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Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories:…
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Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories: A Hercule Poirot Collection with Foreword by Charles Todd (Hercule Poirot Mysteries) (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 1984; vuoden 2013 painos)

Tekijä: Agatha Christie (Autor)

Sarjat: Hercule Poirot (1984)

JäseniäKirja-arvostelujaSuosituimmuussijaKeskimääräinen arvioMaininnat
1,755189,727 (4.12)14
At last, a single volume that gathers together all of the short stories featuring Agatha Christie's most famous creation, Hercule Poirot. The dapper, mustache-twirling little Belgian with the egg-shaped head and curious mannerisms has solved some of the most puzzling crimes of the century-and, in his own humble opinion, is "probably the greatest detective in the world." In this complete collection of more than 50 stories, ranging from short tales to novellas, Poirot faces violent murders, poisonings, kidnappings, and thefts-all solved with his characteristic panache. Only Agatha Christie could have devised cases worthy of Hercule Poirot's skill and "little gray cells.".… (lisätietoja)
Jäsen:BigBookBitch
Teoksen nimi:Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories: A Hercule Poirot Collection with Foreword by Charles Todd (Hercule Poirot Mysteries)
Kirjailijat:Agatha Christie (Autor)
Info:William Morrow Paperbacks (2013), 896 pages
Kokoelmat:Oma kirjasto
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Hercule Poirot's casebook (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (1984)

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Näyttää 1-5 (yhteensä 18) (seuraava | näytä kaikki)
This smug little man with his immaculate moustaches is a delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. The only damper was that the multiple narrators all had a different take on Poirot's voice and story tone, which could be jarring at times - Just as I was settling in with one narrator, another would take over. They were all good in their own way though, and the production quality was excellent.

Audiobook via Audible ( )
  Doodlebug34 | Jan 7, 2024 |
Though I have Murder in the Mews, the mass market paperback which contains the title story, and three other great Poirot short stories by Agatha Christie, when I ran across this one some long while ago in Mogo on vacation, I had to have it. The introduction, called Enter Poirot, is by Christie herself, from An Autobiography, and it’s nice that it’s included. The Affair at the Victory Ball from 1923 begins a salvo of chronologically arranged Poirot short stories like no other.

Reading through this one took me quite some time after I acquired it, and now I return to it for brief periods to read one of them again. Because I’ve seen all the David Suchet adaptations on television over the years, which are wonderful, it was nice to note some small differences here and there in some stories. Overall, however, it was nostalgic reading these stories, and being able to picture the events playing out better because of having seen — many times — the adaptations starring Suchet as Poirot.

As another nice review here mentions, being objective here is nearly impossible at this juncture. Sure, some of the stories aren’t as good as the others, and these have taken on a legendary status for mystery lovers. But it doesn’t matter, because there are so many wonderful moments that a cumulative effect begins to takes place. All we remember is how much we love these Poirot mysteries, and how much affection we have for Hastings, Miss Lemon, and yes, Japp. Reading these stories is like visiting old friends.

We’re on page 865 here when we get a fabulous bonus to all the stories we know so well — and perhaps a few we’ve forgotten. Here we come to a postscript, which is Poirot and the Regatta Mystery. In 1936 it appeared in both The Chicago Tribune, and across the pond, in The Strand. When Christie released it in book form, however, in 1939, she had reworked it into a Parker Pyne story! Here we have it in its original form, as a Hercule Poirot story. At the time of this printing in 1999, it had been over 60 years since the original Poirot version had been in print.

After this, we get a chronological appendix of Agatha Christie’s short story publications between 1923 and 1971, both in America and in Britain, listing the dates, issue numbers, and magazines in which they appeared. And it isn’t just Poirot, but Marple too, and Tommy and Tuppence, Parker Pyne, Harley Quin, non-series stories, and 6 children’s stories! For someone trying to collect Christie in magazine form, it’s invaluable, but for the average reader, it’s simply cool to have it included.

