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The Big Four - Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie
The Big Four
Book 5 in the series:Hercule Poirot

In Agatha Christie's 'The Big Four', Hercule Poirot is faced with an international conspiracy led by the Big Four, a group of criminals from different countries, aiming for world domination. The story unfolds through a series of contrived adventures, with Poirot and Hastings navigating through espionage and intrigue in a thriller style rather than a traditional mystery. The plot is described as cheesy but fun, with elements of spy thriller clichés and a fast-paced, episodic narrative that culminates in an abrupt resolution.

'The Big Four' is noted for its departure from Christie's usual murder mystery format, offering readers a different style of storytelling with a global scope. The book delves into themes of international espionage, featuring a mix of smaller mysteries and a central conspiracy plot that challenges Poirot in a new light. Despite criticisms of being more spy novel than detective story, the dynamic between Poirot and Hastings remains a highlight, showcasing their relationship in the face of a grand-scale threat.

If you liked The Big Four, here are the top 19 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Hercule Poirot)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 19 
  1. #1

    Murder on the Nile by Agatha Christie
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    'Murder on the Nile' by Agatha Christie is a play based on the novel 'Death on the Nile'. The play version includes dialogues similar to the movie adaptation, focusing on a murder mystery plot set in Egypt. However, the play differs from the novel by eliminating Hercule Poirot and introducing new characters to enhance the storyline.

    The play version of 'Murder on the Nile' is described as a short and good read, with characters deducing the murder mystery without the help of M. Poirot. The writing style is noted to be full of dialogues, retaining some of Poirot's best lines but also making significant changes to the original plot to create a more realistic resolution.


  2. #2

    Passenger To Frankfurt by Agatha Christie
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    'Passenger To Frankfurt' by Agatha Christie is a spy thriller novel that follows Sir Stafford Nye as he meets a mysterious woman who draws him into a world of international politics and espionage. The book involves elements of civil unrest, espionage, science, money, weapons, and government, with a plot that touches on topics like charismatic speakers, vulnerability of people to lies, and a worldwide conspiracy driven by the super rich. The writing style is described as disjointed, with a mix of thrilling spy elements in the beginning and a more confusing and odd tone in the latter half of the book.

    'Fasten your seat-belts, please.' The diverse passengers in the plane were slow to obey. There was a general feeling that they couldn't possibly be arriving at Geneva yet. The drowsy groaned and yawne...

  3. #3

    The Man in the Brown Suit - Colonel Race by Agatha Christie
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    "The Man in the Brown Suit" by Agatha Christie follows the adventures of Anne Beddingfeld, a plucky young woman who, after her father's death, seeks excitement and becomes entangled in a mystery involving stolen diamonds and a criminal mastermind. Set in colonial South Africa and Rhodesia, the novel is a blend of adventure and romance, with Anne uncovering false identities, facing danger, and ultimately finding love amidst the thrilling plot twists. Written in a style that combines elements of a thriller and a detective story, the book features multiple points of view, including diary entries from Sir Eustace Peddler, adding complexity to the narrative.

    Everybody has been at me, right and left, to write this story, from the great (represented by Lord Nasby) to the small (represented by our late maid-of-all-work, Emily, whom I saw when I was last in E...

  4. #4
    Sleeping Murder
    Book 12 in the series:Miss Marple

    Sleeping Murder - Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
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    Sleeping Murder in the Miss Marple series by Agatha Christie follows the story of a young couple, Gwenda and Giles, who move to England and purchase a house that triggers memories in Gwenda of a murder she might have witnessed as a child. With the help of Miss Marple, they unravel the mystery of the past, uncovering hidden truths and dangerous secrets. The plot is filled with twists and turns, creating a suspenseful and engaging mystery that keeps the reader hooked. Agatha Christie's writing style is direct and skillful, providing all the clues while maintaining an air of misdirection, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up the loose ends of the intricate plot.

    In Sleeping Murder, Agatha Christie expertly weaves a tale of retroactive reflection and reconstruction, showcasing Miss Marple's keen investigative techniques and ability to gain the trust of those involved in the mystery. The book delves into themes of memory, deception, and human nature, presenting a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. The Gothic atmosphere of the novel adds an eerie and haunting element to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience and drawing readers into the intricate web of secrets and lies.

    After all, why should she? No one was waiting for her, nobody expected her. She had only just got off that heaving creaking boat (it had been an exceptionally rough three days through the Bay and up t...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miss Marple )

  5. #5

    Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott (Agatha Christie)
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    Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott (Agatha Christie) is a non-mystery novel that follows Joan Scudamore, a middle-class wife and mother who finds herself stranded in a desert after her trip from Iraq is disrupted by flooded railway lines. During her isolation, Joan reflects on her life, relationships with her family, and her own self-perception. The story delves deep into Joan's internal struggles and portrays her journey of self-discovery and realization, challenging her perceptions of herself and those around her.

