The Big Four (Hercule Poirot Mysteries)

I have read all of the Poirot stories; and I find that this is my favorite, second only to Curtain. I like it because it is very different than the other books of the series. Poirot is much more a man of action, and the killer stays ahead of Poirot for most of this book. (Poirot is usually more in control early on in his cases.) There is also much more danger with Poirot being called upon more than once to save Hastings' life. This story showcases Hastings' innocence and trusting nature more than any other book of the series. Because of Hastings' personality, Poirot has to resort to tricking him to effectively solve the case. The creation of Poirot's twin brother is one of the most interesting factors in this tale. Agatha Christie tricks her readers a bit too, but finally lets us in on the truth at the end.

This is easily one of the best books by Agatha Christie. It is different from her other books because it is not the typical murder mystery with a victim and one murderer, who is unmasked in the last chapter. It is a thrilling, fast-paced story with all sorts of twists and turns. I agree with another reviewer that don't read this as your first Agatha Christie book. In order to appreciate the characters of Poirot and Hastings, you should have read at least 2-3 other Agatha Christie books featuring Poirot and Hastings. I read it about 10 years ago. Haven't read it again since then, but I still remember every single twist and turn from the story. It was so fasicnating that I still remember a few great dialogues from the book. If you are an Agatha Christie fan and are considering buying this book: set aside 5-8 hrs. for reading this book because you won't be able to keep it down once you start reading it. So make sure you start if only if you can finish it at one go.

A great book indeed,full of separate cases that lead to one aim and that is the destruction of The Big Four.Once again Agatha Christie's superb writing skills combined with Poirot's genious mind produced an exellent book.

In this labyrinth-like mystery, Dame Christie plummets you face-forward into deception, mystery, clues, and genius. The Big Four never wanes as you go farther and farther up the spiral into a nirvana of solution and triumph that in the best of taste leaves you with a doubt. It is this question that reminds you that a spiral does not end. It twists and curves towards infinity. It is ever so clear that Christie knew that. So, when you come to wondering if the story is over yet, if all the "evil" really IS dead, then know that it is not a hole, a flaw in the dense tapestry--it is merely the continuing spiral. It is some loss that Christie never chose to continue that spiral in another work...but perhaps she knew that it would be better to leave all alone. Some other readers found this to be an unwelcome flight from murder mystery. Even if you are an indelible fan of who done it's, you should still take time to appreciate the intelligence with which this book is written. It is like a lumberjack strolling peacefully through the woods, leaving his saw in the trunk. Just take some time out and witness perfection, even if you are opposed to it.

This had the classic elements of Christie mystery--lies, deception, adventure, murders. A rather unorthodox mystery, each chapter contains spellbinding twists that go to the outer level of Christie's mind. You come to the point where you are unsure what to believe... Poirot is on the trail of the most intelligent and crafty criminal minds there are. Their only blockade is none other than Poirot--the only man with a mind equal to theirs. What makes this such a great book is that each side has to attempt to out-wit each other, and frankly, that's just fascinating. I don't know why everyone else hated this book. I thought it was so exciting I couldn't put it down--I read it the day I got it. At least try it. Everywhere else I looked, this book got stellar reviews.