“The Monogram Murders” - Sophie Hannah
(New Poirot book 1)
🪦 I was very much in two minds as I selected this book. On the one hand, could anyone successfully step into Aunt Agatha’s shoes and create a compelling Poirot mystery that didn’t reek of cheap imitation? On the other hand, if given an opportunity to revisit that favorite sleuth, how could I not?! I’m so glad I did because Hannah keeps true to the essential nature of Poirot, though I should note that her style is not an exact replica of Aunt Agatha’s. For instance, I noticed Poirot’s French exclamations varied from those typically employed by our revered Aunt. But this is a trifle, truly.
🪦 Catchpool is the new Hastings. He is naive, incredulous at what he perceives as outlandish deductions, but also lacking in self-confidence and awed by Poirot’s intelligence and track record. Papa Poirot scolds Catchpool the way he scolded Hastings for leaping to conclusions. Infuriatingly for Catchpool, Poirot offers only cryptic clues to spur along his grasp of the case. I felt like Catchpool was even more obtuse than Hastings. Unlike Hastings whose achilles heel was a damsel in distress, it appears that Catchpool’s is the facts.
🪦 I enjoyed this fresh take on a Poirot mystery. I’ve read all the originals 3 or more times at this point, so was only too glad to find some new material! I’m so pleased that Hannah took on the challenge of creating a quintessential Christie mystery (think old and new secrets, and multiple concurrent mysteries) featuring one of her greatest detectives.
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