    The book is written in a chatty and less formal style, offering a stream-of-consciousness narrative that delves into Joan's emotions and thoughts as she grapples with newfound self-awareness. The plot unfolds as Joan confronts her past choices, relationships, and the illusions she held about herself, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of identity and personal growth.

    She saw a slender, middle-aged woman with a singularly unlined face, brown hair hardly touched with grey, pleasant blue eyes and a cheerful smiling mouth. The woman was dressed in a neat, cool travell...

  6. #6

    Mr Parker Pyne by Agatha Christie
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    tes-vous heureux ? Dans le cas contraire, consultez Mr Parker Pyne, 17 Richmond Street. Cette annonce parue dans le Times attire bien des clients, un peu incr dules mais sans aucun doute malheureux. Aux quatre coins du monde, Delphes, Chiraz ou Londr

    ...

  7. #7

    A Murder Is Announced - Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
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    In the small village of Chipping Cleghorn, an announcement in the local newspaper about a murder to take place at Little Paddocks intrigues the residents. What starts as a possible joke or party invitation turns into a real murder attempt, leading to a complex mystery involving eccentric characters and unexpected events. The story unfolds with Miss Marple using her wit and keen observational skills to help solve the crime, revealing hidden secrets and surprising twists in a classic Agatha Christie style.

    The plot of 'A Murder Is Announced' by Agatha Christie revolves around a murder announcement that turns into a real crime, leading to a series of events that keep the readers guessing until the end. With a mix of quirky characters, clever plotting, and unexpected revelations, the book offers a glimpse into English village life post-World War II, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting intricate mysteries with engaging narratives and surprising outcomes.

    Between 7.30 and 8.30 every morning except Sundays, Johnnie Butt made the round of the village of Chipping Cleghorn on his bicycle, whistling vociferously through his teeth, and alighting at each hous...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miss Marple )

  8. #8

    A Pocket Full of Rye - Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
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    A Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie is a Miss Marple mystery where the detective uncovers a murder case tied to a nursery rhyme. The story revolves around the death of a wealthy financier due to poisoning, leading to a series of murders within his household. Inspector Neele investigates the case, but it is Miss Marple's keen observations and insights that ultimately unravel the mystery, showcasing the author's talent for creating intricate puzzles and compelling characters.

    It was Miss Somers’s turn to make the tea. Miss Somers was the newest and the most inefficient of the typists. She was no longer young and had a mild worried face like a sheep. The kettle was not quit...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miss Marple )

  9. #9

    Endless Night by Agatha Christie
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    Agatha Christie's 'Endless Night' is a psychological thriller that delves into the sinister and tragic tale of Michael Rogers, an Englishman who falls in love with an American heiress, Ellie, and together they build their dream home on a cursed land known as Gypsy's Acre. The narrative is written in a first-person perspective, showcasing Christie's ability to manipulate the reader's expectations in a romance turned mystery, with a chilling exploration of madness.

    The book is a departure from Christie's typical murder mysteries, focusing more on psychological study and class dynamics, with a plot that starts out as a simple analysis of privilege but evolves into a gripping exploration of obsession, fear, and deception. The writing style is simple yet poetic, creating a sense of uneasiness that grows throughout the book, leading to a brilliant plot twist at the end that leaves readers shocked.

    Did my story begin, perhaps, when I noticed the Sale Bill hanging on the wall of the George and Dragon, announcing Sale by Auction of that valuable property “The Towers,” and giving particulars of the...

  10. #10

    Crooked House by Agatha Christie
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    Crooked House by Agatha Christie is a standalone murder mystery novel that revolves around the murder of wealthy Aristide Leonides in his lavish yet peculiar house. The story follows Charles Hayward, a young man in love with Aristide's granddaughter Sophia, as he gets entangled in the investigation to uncover the murderer among the dysfunctional Leonides family members. With unexpected twists and vivid character portrayals, the book unfolds a classic whodunit plot set in a sprawling mansion in the English countryside, keeping readers engaged till the very end.

    The narrative of Crooked House is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of creepiness that builds up as the story progresses. Agatha Christie masterfully weaves a tale where every family member and even the staff become suspects in the murder, creating a tangled web of motives, alibis, and secrets. The book not only presents a compelling mystery but also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting engaging plots and memorable characters in a non-traditional detective story.

    I first came to know Sophia Leonides in Egypt towards the end of the war. She held a fairly high administrative post in one of the Foreign Office departments out there. I knew her first in an official...

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