From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

The Hollow (Hercule Poirot, #26)

Agatha Christie

Start date: February 1, 2020

Finish date: February 29, 2020

Discussion: Archive: Poirot Buddy Reads

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Archive: Poirot Buddy Reads

* Reading Order for the Unofficial Poirot Buddy Reads
By Jessica-sim · 54 posts · 155 views

last updated Dec 27, 2020 08:20AM

Poirot Buddy Read 40: SPOILER THREAD Curtain
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last updated Feb 05, 2021 06:12PM

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What Members Thought

Jun 07, 2016 BrokenTune rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

"Since she was a woman of disconcertingly rapid thought processes, Lady Angkatell, as was her invariable custom, commenced the conversation in her own mind, supplying Midge’s answers out of her own fertile imagination. The conversation was in full swing when Lady Angkatell flung open Midge’s door.
‘–And so, darling, you really must agree that the weekend is going to present difficulties!’ ‘Eh? Hwah!’ Midge grunted inarticulately, aroused thus abruptly from a satisfying and deep sleep."

A house par "Since she was a woman of disconcertingly rapid thought processes, Lady Angkatell, as was her invariable custom, commenced the conversation in her own mind, supplying Midge’s answers out of her own fertile imagination. The conversation was in full swing when Lady Angkatell flung open Midge’s door.
‘–And so, darling, you really must agree that the weekend is going to present difficulties!’ ‘Eh? Hwah!’ Midge grunted inarticulately, aroused thus abruptly from a satisfying and deep sleep."

A house party in the country, where each guest struggles with some internal conflict. The plot is pretty standard for a Christie novel, and so it the resolution. What really drew me to the book, tho, was it's focus on the characters. Not all of the characters are likable, some are down-right horrible, but what I really liked was that many of them are either transformed by the events of the book or undergo some serious soul searching.

The weakest part of the book was the ending. Although, it makes for a convenient conclusion, this is one of the Christie books where I felt she could have strayed from the path of formula and presented something more - not controversial, but - challenging as she had done in some of her other books - Endless Night for example.

Despite the weak(-ish) ending, I immensely enjoyed the book. I think this is the one that made me constantly think about why I prefer Poirot to Marple (even Poirot is almost a nuisance in this one). I believe the reason I am drawn to Poirot instead of Marple is their difference in outlook - where Marple seems a grounded old lady without many quirks, I have always found her to be a bit of a judgmental snob who seeks out the worst in people - and the gloats when her expectations are confirmed.

Poirot on the other hand gives the appearance of an eccentric but for all his quirks, he still manages to express his faith in and hopes for many of the characters he encounters. I really noticed this in his observations about Lady Angkatell, the most beautiful of which was:

"Hercule Poirot thought: ‘She is old–her hair is grey–there are lines in her face. Yet she has magic–she will always have magic…’ " ...more

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Jan 07, 2016 John Frankham rated it really liked it

Shelves: crime-detective

One of my favourite 'Poirots', well read by Hugh Fraser. A murder/suicide at a swimming pool at a country house, with the spouse bending over the body, gun in hand. Five paths leading to the pool, and several members of the house party have just arrived, followed by Hercule Poirot. The spouse obviously guilty, ...... or not? ...more

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Sep 01, 2017 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: agatha-christie

Different than her usual Poirot stories...wonderfully deep character development. Loved it!

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Mar 06, 2021 Tahlia Fernandez rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Initially, I thought I would not enjoy this book as a good portion of the beginning is spent with a rather unlikable character. It is now, however, becoming one of my favorites of her books. I can’t seem to stop thinking about it! It is one of Agatha Christie’s stronger books when it comes to characterizations. The characters (for the most part) are complex and not just one-note.
I will read this again.

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