Hercule Poirot in this, the thirteenth book written about him by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, is according to our dear friend Captain Hastings, a wee bit bored with no juicy crimes to solve. How fortunate then that he should receive an anonymous letter from someone signing themselves A.B.C.
I can’t say any more about this book without commenting on the then relatively unused style of alternating between a first person narrative by Captain Hastings and third person narrative provided by the same Captain Hastings but pertaining to be from another character. Needless to say we are now used to our author’s playing games with viewpoints but back in 1936 when the book was first published it was quite unexpected, but apparently well received.
Of course despite Hasting’s speculation that the event foretold in Andover may well be a burglary, Poirot is sure it will be murder, and of course he is right. Mrs Alice Ascher is killed in her ‘cheap’ tobacco and paper shop and left on the counter is a copy of the ABC railway timetable.
One of the things that has most enchanted me re-reading these novels is the very thing that passed me by when I first discovered them as a child. Whilst the murder mystery itself easily stands the test of time there is something about the everyday items and attitudes that surface now and again which instantly makes you realise this was first read, possibly by my grandparents when they were far younger than I am now! I mean you barely hear about maps nowadays let alone a book of railway timetables that people actually went and purchased! Although apparently my internet research indicates that there was a reprint done in 2010 named abc Guide for railway enthusiasts.
After Mrs Ascher’s death Inspector Crome, aware of the anonymous letter which saves the drunken errant husband of the deceased woman from suspicion, is condescending towards Poirot but he manfully rises above it, resplendent with his dyed hair and full moustache. Soon Poirot gets another letter indicating that the next murder will happen in Bexhill and challenging Poirot to solve the case. It’s fair to say the police don’t have a clue and nor does it seem that Poirot has much idea which direction to proceed except to chase around the country by train to the destinations given in the letters, but he has the victim’s family and friends to keep him busy while he waits…
A little later in the book it is commented on that each of the victims, I don’t think I’m giving much away to say we got passed the letter C, had their own little drama going on that would make for a good story, and it’s true. One of the delights is the varied age and disposition of the victims and their families which almost defies the long-held belief that Agatha Christie isn’t great at developing her characters as she certainly packs enough into this little book to satisfy this reader. A particular mention has to be given to the wonderful Doctor Thomson who is intent on profiling the killer – again who knew that such methods were around in the 1930s?
Of course with the crimes happening up and down the country although always in places where a traveller has a convenient railway station to alight and depart from, the traditional gathering in the drawing-room to reveal the killer isn’t quite possible, but fear not, Hercule Poirot and his little grey cells does not disappoint in the dénouement.
So this book having been purchased in Bath in November 2017 is the first entry on my Mount TBR Challenge 2018 and earns me one-third of a book token.
First Published UK: 1936
Publisher: HarperCollins
No of Pages: 331
Genre: Crime Fiction – Classic
Amazon UK
Amazon US
We did use a map yesterday (hillwalking) but know exactly what you mean – one of the best things about reading vintage crime is the small details of daily life. Think this is one of her best twists.
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It was a very good twist and clever use of Captain Hastings.
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I have been wanting to read an Agatha Christie novel, but most of them have been made into movies, and I already know the ending. This is one which I am unfamiliar. Thanks!
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I’m so glad I’ve come up with a title that you’re not familiar with!
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So glad you liked this one, Cleo. I’ve always thought it was one of Christie’s really clever plots. And you’re right about the characters; they’re quite well developed here, aren’t they? I also thought Christie did a fine job of portraying what it’s like to lose someone special. Her depiction of the grieving families is quite well-done, and not ‘over the top.’
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It was both clever and insightful which made it a superb read.
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Oh, this is one of my favorites, but it has been eons since I read it. So long, in fact, that I don’t remember the solution. That means I need to reread it! Yay! Thanks for featuring it and giving me a nudge in that direction this year.
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I actually don’t remember reading this one before although I did think I’d read all those featuring Poirot so it was good to read it now – glad it is one you can’t remember the solution to either.
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Another thing on my bucket list…to read this author! Thanks for sharing.
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Haha I still can’t believe you haven’t read any…
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This sounds like a good read. Adding it to my list.
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Good stuff – it is a very good read.
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This was the first Agatha Christie I read, when I was about 13 or 14 I think. I loved it then, and I reread it in my 20s and it held up still. You’re making me want to read a Christie soon!
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My first one was And Then There Were None but my copy had a different title – never looked back and worked my way through all the Poirot stories but I never really took to the Miss Marple’s until I tried them again as an adult – a revelation! So enjoying my rereads although I don’t remember this one at all so perhaps it is a first read.
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I haven’t read this one, although it sounds like the next Agatha Christie I should read. I read the Murder on the Orient Express last Fall and really enjoyed it, so I have no doubt I’ll love this one too!
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If anything I’m enjoying these books even more this time around although I don’t remember reading this one at all.
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For people like us who are constantly reading, it’s quite common to totally forgot you’ve even read a book!
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I thoroughly enjoyed this one too on a recent re-read. I loved the character of Mr Cust – I thought he added a different, darker dimension to it. One of the things I’ve been noticing as I re-read them is that they’re not as formulaic as they have the reputation for – as you point out, she wasn’t at all afraid to try new things, and could go darker or lighter as she liked. Great review!
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I bet those railway timetable books were far more reliable and easier than the electronic search tools we are directed to use now.
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I hope you don’t not mind. It was me who added a link to Agatha Christie Reading Challenge Carnival of your post. Am sorry I didn’t asked you before adding it.
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Hi Jose, I don’t mind at all but thank you for letting me know 🙂
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I’ll take Agatha Christie in any way her books come
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I’m glad this is a good series for you. Which do you like more…Hercule Poirot or Inspector Armand Gamache?
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