It just doesn’t get better than this for Poirot fans. It’s big and thick — 50 stories! — and encompasses all of Poirot in the short form. Great to own, fun to return to now and again, and highly recommended! ( )
  Matt_Ransom | Oct 6, 2023 |
I am in the process of re-re-reading all the Poirot novels in order, and have had some trouble trying to include all the short stories in order as well (in many and various collections), so I was very happy to find this collection. The stories are in published order and are all here. What a treat! I do prefer the Poirot novels to the short stories, but that is probably because they are fuller and have more and varied characters. Some of the stories are very good, and some just okay, but they are all enjoyable to read. It is a nice thick book (of course!), and it is hard to stop reading because when you finish one story you see the next one should be a quick read, so you just keep going! Recommended for all Christie and Poirot fans because you have all the stories together and in chronological order, making it very convenient (instead of having to find all the old collections). If you haven't read a Poirot book before, it is a nice intro to get small doses of the Little Belgian. Use your "little grey cells" and pick up a copy of this book! ( )
  CRChapin | Jul 8, 2023 |
I had only ever read Poirot novels, and now realize that, like Sherlock Holmes, much of the great Poirot work is in these short stories. ( )
  rumbledethumps | Jun 26, 2023 |
The Hercule Poirot Complete Short Story collection contains fifty one stories spanning the entirety of his career. Many were first published in various magazines and anthologies. Like all anthologies there were some gems and some real misses.

Individual ratings are below. My favourites were The Disappearance of Davenheim, The Veiled Lady, The Case of the Missing Will and The Theft of the Royal Ruby. My least favourites were The King of Clubs, The Adventure of the Cheap Flat and Wasps' Nest.

Two stories seem to be missing from the collection; The Mystery of the Spanish Chest and Second Gong. The first is an expanded version of The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest and the second is a pared down version of Dead Man's Mirror.

THE AFFAIR AT THE VICTORY BALL: **

Inspector Japp comes to ask Poirot's advice about a murder and a suicide that took place on the night of the Victory Ball. I enjoyed this one. Hastings has got the right of it here though;

“Poirot,” I cried, “one day I shall murder you! Your habit of finding everything perfectly simple is aggravating to the last degree!” “But when I explain, mon ami, is it not always perfectly simple?” “Yes; that is the annoying part of it! I feel then that I could have done it myself.” “And so you could, Hastings, so you could. (p. 9)

I wish I could claim Poirot's little grey cells but unfortunately my own are much more on a par with Hasting's. 2 stars.

THE JEWEL ROBBERY AT THE GRAND METROPOLITAN: ***

Poirot and Hastings have a weekend away and meet a couple that later have their necklace stolen. Lol, Poirot calling Hastings dumb.

“Thank you, I accept most gratefully. You have the good heart to think of an old man. And the good heart, it is in the end worth all the little grey cells. Yes, yes, I who speak to you am in danger of forgetting that sometimes.” I did not relish the implication. I fancy that Poirot is sometimes a little inclined to underestimate my mental capacities. (p. 14)

And sometimes he doesn't underestimate Hastings' mental capacities. I really liked this one. Particularly that the jewel thieves were let down by their method. All because they didn't bother to dust when they should have. 3 stars.

THE KING OF CLUBS: *

A dancer is accused of murder and her fiancee hires Poirot (and Hastings) to investigate.

“Is this your eloquence, or that of the Daily Newsmonger?” inquired Poirot.
“The Daily Newsmonger was in a hurry to go to press, and contented itself with bare facts. But the dramatic possibilities of the story struck me at once.” (p. 29)


Honestly Hastings. If Poirot has Order and Method are his gods. (p. 28) You definitely have drama and stupidity. I was a little baffled by this one - I didn't really understand why the dancer and her family are ashamed of each other?
This wasn't my favourite beyond Poirot poking fun at Hastings. 1 star.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MR. DAVENHEIM: *****

A gentleman disappears with no trace. Inspector Japp has tea with Hastings and Poirot and relates the case. Japp and Poirot make a bet that Poirot can solve the case without leaving the room.

“I should have thought,” I remarked, “that it would be almost impossible for anyone to ‘disappear’ nowadays.” (p. 42)

I found this comment amusing - they thought people couldn't disappear then - try now with internet and mobile phones and GPS and CCTV. All our technology and people can still completely vanish. Insane.

Okay this story was really good. I loved it. The bet, the how of the crime, the alibi - epic. To go to so much effort to create a backstory for your alibi is truly epic. I hadn't quite seen it coming - I picked that he'd willingly disappeared but not that he was the other guy! 5 stars.

THE PLYMOUTH EXPRESS: ***

A lady is found murdered on a train, her expensive jewellery missing. Her father hires Poirot to investigate. This was alright, pretty straightforward. I sort of guessed where it was going with the woman being impersonated, I didn't guess who the culprit was, although I probably should've. It was the maid. Poor Japp though, he can never get it right.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE "THE WESTERN STAR": **

Poirot and Hastings look into the disappearance of a massive diamond. This was alright. Hastings has his usual visions of grandeur.

