This was written in the 1950s and you can really get a feel for post WWII Britain, taxation and the social change bought about by the war as the hostel at the centre of the novel just would not have existed pre-War. Poirot gets involved in the mystery at the hostel in Hickory Road, because his curosity is piqued. Murder and mayhem ensue. ( )

Miss Lemon makes 3 mistakes in Poirot correspondence. This is an unheard breach of character. We learn that her sister Mrs. Hubbard has been having some unpleasant things happening in the hostel that she is running. Poirot is intrigued by the story and decides to poke his nose in to see what he can see, and he finds murder.

This is a good Agatha Christie, several twists and turns a couple deaths and Poirot catches everyone who is guilty. ( )

Poirot solves another murder; quelle suprise! No matter how many times it happens, Christie always manages to deliver an entertaining book with style you expect from her. ( )

Just reread this one. Poirot's efficient secretary Miss Lemon makes three typing mistakes one day. He is deeply puzzled. It turns out she is worried about her sister who runs a boarding house for students. A series of thefts and malicious mischief have upset the routine of the house. Poirot agrees to look into the matter.

He is able to clear up some of the thefts almost at once. A young lady has taken things to attract the attention of a psychologically-minded young man. But then the girl is murdered. Something much more sinister is at work behind the scenes. ( )

Crime club edition