Poirot buddy read 35: The Clocks

[Judy]

Just setting up the threads for this month, going with Jessica's master list. :)

There are two Poirot books for October! This one has an intriguing plot:

As instructed, stenographer Sheila Webb let herself into the house at 19 Wilbraham Crescent. It was then that she made a grisly discovery.

No spoilers in this thread, please.

[Susan in NC]

I thought this was fun - didn’t remember reading it years ago, just the Suchet tv dramatization - so fun to reacquaint myself. I read and listened to the audiobook, excellently narrated by Hugh Fraser (even when Hastings isn’t in the plot, you get to hear him!) some convenient coincidences, another later entry by Poirot, but satisfying and fun to go along with the local inspector as he interviews the denizens of the Crescent following a bizarre murder. Poirot puts it all together, of course, so I get my Hercules fix along with a twisty puzzle - I’m satisfied!

[Frances]

I've also read and enjoyed this one-great secondary characters I thought.

[Tara]

I think I would have enjoyed this more if it was either a classic Poirot mystery or a standalone thriller that did not feature him. It felt forced somehow, even though I think overall it was a good book. I did like the bits about Poirot reading mystery novels, and to hear what were probably Christie's thoughts on those writers.
I also loved the passage describing the overrun bookshop, as though the books were multiplying of their own accord. Just the type of shop I could get lost in for days on days.

[Sandy]

I'm not very far into this, but it is quite a dramatic opening. I am listening to it and enjoying "Hastings".

[Bicky]

One of the best Christie openings.

[Jessica-sim]

Thanks for setting things up! Only today realized it was october already ...

[Judy]

Jessica wrote: "Thanks for setting things up! Only today realized it was october already ..."

No worries Jessica! It's been such a strange year...

[Jessica-sim]

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.

[Angie]

I read this title 20 years ago. I am forever grateful to this book as it was the only book I had with me on a camping trip where it RAINED every day for three days. I might have gone mad in my tent without this book to keep me company. Haha.

[Jessica-sim]

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.