Helpful Score: 1
The back of the book alway threatens it is the sleuth's last case...for once it wasn't hyperbole. Brrr. Spooky book, and spooky solution.
I am not so fond of Hastings, and this book was no exception. This did remind me of Christie's Ten Little Indians a lot, but that's all right because it didn't until the end. Brr. The result of the poisoned tea was a creepy addition to everything else. I also liked that, for once, all the false leads...weren't. Or might not have been. Though Judith was a bit overplayed in her part. Or almost part.
Poirot's last case. And a really sneaky nasty murderer. One who almost beat Poirot, and who Poirot couldn't turn into the cops--because the murderer never actually DID anything.
The book was only reasonably decent until the last couple chapters when it really came together. Then it became a really spooky mystery done to excellent level by Christie. Worth reading for that. Though I will miss Poirot. Christie is unusual in that her sleuths do age--I read an aged Miss Marple at one point as well. I don't much like being reminded of my mortality when reading mysteries, but it is impressive that the author could continue to have her sleuths work as they got older. Miss Marple at least became more limited. Poriot....well, maybe he did, but he's also just sneaky. But even him, old age catches up with. He did win in the end. Well, at least, the murderer was stopped.
I am not so fond of Hastings, and this book was no exception. This did remind me of Christie's Ten Little Indians a lot, but that's all right because it didn't until the end. Brr. The result of the poisoned tea was a creepy addition to everything else. I also liked that, for once, all the false leads...weren't. Or might not have been. Though Judith was a bit overplayed in her part. Or almost part.
Poirot's last case. And a really sneaky nasty murderer. One who almost beat Poirot, and who Poirot couldn't turn into the cops--because the murderer never actually DID anything.
The book was only reasonably decent until the last couple chapters when it really came together. Then it became a really spooky mystery done to excellent level by Christie. Worth reading for that. Though I will miss Poirot. Christie is unusual in that her sleuths do age--I read an aged Miss Marple at one point as well. I don't much like being reminded of my mortality when reading mysteries, but it is impressive that the author could continue to have her sleuths work as they got older. Miss Marple at least became more limited. Poriot....well, maybe he did, but he's also just sneaky. But even him, old age catches up with. He did win in the end. Well, at least, the murderer was stopped.
From Amazon: Poirot returns to the scene of his very first crime to solve a mystery that will be his last.
Hercule Poirot's last case. The Belgian detective using his grey cells with the help of Captain Hastings to catch the killer. Good book
"Nothing is so sad, in my opinion," muses Captain Hastings, "as the devastation wrought by age." In this final outing for the inimitable Hercule Poirot and his loyal friend Arthur Hastings, the body may be weak but Poirot's brain is still functioning magnificently. A murder will be committed, the famous detective tells his friend, and Hastings must function as Poirot's legs. Aging and failing in health, the once energetic Poirot is now confined to a wheelchair. However, that does not stop the two friends from once again going on the hunt together in a case Poirot himself tells Hastings will be his last case but his most interesting one. As a special bonus for Poirot fans, we return once again to Styles, the scene of Poirot's first adventure. A near-death of one woman followed by the actual death of another, a sadist who is able to convince others to murder, a most surprising act by Hastings himself, a peep through a keyhole, a visit to a faithful valet, and murder most symmetrical are clues that lead to the uncovering of the criminal Poirot has come to Styles to unmask. Surely, this must rank as one of Christie's finest as we bid a fond adieu to Hercule Poirot. We shall not hunt together again, my friend.
Hercule poirot returns to Styles,the scene of his first great case,to prevent a dangerous mass murderer from stricking again.But the great detective doesn't know that this will be the most dangerous case of his illustrious career-and perhaps the last.
Originally published 1975
For this to be Poirot's 'last and greatest' case, I felt it was a let down. There is very little action in the book; it's mostly mental deliberation. As usual, there are dozens of red herrings and the characters are caricatures rather than actual characters.
The ending was obvious and not the least bit interesting. How many times can Christie use the one-person-is-disguised-as-another-and-manages-to-fool-everyone trope and expect her readers not to catch on?
The best thing I can say about the book is that it was fast-paced and didn't take long to read.
The ending was obvious and not the least bit interesting. How many times can Christie use the one-person-is-disguised-as-another-and-manages-to-fool-everyone trope and expect her readers not to catch on?
The best thing I can say about the book is that it was fast-paced and didn't take long to read.
Please say it isn't so. Poirot's last case? I still have goosebumps when I think about the ending. No one does better than Christie and this is one of her best.
The last, and to my mind best, in Ms. Christie's classic Hercule Poirot series.
This book has all the familiar Christie devices ~ superbly drawn oddballs, distracting clues, false conclusions, and more ~ it's all here in this book. "Curtain" is great diverting fun!
Hercule Poirot's last case. Great book!
ADR; Amazing read!
a great summer mystery!
a typical agatha christie.......keeps you guessing until the end.
earl h., meldrim, ga.
earl h., meldrim, ga.
Classic mystery.
Hercule Poirot, Hastings and Styles Court...need more be said?
From the Grande Dame of mystery writers - everything one can expect from Christie - good plot, interesting characterization, wonderful but confusing clues - a good book to read.
This is the BEST of the Poirot books! A must read! I've read this once, but I would definitely sit down and read it over and over again!
This is Poirots last case. And, true to form, he remains the epitome of egotism, acme of arrogance, paragon of private eyes, nonpareil of immodesty, viceroy of vanity, nabob of narcissism, et al. At the outset, Poirot knows that a murder will take place, that the murderer is a serial killer, and above all he knows the identity of the perpetrator. Alas, poor Hastings! Poirot will not disclose anything until the very end: a quite theatrical ending. Curtain is most appropriatein more ways than one.
good book!!!
Hercule Poirot's last and greatest case.. What more is there to say?
