The A.B.C Murders 🔍

By Agatha Christie.

The A.B.C. Murders is often cited as among Christie's best, and it is easy to see why. The premise is irresistible. A killer choosing victims and locations in alphabetical order, leaving a copy of the ABC Railway Guide beside each body, and taunting Poirot with letters sent in advance.

Told through a blend of Arthur Hastings’ first person narration and a separate third person viewpoint.

Christie keeps the tension high by presenting a suspect early on, never offering enough evidence to confirm anything, only suggestions that give the reader something to consider.

Poirot and the Police pursue their own investigations, each missing pieces the other does not have, which builds a clever sense of uncertainty.

This is also my first Agatha Christie book, and it was such an engaging introduction that I already plan to read more of her work throughout the year.

There is something instantly gripping about her writing, especially in the way she balances tension with humour. Poirot feels unusually unsettled in this one. His frustration at the lack of motive and his dry exchanges with Hastings bring a lightness to an otherwise dark investigation.

The plot is complex, full of misdirection, and Poirot’s final deduction is, as always, sharp and precise. My only reservation is the ending. The twist is clever, but I felt slightly cheated by it, since I could not recall any strong clue that truly pointed toward the culprit. It felt as though a few vital pieces were held back.

Still, this did not spoil my enjoyment. The book is ingenious, entertaining and full of intrigue.

A brilliant and very satisfying start to my Christie journey, and I am excited to explore more of her mysteries as the year goes on.

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