I felt a desire to rise to the occasion. Why not? In Poirot’s presence I have frequently felt a difficulty—I do not appear at my best. And yet there is no doubt that I, too, possess the deductive sense in a marked degree. I leant forward on a sudden impulse. “Lady Yardly,” I said, “I know why you have come here. You have received blackmailing letters about the diamond.” There was no doubt as to my bolt having shot home. She stared at me openmouthed, all colour banished from her cheeks. “You know?” she gasped. “How?” I smiled. “By a perfectly logical process. (p. 73)

And totally finds out he's wrong. Oops.

“It’s all very well,” I said, my anger rising, “but you’ve made a perfect fool of me! From beginning to end! No, it’s all very well to try and explain it away afterwards. There really is a limit!” “But you were so enjoying yourself, my friend, I had not the heart to shatter your illusions.” (p. 84)

Everything is neatly wrapped up, for all Hastings tries to muddy the waters.
2 stars.

THE TRAGEDY OF MARSDON MANOR: ****

A woman's husband dies unexpectedly and the insurance company hires Poirot to check it wasn't suicide. This one was brutal. I like.

“Let us start from the beginning. Here is a shrewd and scheming woman who, knowing of her husband’s financial débâcle and tired of the elderly mate she had only married for his money, induces him to insure his life for a large sum, and then seeks for the means to accomplish her purpose. An accident gives her that—the young soldier’s strange story. The next afternoon when monsieur le capitaine, as she thinks, is on the high seas, she and her husband are strolling round the grounds. ‘What a curious story that was last night!’ she observes. ‘Could a man shoot himself in such a way? Do show me if it is possible!’ The poor fool—he shows her. He places the end of his rifle in his mouth. She stoops down, and puts her finger on the trigger, laughing up at him. ‘And now, sir,’ she says saucily, ‘supposing I pull the trigger?’ “And then—and then, Hastings—she pulls it!” (p. 95)


I enjoyed the theatrics Poirot employs. All to make her think her husband is haunting her for her betrayal. Hilarious.
4 stars.

THE KIDNAPPED PRIME MINISTER: ***

The British Prime Minister is kidnapped and Scotland Yard turn to Poirot to help find him in time for the Allied Conference. I enjoyed the twists in this one. It was a very well crafted mystery. 3 stars.

THE MILLION DOLLAR BOND ROBBERY: ***

Bank bonds are stolen from aboard a ship. The fiancee of the man charged with transporting them hires Poirot to clear his name. This was a pretty straightforward mystery. I liked the way the case unfolded and how Poirot came to his conclusions. I sort of guessed where it was going and that it was an inside job but I wasn't entirely sure. And I was highly amused by Poirot's consideration for his fellow investigators.

As to why I wait—eh bien, to the intelligence of Hercule Poirot the case is perfectly clear, but for the benefit of others, not so greatly gifted by the good God—the Inspector, McNeil, for instance—it would be as well to make a few inquiries to establish the facts. One must have consideration for those less gifted than oneself.” “Good Lord, Poirot! Do you know, I’d give a considerable sum of money to see you make a thorough ass of yourself—just for once. You’re so confoundedly conceited!” “Do not enrage yourself, Hastings. In verity, I observe that there are times when you almost detest me! Alas, I suffer the penalties of greatness!” (p. 117)

3 stars.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHEAP FLAT: *

A young couple manage to secure a cheap flat in a great area, but everyone starts to wonder why the flat is offered so cheap. I didn't like this one as much as some of the other short stories. I didn't feel that it was clear that Poirot managed to follow the Elsa Hardt when she moved out of the flat. The timing was slightly off - I mean it fit, but unless you read it closely I missed that she was still in the flat when Poirot first heard about it. I guess I'm as blind as Hastings. I took it as gospel that it had been empty, regardless that apparently she's been living there for six months. And no one likes to feel dumb, ergo - not my favourite. 1 star.

THE MYSTERY OF HUNTER'S LODGE: ***

A man's favourite uncle is shot and he hires Poirot to solve the murder - except Poirot is sick in bed and Hastings takes the case. This one was kind of funny. I enjoyed Japp and Hastings trying to outdo each other and failing spectacularly. And Poirot mocking them.

