multi-layered plots with an espionage backdrop and enjoy the challenge of an "armchair" mystery, rather than those seeking a classic, hands-on Poirot investigation or a first introduction to the author.
However, several reviewers expressed disappointment with Hercule Poirot's limited role, noting he appears only halfway through the book and often investigates from his armchair, which some felt detached the reader from the active investigation. The resolution, while surprising to some, was frequently criticized as being underwhelming, unlikely, or not living up to the brilliant initial setup, leaving a sense of "is that all?". Concerns were also raised about certain plot conveniences, implausible coincidences, and a romantic subplot that felt forced and lacked chemistry. Some found the pacing to drag in the middle, with too many characters to track, and felt that Christie's later writing style included outdated character stereotypes or lacked the consistent genius of her earlier works.
Ultimately, "The Clocks" offers a mixed but generally entertaining experience. While it may not stand among Agatha Christie's absolute best, it is still considered a solid whodunnit that showcases her ingenious ability to craft a convoluted mystery. This book would particularly appeal to devoted Agatha Christie fans who enjoy her later works and don't mind a less prominent role for Poirot. It is also recommended for readers who appreciate complex, multi-layered plots with an espionage backdrop and enjoy the challenge of an "armchair" mystery, rather than those seeking a classic, hands-on Poirot investigation or a first introduction to the author.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Harpercollins, 1991
- ISBN
- 9780061002793
- ISBN-10
- 0061002798
- Language
- English
Original edition The Clocks Originally published in 1970 · English · Pocket Books
