The New Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot Mystery: Closed Casket by Sophie Hannah

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

“What I intend to say to you will come as a shock…”

With these words, Lady Athelinda Playford — one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors — springs a surprise on the lawyer entrusted with her will. As guests arrive for a party at her Irish mansion, Lady Playford has decided to cut off her two children without a penny . . . and leave her vast fortune to someone else: an invalid who has only weeks to live.

Among Lady Playford’s visitors are two strangers: the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and Inspector Edward Catchpool of Scotland Yard. Neither knows why he has been invited — until Poirot begins to wonder if Lady Playford expects a murder. But why does she seem so determined to provoke a killer? And why — when the crime is committed despite Poirot’s best efforts to stop it — does the identity of the victim make no sense at all?

my thoughts:

Sophie Hannah is back again, writing another Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot Mystery - Closed Casket.  As a fan of her last effort, The Monogram Murders, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of her new book.  I just knew that I would be in for quite a treat.  So, I settled in with a cuppa, some cookies, and Closed Casket.  I ignored everyone and everything around me.  I simply, read and read until I turned the very last page.  And let me just say - I absolutely loved Closed Casket!!  I think its even better than Hannah's first attempt at writing Christie's famed Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. 

In this latest mystery, we find ourselves at a house party out in the country.  Lady Playford has invited Poirot and Inspector Catchpool (from The Monogram Murders; Poirot's friend who relied a little too much on him and wound up catching flack for it after The Monogram Murders were solved), along with her attorneys and family up to her house for the weekend.  Both Poirot and Catchpool are surprised at the invitation, as they have no idea why they were invited.  They have their suspicions, but nothing is confirmed until the dinner party where everyone is left shocked, unhappy, and angry.  It seems that Athie (Lady Playford) has changed her will and left her monies to her assistant, who is deathly ill.  She believes that such an announcement may provoke someone to commit murder, which is why she has invited Catchpool and Poirot.  Suffice it to say, she's right, but not when it comes to the victim.  And that is all I will share about the book.  Its just too good and must be read in order to be fully experienced.  There are plenty of red herrings to throw you off, some twists and turns that will leave you perplexed, and Poirot's explanation of it all that will exhibit his intellect in full effect.  Its truly the best!  Hannah's done a smashing job of combining her voice with Christie's spirit in this new book - you will not want to miss out!  The writing is engaging, fun, and suspenseful.  The characters are such characters - they are outrageous, awful, and hilarious at the same time.  And the story is unputdownable.  I absolutely enjoyed Closed Casket and trying to figure out whodunit.  Oh, and you will find out what 'closed casket' has to do with the story - so, read on!

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot Mystery series and fans of Sophie Hannah - you will LOVE Closed Casket!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tours schedule for: Closed Casket

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The New Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

The bestselling novelist of all time.
The world’s most famous detective.
The literary event of the year—an all-new mystery featuring
Agatha Christie’s legendary hero Hercule Poirot.

Since the publication of her first novel in 1920, more than two billion copies of Agatha Christie’s books have been sold around the globe. Now, for the first time ever, the guardians of her legacy have approved a brand new novel featuring Dame Agatha’s most beloved creation, Hercule Poirot.

‘I’m a dead woman, or I shall be soon…’

Hercule Poirot’s quiet supper in a London coffeehouse is interrupted when a young woman confides to him that she is about to be murdered. She is terrified – but begs Poirot not to find and punish her killer. Once she is dead, she insists, justice will have been done.

Later that night, Poirot learns that three guests at a fashionable London Hotel have been murdered, and a cufflink has been placed in each one’s mouth. Could there be a connection with the frightened woman? While Poirot struggles to put together the bizarre pieces of the puzzle, the murderer prepares another hotel bedroom for a fourth victim…

my thoughts:

Agatha Christie is an author whose work I've never felt inclined to read before.  So, when I was offered the chance to dive into the latest Hercule Poirot Mystery by acclaimed author, Sophie Hannah, I jumped at the chance.  I know it doesn't count as reading Christie, but I figured it would be a good way to meet the famous mustachioed Belgian detective that everyone seems to rave about.  Plus, I just love the idea of an author paying homage to another author in this manner - its rather exciting.  It reminds me of how thrilled I was when I heard that Sebastian Faulks would be penning a new Jeeves story last year - as a fan of Wodehouse, I was eager to read more Jeeves. 

The Monogram Murders finds Hercule Poirot on vacation in London, or actually in hiding.  He's trying to relax and remain incognito - he wants to give his tiny grey cells a break.  Of course, murder and intrigue never take a break and Poirot manages to find himself involved in a new case - a triple murder at the posh, Bloxham Hotel.  His friend Catchpool is in charge of the investigation and relies heavily on Poirot for guidance in solving this mysterious case.  There are red herrings, secrets, misconstrued statements, monogrammed cufflinks, a famous artist, and so much more to deal with during this triple turned quadruple murder investigation and Hannah manages to keep you guessing all the way through.  I loved Poirot and his obsession with making sure things were in order - from cutlery to bookshelves - along with his mustache and proclivity to suss out the truth.  He was adamant about letting Catchpool figure things out for himself, which only added to Catchpool's frustrations when he couldn't.  In fact, there were many a times that I couldn't help but wonder why Catchpool was even a member of Scotland Yard - he just didn't seem able to handle the job.  As for Poirot, he's the type of man you would definitely want on the case.

This story had me chuckling, gasping in shock, and reading until the wee hours - I couldn't help myself!  I loved getting to know Poirot and reading about him solving a crime - it was fascinating.  He picked up on things that no one else would even think to notice - his attention to detail was fantastic.  And, I really did admire the way he believed in Catchpool - he was a true friend and mentor.  Poirot is most definitely a character I would love to read again and again.  I plan on reading Christie's books about this wonderfully charming character in the future and look forward to getting to know him through her own words.  I do think Hannah did a superb job in creating a rich, detailed story that was engaging, mysterious, and utterly enjoyable to read.  I would definitely read her work as well.  

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Monogram Murders

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!