Good fun Aggie ( )

This is one of the first stories Christie wrote where Poirot solves a murder in restrospect. In this case he receives a letter some two months after Emily Arundell has died, of natural causes. But Poirot is unsatisfied, eventually proving that she was murdered. Wonderful. ( )

Back from the East and reunited with Captain Hastings, Poirot is intrigued when he receives a two-month-old letter from an elderly lady. Her suspicions seemed entirely vague—and she has since died of what seem to be natural causes. A fine Poirot—not one of the best, but up to the usual level. ( )

I am a Poirot fan, so I enjoyed this mystery as I expected. The little dog in the story is precious and adds a new element to the plot. I don't remember an animal being featured this way in another Christie book. While I was reading, I kept thinking that the plot reminded me of another Christie book but couldn't remember which one. I thought I had guessed the killer but I was wrong. Which makes me like it more! ( )

Hercule Poirot answers a letter from a potential client, only to discover that the woman died two months ago.

I know I'm in the minority here, but this is one of my favourite Christies. I found it absolutely delightful. The mystery itself is unconventional; Poirot must determine whether or not a seemingly natural death was, in fact, a murder. The cast is large and diverse; absolutely everyone is interesting. The ending is sensible, yet I didn't see it coming. I got a big kick out of it.

I must confess, though, that I wouldn't have liked this book nearly so much had it not been for Bob, the deceased's terrier. Dame Agatha was very much a dog person, and it really shows here. Her portrayal of Bob is spot on; I especially liked the dialogue Hastings attributed to him. I'm sure other dog lovers will find just as entertaining as I did. ( )