“Mon ami Hastings! But how glad I am to see you. Veritably I have for you a great affection! And you have enjoyed yourself? You have run to and fro with the good Japp? You have interrogated and investigated to your heart’s content?” “Poirot,” I cried, “the thing’s a dark mystery! It will never be solved.” (p. 140)

Yes, except by Poirot while he's ill and resting in bed. I liked the twist in this one and the way they secured the alibi. 3 stars.

THE CHOCOLATE BOX: ****

A politician against religion dies of heart failure but Poirot is asked to investigate by a young woman who suspects murder. Poirot is still a police officer in this one and claims to Hastings that this is one of the few times that he has failed to solve a case on his own merits. I liked this one. I liked that the clues are laid out and explained for where Poirot goes wrong in his deductions. Plus I loved the ending where Hastings is told that if Poirot seems to be getting a big head to just comment, chocolate box. 4 stars.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE EGYPTIAN TOMB: ***

Poirot and Hastings travel to Egypt to investigate a curse. This was alright. Poirot's complaining about sand and heat and his limp moustache was pretty funny. And his pleasure that despite all of that his little grey cells functioned. 3 stars.

THE VEILED LADY: *****

A young woman employs Poirot to regain possession of an indiscreet letter. This one was hilarious. I adored Poirot's foray into the criminal world.

“My God!” I cried. “Something has got to be done. You seem to be taking this lying down, Poirot.” “You have an excellent heart, my friend—but your grey cells are in a deplorable condition. I have no wish to impress Mr. Lavington with my capabilities. The more pusillanimous he thinks me, the better.” “Why?” “It is curious,” murmured Poirot reminiscently, “that I should have uttered a wish to work against the law just before Lady Millicent arrived!” “You are going to burgle his house while he is away?” I gasped. “Sometimes, Hastings, your mental processes are amazingly quick.” (p. 171)

“How did you know this window would be open?” I whispered, for really it seemed uncanny. “Because I sawed through the catch this morning.” (p. 171)

Definitely a favourite. 5 stars.

THE ADVENTURE OF JOHNNIE WAVERLY: ****

Poirot investigates the kidnapping of a young boy. I liked the twists in this one. And I think I might actually be starting to like Hastings. The horror.

“So madame has never liked the butler. It is interesting, that, eh, Hastings?” I refused to be drawn. Poirot has deceived me so often that I now go warily. There is always a catch somewhere. (p. 182)

4 stars.

THE MARKET BASING MYSTERY: ***

Poirot, Hastings and Japp are on holiday when the local police ask for some help when they find a dead man in a locked room who couldn't possibly have shot himself. I found this one interesting. It wasn't the best but interesting nonetheless. And I liked Japp's comment on Poirot living a life of crime.

“I agree, yes; but it would have been simpler and better to slip the key back inside the room under the door. Then it would look as though it had fallen from the lock.” “Ah, well, you can’t expect everybody to have the bright ideas that you have. You’d have been a holy terror if you’d taken to crime. (p. 190)

It kind of makes me wish that Christie had done a Poirot reimagined crime series. 3 stars.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE ITALIAN NOBLEMAN: ****

Dr Hawker visits Poirot and Hastings and receives a call from a patient that he is being murdered. Okay this one was pretty good too. I love all the detail that goes into these crimes. The twists in this one were particularly twisty. 4 stars.

THE CASE OF THE MISSING WILL: *****

A man dies having prepared two different wills. One of which leaves everything to his niece. But only if she can find it within the time frame. One year “during which time my clever niece may prove her wits," (p. 206)

This was epic. I loved it. Violet Marsh is a legend of a character. Her straightforward thinking and practical manner was fantastic. And I always adore when women get the better of men. Particularly men who think they're clever. And especially men who have stupid ideas about where they think a woman belongs. The ingenuity in her plan was perfection.

“Somewhere in this rambling old manor house your uncle has concealed either a sum of money in notes or possibly a second will, and has given you a year in which to exercise your ingenuity to find it.” “Exactly, Monsieur Poirot; and I am paying you the compliment of assuming that your ingenuity will be greater than mine.” (p. 207)

“She didn’t see through it, did she?” I said slowly. “It seems rather unfair. The old man really won.” “But no, Hastings. It is your wits that go astray. Miss Marsh proved the astuteness of her wits and the value of the higher education for women by at once putting the matter in my hands. Always employ the expert. She has amply proved her right to the money.” I wonder—I very much wonder—what old Andrew Marsh would have thought! (p. 212)

Lmfao. I love that her plan is hire someone else. It's such a modern way of thinking and I adored it. And I really wonder what Andrew Marsh would've thought too.
5 stars.

