Jessica-sim’s Comments (group member since Jan 01, 2016)

Jessica-sim’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Yes, I can relate Robin. When I read the 1970s books before the context of the whole series I didn’t get at all how people could be such Poirot fans! But I’m glad I’ve been reading all the wonderful earlier books and I find that makes me mellow regarding the last couple of books. They are rather messy but I like them anyway as a way to spend some time with Poirot.

Of course Chris please do! The more the merrier :-)

Such fun that Ariadne is returning so often towards the end of the series, like Agatha is in direct communication with Poirot in the books working towards closure. (That personal observation is based on the previous book, this one is downloading right now!)

Yes! oh I wish I was an elephant to be able to remember to start discussions on time....

Hm I considered the taking the unconscious body to his home after the car accident as moment of kidnapping. Yes of course then afterwards she was free to go but still weird choice.

But the criticism aside I actually loved that scene. Because we just left Ariadne in the alley and she was struck to the head.... flash to someone (identity undisclosed) on a chair somewhere waking up, her kidnapper?/ attacker saying here drink this you'll feel better. For a moment I thought Ariadne was back in the attic again, strapped to a chair in propper kidnap style!

That's true, and I don't mind in the story context. Just better not to project it to our real world.

If we are gonna question the young doctor’s ethics...
How about kidnapping her in the first place?

Fun isn’t it? How we all keep getting side tracked. I was certain about the portraits, especially after the weird gallery question line that seemed to come out of the blue. Also, understood the significance of Mary’s wig but... Frances? Nope... overlooked entirely.

I loved the big part Ariadne Oliver played here. Her improvisation on the phone somewhere in the beginning of the story with Poirot in the room... haha a work of comedic art! 😂

Yes, I’m just at that part where she collects some strands out of her handbag 😂. I’m really enjoying all the exchanges between Poirot and Ariadne

Yes, I’m also very happy with that! He even was introduced after a very good gastronomical experience, for the most Poirot fun. Didn’t notice any apple references surrounding Ariadne yet 😂

This will be my very first encounter with this story. The synopsis indicates that Ariadne Oliver will be here again too, that's nice!

Enjoy all the spoilery reflections here

A new month a new Poirot! Let's go :-)

They were very mean about Joyce and then her brother dies and everything is like ‘yeah whatever it’s his own fault’, not one word of sympathy for the mother even.

That's true Susan! My love for Poirot it also pulling me through here.

That said, it is a bit confusing what happens in this book. It start off so well! Perfect atmosphere, there's tension, a horrible crime and yay! Poirot gets involved so early on.

But then, in stead of solving the crime in efficient fashion. Poirot is reminiscing of previous adventures, which I loved by the way, rather than working his little grey cells. In fact did he mention his grey cells at all in the book? I don't know.

The last scene between Ariadne Oliver en Poirot was lovely again!

All in all, entertaining enough journey for me.

Just in case we all still don't have enough Agatha Christie books ;-)

https://www.bookbub.com/books/midwint...

"There’s a chill in the air and the days are growing shorter . . . It’s the perfect time to curl up in front of a crackling fire with these wintry whodunits from the legendary Agatha Christie. But beware of deadly snowdrifts and dangerous gifts, poisoned meals and mysterious guests. This chilling compendium of short stories—some featuring beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple—is an essential omnibus for Christie fans and the perfect holiday gift for mystery lovers."

I’m really enjoying the throwbacks to so many different cases we have solved with Poirot!

Especially his association of Ariadne with apples and trouble and the reminiscing of his match making success in the Mcginty case

I absolutely loved the scene with the child and the spy glass, but forgot about it instantly. I share the same questions as mentioned above, Sheila’s mother was the connection known beforehand and then why? Why all the clocks anyway?

I think I equally love and dislike this one. Such fun to read yet... makes no real sense

Hm I must say I’m very confused. Whilst reading I was having a perfectly good time and then the ending came and well ... it didn’t live up to my very high Poirot standards.

Ugh indeed Judy!

But now I’m enjoying myself with this mystery again. Had to listen to the first chapter a couple of times, but after that it’s off to a running start.

I've never read this one, as Halloween is not something celebrated in the Netherlands and I don't usually seek out scary stuff. Though of course this is safe territory with Poirot!

The Dutch translation of this book translates back to English as "the decorated broomstick"... hmm I'll go with the audiobook narrated by Hugh Fraser!