The Labors of Hercules

A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

In appearance Hercule Poirot hardly resembled an ancient Greek hero. Yet, reasoned the detective, like Hercules, he had been responsible for ridding society of some of its most unpleasant monsters.

So, in the period leading up to his retirement, Poirot makes up his mind to accept just 12 more cases: his self-imposed "Labors". Each would go down in the annals of crime as a heroic feat of deduction.

©1947 Agatha Christie Limited (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

The Little Grey Cells Prepare for Reatirement

The Labors of Hercules – A. Christie
Audio performance by Hugh Fraser
4 stars

Hercule Poirot is about to retire. Leaving his detecting career behind, he plans to take his little grey cells to the country where he will cultivate gourmet vegetable marrows. Before he departs, he determines to undertake 12 more cases; cases of special and particular interest, which will mirror the labors of the classical Hercules. Twelve cases that also give Agatha Christie an opportunity to write 12 wonderful short stories for the little detective.

I thought this was an exceptionally good collection. There was a bit more comedy than in many of her stories. Christie seemed to be poking fun at her little Belgian detective, gently and with affection. Hastings does not appear in any of the stories, but this is the first time I’ve read anything of the resourceful butler, George. (Mildly reminiscent of Peter Whimsy’s Bunter.) Miss Lemon remains ever resourceful and Inspector Japp appears briefly in a story that includesPoirot’s version of ‘THE woman’. I especially liked the spinster, Miss Carnady, who appears in two of the stories. She reminded me a bit of Sayers’ Miss Climpson. (I always wonder about the parallels between these great dames of mystery writing.)

Some of the stories worked better than others. A few were dated in bias and attitude. Hugh Fraser’s performance made all of them enjoyable.

Love my Agatha characters,

The short clips came together smoothly. Theme was consistent throughout. Hercule was true to form. Narration was excellent. Would read again.

Fantastic Christie

Wonderful stories from one of the best mystery writters Agatha Chiristie featuring her great little belgium dectective Pirot. Outstanding narative by Hugh Fraser. Recommend for all mystery lovers. I enjoyed it very much.

Great read

I loved this one. The stories are short like Sherlock Holmes. Very good reader and author!

Agatha Christie's Poirot as always - excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! If they like mysteries, an Agatha Christie book read by David Suchet or Hugh Fraser is a no-brainer. If you like short stories, this one is for you.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. It is a collection of short stories and each one is excellently done.

What does Hugh Fraser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration is very good and it gives the familiar feel of the episodes because you recognize Hasting and Poirot's voices.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The solution always is great.

one of my favorites!

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Other Poirot short stories I've read have been lacking, but these tasks were perfect length and perfect for his ego.

Twelve short stories by Agatha Christie

I enjoyed 11 of the 12 short stores with Poirot. One of the stories I found quite boring and skipped it. As usualy, Hugh Fraser has excellent narration skills and I enjoy listening to his voice.

one of Agatha Christie's Great Masterworks

This novel is a Page Turner! It keeps you on the end of you seat. It has comedy, tragedy, romance.
Hugh Fraser is a Great Narrator. I have listened to many books narrated by him.

Really satisfying mysteries!

I wasn’t sure if I’d like this collection of short stories but each one was put together well and wrapped up nicely. I recommend it for Poirot fans!

A well done narrative by Hugh Fraser

One of Madame Christie's more creative Poirot mysteries. With cases inspired by Herculean villains, this book will keep you thinking.