THE INCREDIBLE THEFT: ****

Important plans are stolen when a prominent political figure throws a party. I liked this one. Once again I guessed parts and completely missed others but I enjoyed it all the same. 4 stars.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE CLAPHAM COOK: ***

Poirot on the case of a missing cook and finds a murder, a theft and deceit. This one was alright. I liked Mrs Todd, the woman who hires Poirot. I didn't love the resolution though. The cook's manoeuvred out of her position so that the lodger can have her tin trunk to hide a body. Like why? Why specifically hers? How did he even know she had one that was acceptable? I don't know it was kind of weak. 3 stars.

THE LOST MINE: **

Poirot is hired to locate some papers that map out a profitable mine. I didn't really like this one. It was kind of boring. 2 stars.

THE CORNISH MYSTERY: ****

A wife asks Poirot to prove that her husband is poisoning her. I liked this one. I totally guessed who was guilty - my little grey cells were right on the money. And I enjoyed Mrs Pengelley's thoughts;

“You have contemplated leaving him, then?” “I don’t intend to let him have it all his own way. Women aren’t the downtrodden slaves they were in the old days, M. Poirot.” (pp. 276-277)

4 stars.

THE DOUBLE CLUE: ***

Poirot is hired by a man who hosted a dinner party and had his jewels stolen. He doesn't want to think one of his guests (and friends) could have done it but - one of his guests (and friends) did. I liked this one. It wasn't fantastic but it was a fun read. 3 stars.

THE THEFT OF THE ROYAL RUBY: *****

I loved this one. It was almost as good as The Missing Will. A Prince comes to town and gets conned into handing over a precious royal ruby to his "date". Poirot is reluctant when he finds taking the case would mean a proper English Christmas in the country - a big English manor with snow means cold and Poirot is all nosiree. But he's convinced when he learns that the manor has oil fired central heating, a splendid hot water system and radiators in every bedroom.

I enjoyed this a lot for being such a short story. Mrs Lacey/Em was awesome. Her granddaughter, Sarah is infatuated with a man named Desmond Lee-Wortley. Her grandfather is appalled and wants to do everything to break them up but Em convinces him to invite Desmond for Christmas and watch everything fall apart on its own. It was fantastic.

“That’s my doing,” said Mrs. Lacey. “Horace was all for forbidding her to see him and all that. Of course, in Horace’s day, the father or guardian would have called round at the young man’s lodgings with a horse whip! Horace was all for forbidding the fellow the house, and forbidding the girl to see him. I told him that was quite the wrong attitude to take. ‘No,’ I said. ‘Ask him down here. We’ll have him down for Christmas with the family party.’ Of course, my husband said I was mad! But I said, ‘At any rate, dear, let’s try it. Let her see him in our atmosphere and our house and we’ll be very nice to him and very polite, and perhaps then he’ll seem less interesting to her’!” “I think, as they say, you have something there, Madame,” said Poirot. (p. 303)

But it wasn't just that little bit of wisdom. I loved the children deciding to plan a murder to entertain Poirot. And Poirot twisting it to make them think she's really dead to trick Desmond into getting out of dodge with a fake ruby. It was freaking awesome. It was just brilliant. It was very amusing.

I didn't get the ending though. Or at least I hope I didn't.

A pair of arms slipped round his shoulders unexpectedly. “If you will stand just under the mistletoe—” said Bridget. Hercule Poirot enjoyed it. He enjoyed it very much. He said to himself that he had had a very good Christmas. (p. 330)

Did she kiss him? What the hell isn't he like 70ish and she's like what barely 20? Ugh.
5 stars.

THE LEMESURIER INHERITANCE: ***

Poirot investigates a family curse that prevents the eldest son from inheriting. This was alright. I liked the fierceness of the mother and her disbelief in the curse when it threatens her son. Interesting twist at the end too. Poirot suspects the son isn't the father's, ergo the curse wins. 3 stars.

THE UNDER DOG: ****

A lady hires Poirot to investigate her husband's murder when the man's nephew is accused. I liked this one for the most part. I wasn't a big fan of the whole hypnosis bit, but I enjoyed that Poirot took Lady Astwell's 'intuition' to be her subconscious rather than writing her off. And that George the valet makes an appearance with his usual stiff English upper lip attitude. 4 stars.

DOUBLE SIN: ***

Poirot and Hastings meet a young girl who is on her way to sell some paintings for her aunt and decide to help when they find the paintings stolen. This was alright. I didn't like it that much. 3 stars.

