Cat Among the Pigeons

Would have been a 4 had it not been for the perfectly neat ending.

This one didn't do it for me. I have been reading all of Christie's mysteries chronologically and this one fell flat compared to some of her other novels. It reminded me of Dorothy Sayer's Gaudy Night but much less interesting.

Like others have pointed out, everything is laid out for you from the beginning. So even if you don't know who the murderer is in the end (which you probably will), it comes as no surprise when you find out. You always feel a step ahead, which is strange because I think in Hercule Poirot novels he usually is one step ahead of you as the reader. But he really only makes a cameo at the end anyway.

Overall, worth the read but not one I'd recommend for someone new to Agatha Christie.

I watched the tv version of this book a few times before I got around to listening to the audiobook. I'm glad that I made it, though, because while the show is acceptable the book is fantastic. The plot details make much more sense in the book, not least because there are enough details to make everything plausible; also the book isn't hindered by the show's ridiculous exaggerations, such as death by a thrown javelin. I also much prefer the format of the book, which utilizes government meetings, letters sent by the girls, and newspaper clippings to show readers what is happening. Overall a great book.

Agatha Christie surprised me with his story so enjoyable. The story was very entertaining but at times I felt a little lost with so many names, but I liked that it was Julia who reveals the mystery.