This was another difficult review for me. I guess I had certain expectations before I started reading. One that bothered me was that the novel was set in modern times..well modern for Christie. I was expecting it to be set maybe at the turn of the century or even in the 1930s or 40s.not the 60s (if I had to wager a guess).

So the time period/setting were a disappointment for me. Another thing I struggled with, was that it seemeddated.before I elaborate let me note this disclaimer, I realize Christie wrote her novels within a dated era so naturally some of the ideals that were prominent in the 60s (or any other era) would naturally influence her writing. So that said, when I was reading it was very clear that the psychology of murder was a popular, growing idea as was the concerns for the up and coming youth.

Though I felt a little let down by the period setting and some of the investigation tactics, I did like the book. It was short and a fast read. There wasn't an abundance of fluff or back story. I loved that we got right into the murder rather than setting the reader up for a murder as some of the more modern novelists do. I enjoy this style of writing.

I liked Poirot, he was quirky, eccentric, and very frank. He seems to rely on traditional methods of detection, similar to Sherlock Holmes, in that he looks for clues and logic to arrive at the final answer. But I would say his hallmark quality is his ability to get people to talk. He relies a lot on his interview skills and what people say, or don't say.

So here is the big question..will I read more Christie? I have read a lot of reviews since I finished this book and most people agree that this novel isn't the best Poirot novel, but its also not the worst. It seems that I might enjoy some of the earlier novels more than this one. I also think I might like Miss Marple since female detective novels hold a special place in my heart. So.yes I would absolutely read more by her.

This book served a specific purpose for me. I was looking for a Halloween specific mystery novel that was a quick, direct, easy read and thats exactly what I got. Did it leave something to be desired.yes, but it still satisfied my need.
This was another difficult review for me. I guess I had certain expectations before I started reading. One that bothered me was that the novel was set in modern times.. well modern for Christie. I was expecting it to be set maybe at the turn of the century or even in the 1930s or 40s. not the 60s (if I had to wager a guess). So the time period/setting were a disappointment for me. Another thing I struggled with, was that it seemeddated. before I elaborate let me note this disclaimer, I realize Christie wrote her novels within a dated era so naturally some of the ideals that were prominent in the 60s (or any other era) would naturally influence her writing. So that said, when I was reading it was very clear that the psychology of murder was a popular, growing idea as was the concerns for the up and coming youth. Though I felt a little let down by the period setting and some of the investigation tactics, I did like the book. It was short and a fast read. There wasn't an abundance of fluff or back story. I loved that we got right into the murder rather than setting the reader up for a murder as some of the more modern novelists do. I enjoy this style of writing. I liked Poirot, he was quirky, eccentric, and very frank. He seems to rely on traditional methods of detection, similar to Sherlock Holmes, in that he looks for clues and logic to arrive at the final answer. But I would say his hallmark quality is his ability to get people to talk. He relies a lot on his interview skills and what people say, or don't say. So here is the big question.. will I read more Christie? I have read a lot of reviews since I finished this book and most people agree that this novel isn't the best Poirot novel, but its also not the worst. It seems that I might enjoy some of the earlier novels more than this one. I also think I might like Miss Marple since female detective novels hold a special place in my heart. So. yes I would absolutely read more by her. This book served a specific purpose for me. I was looking for a Halloween specific mystery novel that was a quick, direct, easy read and thats exactly what I got. Did it leave something to be desired. yes, but it still satisfied my need.