WASPS' NEST: *

Instead of investigating death, Poirot is out to prevent one. This story was bizarre. The guy is dying so he plans to commit suicide and set his friend up for his death. I didn't love it. 1 star.

THE THIRD FLOOR FLAT: **

Four friends come up with a plan to get into their friend's flat via the coal lift. Except when they enter the wrong flat, they find a body. Poirot lives upstairs and gets drawn in when they're talking about calling the police. This was another frankly bizarre story. One of the men is in love with the woman and so kills his estranged wife so he could marry her? Why didn't they just get divorced? It doesn't seem like either one wanted to be together? I didn't really get it. 2 stars.

THE MYSTERY OF THE BAGHDAD CHEST: ***

A wife asks Poirot to investigate her husband's murder when his best friend is arrested. This was kind of genius in some ways, average in others. The actual execution of the crime was interesting but the motive of the guilty party seemed a little weak. I mean he wanted the wife? And not even the friend who they think is on with the wife, but the other friend. Just seemed a little over the top. 3 stars.

DEAD MAN'S MIRROR: ****

Poirot is sent a letter by Sir Gervase Chevenix-Gore requesting his presence to investigate a matter of fraud, but when Poirot arrives, the man is found to have committed suicide. I really liked this one. Mr Satterthwaite (from the Harley Quin series) also makes a brief appearance, giving Poirot his impressions of Sir Gervase. And Major Riddle, the police detective assigned was fantastic. I mean he was no Poirot but I was amused by his conclusions;

“Well,” said Riddle, “everything seems quite clear and aboveboard. Door locked, window fastened, key of door in dead man’s pocket. Everything according to Cocker—but for one circumstance.” “And what is that, my friend?” inquired Poirot. “You!” said Riddle bluntly. “What are you doing down here?” (p. 457)

The crime was very clever and I enjoyed the motives. 4 stars.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?: **

An old lady dies leaving her money to her nurse attendant and the family are not pleased. Miss Lemon (Poirot's confidential secretary) is a card - as much as George the Valet. Where does Poirot find these people? I love that in order to satisfy his desire for order and process that he keeps having to find people with limited imagination. The mystery itself was pretty boring. Very basic - it wasn't really long enough for proper detail. 2 stars.

PROBLEM AT SEA: ***

Poirot is on a cruise ship (and I really wanted to know how he was convinced to think that was a good idea) when one of the passengers is found dead. This one was okay. I figured most of it out. - I guessed who was guilty (the husband) and some of the how - like that he threw his voice to make it sound like she was still alive when she was already dead - but not that he staged the card trick to set an alibi as a illusionist rather than a ventriloquist . But it just didn't really grab me that much. 3 stars.

TRIANGLE AT RHODES: **

On holiday at Rhodes, Poirot comes across a love triangle that ends in murder. Well I only guessed half the crime. As in that Chantry killed his wife. Not that he had an accomplice. Honestly, I didn't really get this one. It was strange. 2 stars.

MURDER IN THE MEWS: ****

Poirot and Japp team up once again, when their dinner out speculating on why no one commits more murders on Guy Fawkes day results in a dead body and a shot no one heard fired. I enjoyed this one. I like Japp and I love him and Poirot teaming up. Japp ribs him something fierce and it's hilarious.

“So that’s what you were getting at!” Japp sighed. “Always have to get at things in such a tortuous way.” (p. 597)

Poor Japp. I like Japp better than Hastings too. He's much smarter for one. Even when he's not entirely sure where Poirot is going with things, he is usually aware something is going on. 4 stars.

YELLOW IRIS: ***

Poirot receives a mysterious call begging for him to come to a restaurant to prevent a murder, except when he gets there no one owns up to calling him. So he joins the dinner party and soon finds himself puzzling out the motives of a murder that happened four years ago - and looks to be repeated again. This one was alright, usual fare. 3 stars.

THE DREAM: ***

A billionaire has a recurring dream of his death and then is found dead the exact same way. Poirot is called to consult. I guessed parts of this which always increases my esteem of a short story. I love that all the police are getting behind the idea that any death which includes Poirot in any way must be murder.

“So that there is every reason to suppose that Mr. Farley committed suicide.” Inspector Barnett smiled a little. “There would have been no doubt at all but for one point.” “And that?” “The letter written to you.” Poirot smiled too. “I see! Where Hercule Poirot is concerned—immediately the suspicion of murder arises!” “Precisely,” said the inspector dryly. (p. 628)

3 stars.

