This is my first Poirot book and I am a bit disappointed considering all the good words I have heard about the series.

The book is in 3 three parts, the first part is where the murder happens, the second is the investigation where Poirot enters, third is all court drama. The first part felt dragged into too many unnecessary conversations. I was going to stop reading it after a point since it felt like going nowhere but I kept going (all because of the praises I heard). I am glad I continued, second part gets interesting when Poirot comes in and the courtroom drama was engaging and kept me hooked.

I didn’t see it coming, I couldn’t have guessed the murderer but I am not convinced by the reasoning given behind the deed. I can’t say more without giving spoilers and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone.

Read it once for sure, and skim through the first part if you are not interested in a family drama.

Some quotes from the book –

• ‘The human face is, after all, nothing more nor less than a mask.’ ‘And underneath?’ ‘Underneath is the primitive human man or woman.’
• Old sins have long shadows, as they say! But I’m not one to talk, and I shan’t say another word.’
• ‘But she is in her grave, and oh, The difference to me!’
• ‘Ah, but life is like that! It does not permit you to arrange and order it as you will. It will not permit you to escape emotion, to live by the intellect and by reason! You cannot say, “I will feel so much and no more.” Life, Mr Welman, whatever else it is, is not reasonable!’
• When you’re in the middle of a nightmare something ordinary is the only hope. Anyway, ordinary things are the best, I’ve always thought so.’
• She condemned herself—because she judged herself by a more exacting standard than ordinary humanity applies!’
• ‘Can you not accept facts? She loved Roderick Welman. What of it? With you, she can be happy…’

Available on Amazon Kindle Edition, Audiobook, Hardcover and Paperback.