ABC Murders, Part 1 Chapters 1-11

[Mark Pghfan]

I thought it would be nice to read an old favorite for April and y'all agreed! This is especially timely given the recent (and poorly received, at least by Christie fans) adaptation with John Malkovich. This is due to become available soon on one or another of the streaming services.

We will also discuss (if you can) the Suchet version of the novel, one of the very best of the Suchet adaptations, in my opinion.

Anyway, the story starts off right away with Hastings returning to join Poirot after many years and many cases. Poirot has received a taunting letter from an "ABC" who is challenging Poirot to solve what we find soon will be a series of murders.

The first is that of Alice Ascher, a poor woman who was coshed in her small shop, in the town of Andover. The immediate suspect, her estranged husband, seems quite unlikely to be the murderer and the taunting letter seems to be in play.

I found it amusing that Mrs. Ascher was referred to as an old woman, and very soon after is described as "close on 60". Hrumph!

[Tina]

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I thought it would be nice to read an old favorite for April and y'all agreed! This is especially timely given the recent (and poorly received, at least by Christie fans) adaptation with John Malko..."

FF'd to the New Millennium and see what 60 looks like. How we've changed! One thing I'd leave out (if I were to choose an earlier era to live in) are past eras' ideas of 60+ people! Can you say, The Rolling Stones!?

[Nicole]

Just to clarify - we're reading the book and (if possible) discussing Suchet's film adaption of the novel? If so, that'll be my Friday night flick. :D

[Mark Pghfan]

You are right, Nicole. I have yet to re-watch the episode, but will do so soon. I've seen it many times already!

[Nicole]

Mark Pghfan wrote: "You are right, Nicole. I have yet to re-watch the episode, but will do so soon. I've seen it many times already!"

Okay, great! Yes, I've seen it as well but am definitely looking forward to viewing again! :-)

[Tina]

Refresher Q in ref. to Hastings' note re: Poirot's living quarters. As Poirot fans from way back, does anyone recall where he lived at beginning of his series? After he emigrated to England.

[Nicole]

Styles! In Essex. :-)

[Mark Pghfan]

True, he lived near Styles, in the very first book. I think there was in the intervening time, different lodgings they shared, before Poirot ended up at Whitehaven Mansions, where he lives now. I don't think the location was identified, though.

[Nicole]

Did anyone else (I'm sure you did!!!) pick up on the references to the plots of both Curtain and Cards on the Table in the first few chapters? I'm only on chapter 4, but now I'm really paying attention to see if there'll be more. :-)

[Mark Pghfan]

Yes, I did. I don't think there are any more, and no future spoilers, either!

[Tina]

Mark Pghfan wrote: "True, he lived near Styles, in the very first book. I think there was in the intervening time, different lodgings they shared, before Poirot ended up at Whitehaven Mansions, where he lives now. I d..."

Hence The Mysterious Affair At Styles? Seems, in the film, they touched on him living nearby. But I took it that that was a temporary home for Poirot. Nevertheless, you both were correct and you helped jigger my leetle grey cells, mon amis, Nicole and Pghfan. Merci!

[Tina]

Nicole wrote: "Did anyone else (I'm sure you did!!!) pick up on the references to the plots of both Curtain and Cards on the Table in the first few chapters? I'm only on chapter 4, but now I'm really paying atten..."

I did not yet but will keep my looking glass nearby, PI's.

[Nicole]

I'm all caught up - actually, all the way through chapter 12, I wasn't paying attention, lol.

[Tina]

Read some of the book, watched the whole episode last night. They don't write or make 'em like this anymore.

Does Cedric appear in the book? LOL Ugh. What made Hastings think HP would love this souvenir?! Guess he was just so proud of his capturing the creature. To me, that was plain ol' mean, Hastings. Tee, hee.

[PugMom]

I caught the Cards on the Table reference!!
I also thought Mrs.Ascher was at least 80 the way they described her!

[Tina]

NicoleG wrote: "I caught the Cards on the Table reference!!
I also thought Mrs.Ascher was at least 80 the way they described her!"

In the movie, Mrs. Ascher looks 80 but then it might have something to do with her being dead. lol Okay, that's not nice but the devil made me do it.

[Nicole]

You’re right, Tina, lol!

[Mark Pghfan]

Are we ready to move on? (I'll try to watch the TV version with Suchet this evening. I've been meaning to but my schedule has been busy!)

[Nicole]

I’m ready to move on. Up to which chapter will the next section be, Mark?

[Tina]

Nicole wrote: "You’re right, Tina, lol!"

Right? lol

[Tina]

Mark Pghfan wrote: "Are we ready to move on? (I'll try to watch the TV version with Suchet this evening. I've been meaning to but my schedule has been busy!)"

Ready!