Reading an Agatha Christie novel before it is published sounded like the impossible come true. I was beyond excited to do that.

Of course, it’s not really an Agatha Christie novel, despite the loopy signature on the cover, and Sophie Hannah doesn’t try to make it that. But she just might have captured Poirot perfectly (I’m not exaggerating). Once I got my expectations in the right place, I loved this book.

Our narrator is not Captain Hastings, because Hannah does not mimic Christie’s voice. Instead, Inspector Edward Catchpool assists Poirot’s investigation. Catchpool and Poirot are compelled to visit the seaside at Christmastime. A joyful patient at a local hospital has been bashed over the head with a vase. Another, coincidentally (or not), joyful man is expected to be murdered next. Catchpool and Poirot have a host of awkward family ties to puzzle through in order to identify the killer.

Poirot’s unique approach brings some great situational comedy. Christie’s novels were remarkably fast-paced for their time. This one is not. But it’s worth spending the extra time in each scene.

I read all of Agatha Christie's mystery novels, and I really wanted to like this series. I just don't fel like it truly captures Hercules Poirot, and I prefer Hastings and Aridane Oliver to the sidekick in this series.

2.5 stars

Although I have read many of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot books, this is my first book by Sophie Hannah. I found myself trying to critique the writing, seeing if this Hercule is accurate, but at some point I fell into the story. I almost forgot it wasn't Agatha Christie herself who wrote it.

I enjoyed learning more and more information from all of the suspects. It was quite a thorough investigation. It was quite a challenge figuring out who the killer was. Hercule is a genius, and I enjoyed hearing his classic "explain to the class" method at the end of the book.

I would recommend this book for people who enjoy Agatha Christie novels, whodunnits, and crime solving in general.

The world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot – legendary star of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile and A Haunting in Venice – puts his little grey cells to work solving a baffling Christmas mystery.

I think I'll just stick with actual Christie novels. This felt very basic.

First off : thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to receive this ARC ebook.

This is the first book of this series that I was able to read as I did not have any prior knowledge or experience of this author.

This was a nice intriguing mystery book. From the beginning I was already guessing and trying to see who it could have been. I had quite a lot of fun of trying to guess who it was and creating theories in my head. I totally felt super involved in the novel which I always really like. Overall I may actually check out the other books once I have time.

Great rendition!

I received this book through NetGalley. It does not influence my review.
Before I start there’s two things you should know about me. 1. I LOVE Christmas and 2. I adore everything Agatha Christ.
So you see this book was basically MADE for me.
Sophie Hannah did a great job at recreating Hercule Poirot. But it just doesn’t quite have the Agatha Christie feel about it.
To me it’s very much a comfort read and the Christmas setting is giving it a bit of a cozy vibe.
All in all a good starter murder mystery

This was an intriguing mystery and had me guessing from the start. I think Sophie Hannah does a good job of recreating Poirot in a way consistent with Agatha Christie's original character. This had a great cast of dubious characters to choose from, and the setting also added to the overall ambience of a slightly creepy Christmas party in a house destined to slide into the sea. I would recommend this for readers who like a traditional cozy mystery in the style of Christie.