THE LABORS OF HERCULES: **

This is kind of a nothing story in terms of it being included in The Complete Short Stories of Hercule Poirot collection. But it's not really supposed to stand on its own - it is in fact the foreword of the short story collection, The Labors of Hercules.

The idea is that before Poirot retires, he will emulate the classics - and the last twelve cases he will solve will all be symbolic of the labors Hercules undertook. There's no actual mystery, just an introduction to the twelve short stories. So it was pretty short and fairly boring. 2 stars.

THE NEMEAN LION: ***

Pekingese dogs are being kidnapped for ransom. Poirot is hired to stop it. I liked the crime in this one. It was well planned and executed. 3 stars.

THE LERNEAN HYDRA: ****

A country doctor is stunned to hear that the whole town suspects him of poisoning his wife. Poirot is brought in to slay the rumours. I liked this one. The idea of rumours being like a hydra was unique and I love how Poirot works to squash them. 4 stars.

THE ARCADIAN DEER: **

Poirot's car breaks down and the mechanic asks him for help in tracking down a woman he met and fell in love with. I didn't like this one much at all. It was too ridiculous. 2 stars.

THE ERYMANTHIAN BOAR: ****

Poirot is on holiday when an old police force friend reaches out to him for help tracking down a dangerous criminal mastermind. This was clever. I enjoyed the solution and the way it was revealed. And I totally guessed who it was - which always makes me happy. 4 stars.

THE AUGEAN STABLES: ****

Poirot is asked to perform a miracle - stop public opinion from turning against the current Prime Minister for what the former (and his father in law) did while in office. I really liked this one. It's similar to The Lernean Hydra in that Poirot looks to fight gossip and scandal. I loved the Prime Minister's wife in this. I loved that she was determined to help her husband and do whatever needed to make sure her father didn't destroy his reputation. The conclusion to create a landslide of gossip about a sex scandal regarding the wife to dismiss the political scandal was inspired. 4 stars.

THE STYMPHALEAN BIRDS: ***

Poirot helps a man being blackmailed. This was enjoyable. I liked Harold. He had a good attitude about everything. And Poirot was his usual funny self.

“Who are you, anyway?” As though confessing to royal birth the little man said modestly: “I am Hercule Poirot. (p. 748)

3 stars.

THE CRETAN BULL: ****

A man breaks off his engagement when he fears he's going mad. The woman asks Poirot for help. I didn't guess this one. Well not all of it anyway. I figured he was being poisoned but I thought for sure it was the family friend not the father. A good little twisty story. 4 stars.

THE HORSES OF DIOMEDES: **

Poirot is asked to help a young girl who has got caught up in a cocaine ring. I didn't like this one. It was too random. 2 stars.

THE GIRDLE OF HYPPOLITA: **

When an famous piece of art is stolen, the gallery owner asks Poirot to track it down. In the meantime, Inspector Japp asks Poirot to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Another random story that didn't really make sense. I didn't get why Winnie was used. The explanation was lacking. 2 stars.

THE FLOCK OF GERYON: ***

Miss Carnaby (from the Nemean Lion) joins forces with Poirot to investigate a religious cult her friend has joined. I enjoyed this one. Miss Carnaby was funny.

“Oh, M. Poirot, I’m so worried.” Poirot said kindly: “What is it?” “Do you know, M. Poirot, I’m afraid—I really am afraid—that I must be a hardened criminal—if I may use such a term. Ideas come to me!” “What kind of ideas?” “The most extraordinary ideas! For instance, yesterday, a really most practical scheme for robbing a post office came into my head. I wasn’t thinking about it—it just came! And another very ingenious way for evading custom duties . . . I feel convinced—quite convinced—that it would work.” “It probably would,” said Poirot drily. “That is the danger of your ideas.” (p. 805)
I sort of guessed where it was going. 3 stars.

THE APPLES OF THE HESPERIDES: **

Poirot is asked to track down stolen property. This was alright. There wasn't really much mystery to be solved - it kind of came from nowhere. I feel like this collection had a lot of weird stories. I did enjoy the following though.

“But my retaining the legal ownership, there were still possibilities left open to me of recovering my property.”
“You mean,” said Poirot bluntly, “that you could arrange for it to be stolen from Sir Reuben.”
“Not stolen, M. Poirot. I should have been merely recovering my own property.”
“But I gather that you were not successful?”
“For a very good reason. Rosenthal has never had the goblet in his possession!”
“How do you know?”
“Recently there has been a merger of oil interests. Rosenthal’s interests and mine now coincide. We are allies and not enemies. I spoke to him frankly on the subject and he at once assured me that the cup had never been in his possession.”
“And you believe him?”
“Yes.”
Poirot said thoughtfully: “Then for nearly ten years you have been, as they say in this country, barking up the mistaken tree?”
The financier said bitterly: “Yes, that is exactly what I have been doing!”

