The Agatha Christie Reading Group discussion

Short story collection, published 1924

Adventure of the Western Star
The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor
The Adventure of the Cheap Flat
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery
The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
The Kidnapped Prime Minister
The Disappearance of Mr Davenheim
The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman
The Case of the Missing Will
The Veiled Lady
The Lost Mine
The Chocolate Box

This book was better than I thought it would be. I came away feeling I know and like Poirot and Hastings much better than I did just from reading Styles. The arrogant and know-it-all attitude that I hated so much in Styles was certainly there in the short stories; however sometimes it seemed Poirot was laughing at himself for this behavior which made me a little forgiving. Also these stories showed off more of a sense of humor which I liked about him. He still acts condescendingly to Hastings, holding back all that he knows to spring it on him in the END , but of course for purposes of the mystery I understand he needs to share clues without giving away the mystery. Overall , I think this book helped me accept Poirot's attitude better!

After reading this book, I now completely agree with the moderators who decided to read a Poirot and Marple book alternatively.
The stories were good but too much of Poirot is not necessarily a good thing

As far as the plots of these short stories, I thought A.C. did a good job (it has to be hard thinking of so many new mysteries); however, I was rating each of them and I didn't give any of them over a 3/5. If I had to pick one of my favorites, I would choose The Mystery of Hunters Lodge. Besides the mystery, I liked that Hastings set out on his own. Did anyone else have a favorite or one that sticks out in your mind??

The Chocolate Box

1) I solved it. I actually suspect AC made it easy to solve on purpose

2) I like the Poirot - Hastings personal interaction in it

Isn't it funny that Poirot is superstitious? It was little things like this that I meant above that helped me to see him as a more likeable person.

36 times yes!
35 hundred times yes!

I've read this book and also listened to it with David Suchet and Hugh Fraser narrating it. Most of the old Poirot series are based off the stores in this book. I liked the Veiled Lady for the humorous dialog between Poirot and Hastings. I liked the Chocolate Box for showing that Poirots judgments were not always black and white. Western Star, Marsdon Manor, and the Hunter's Lodge were very entertaining!

I loved every single one of these! I too listened to the audiobook narrated by Hugh Fraser & David Suchet. Normally I wouldn't go for short stories, but Agatha Christie's are always an exception. ;)