Agatha Christie Lovers discussion

Originally published in 1974. Features Hercule Poirot (#38) and Captain Hastings.

Captain Hastings recounts 18 of Poirot's early cases from the days before he was famous...Hercule Poirot delighted in telling people that he was probably the best detective in the world. So turning back the clock to trace eighteen of the cases which helped establish his professional reputation was always going to be a fascinating experience. With his career still in its formative years, the panache with which Hercule Poirot could solve even the most puzzling mystery is obvious. Chronicled by his friend Captain Hastings, these eighteen early cases - from theft and robbery to kidnapping and murder - were all guaranteed to test Poirot's soon-to-be-famous 'little grey cells' to their absolute limit.

Have read many of these in other collections, so may be skipping a few.

Charming characters, bucolic settings, relaxed pace, and placid prose ameliorate the sometimes predictable or erratic conclusion of a number of the stories. Very enjoyable!