(p. 824)


Poor guy. Lol. 2 stars.

THE CAPTURE OF CERBERUS: ***

Poirot runs across an old friend, Countess Vera Rossakoff (from The Double Clue). I liked this. I loved that she tells him to meet her in hell. And I love Miss Lemon's response.

“If a friend asked you to meet her—or him—in Hell, what would you do?”
Miss Lemon, as usual, did not pause. She knew, as the saying goes, all the answers.
“It would be advisable, I think, to ring up for a table,” she said.
Hercule Poirot stared at her in a stupefied fashion. He said, staccato, “You—would—ring—up—for—a table?”
Miss Lemon nodded and drew the telephone towards her. “Tonight?” she asked, and taking assent for granted since he did not speak, she dialled briskly. “Temple Bar 14578? Is that Hell? Will you please reserve a table for two. M. Hercule Poirot. Eleven o’clock.” (pp. 836-837). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.


That cracked me up. And I loved the idea of the stairs having the good intentions paving the way to hell. Lol. The actual mystery was decent. I totally guessed how the dog was involved. Although I was thinking more along the lines of there being jewels in the collar or something. Not a package of drugs in the mouth. I would've liked to know more about how Vera gets mixed up in it all. But it's a short story. Interesting read. 3 stars.

FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS: ***

Poirot is out for dinner when he learns from the waitress about a regular customer who's made an irregular order. This one was alright. I guessed that he was being impersonated but it seemed a bit farfetched to have Poirot pick up on it without any prompting. The solution was clever though and it was an easy read. 3 stars.

THE MYSTERY OF THE SPANISH CHEST: ****

A woman's potential lover is arrested for the murder of her husband and Poirot is asked to prove him innocent. This is an expanded version of The Baghdad Chest and I have to say I liked it a whole lot more. This version was more streamlined and had better explanations for the murder. The earlier version lacked this cohesion. Plus I love Othello so the Iago references were great. 4 stars.

SECOND GONG: ***

The owner of a large estate sends for Poirot when he discovers he is being swindled, but when Poirot arrives Hubert Lytcham Roche has just committed suicide. This is a earlier, pared down version of Dead Man's Mirror and is really just the bare bones of the crime. It has a clever solution and is an easy read. 3 stars.
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» Lisää muita tekijöitä

Tekijän nimiRooliTekijän tyyppiKoskeeko teosta?Tila
Christie, Agathaensisijainen tekijäkaikki painoksetvahvistettu
Brown, ChristopherKuvittajamuu tekijäeräät painoksetvahvistettu
Jakubowski, MaximJohdantomuu tekijäeräät painoksetvahvistettu
Pike, KarlAppendixmuu tekijäeräät painoksetvahvistettu
Todd, CharlesJohdantomuu tekijäeräät painoksetvahvistettu

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Men-her-Ran kirous (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Suklaarasia (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Kadonnut kaivos (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Murha tallikujalla (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Uskomaton varkaus (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Uni (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Cornwallin mysteeri (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Kaksoisjohtolanka (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Ristikuningas (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Plymouthin pikajuna (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Kaksoissynti (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Ampiaispesä (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Ongelma merellä (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)
Kukkatarha (tekijä: Agatha Christie) (epäsuora)

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Katso lisäohjeita Common Knowledge -sivuilta (englanniksi).
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I was standing at the window of Poirot's rooms looking out idly on the street below.
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This work contains the 51 complete Hercule Poirot short stories, all of them previously published.
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Englanninkielinen Wikipedia (1)

At last, a single volume that gathers together all of the short stories featuring Agatha Christie's most famous creation, Hercule Poirot. The dapper, mustache-twirling little Belgian with the egg-shaped head and curious mannerisms has solved some of the most puzzling crimes of the century-and, in his own humble opinion, is "probably the greatest detective in the world." In this complete collection of more than 50 stories, ranging from short tales to novellas, Poirot faces violent murders, poisonings, kidnappings, and thefts-all solved with his characteristic panache. Only Agatha Christie could have devised cases worthy of Hercule Poirot's skill and "little gray cells.".

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