Dumb Witness

A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Miss Emily was old, rich, and afraid - and now, she's dead. Her terrified plea to Hercule Poirot came a little too late. All that's left is a house full of greedy heirs, and a very strange letter that could solve the mystery - or add to it.

This title was previously published as Poirot Loses a Client.

©1937 Agatha Christie Limited (P)2002 HarperCollins Publishers

A wonderful Christie classic!

The thing is, it might be possible to say that some Agatha Christie books are better than others--but any one of them is still a delight to read/hear. And this does not disappoint. The shrewd Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, is at his best as he methodically investigates and uncovers this murder, having the classic ending--with everyone gathered together to hear his pronouncement.

This story, told by Poirot's friend Hastings (and literally narrated in audio form by the talented Hugh Fraser--who played Hastings in the series) involves elderly Emily Arundell, who has died, but not before sending a letter to Poirot, indicating her worry that someone wants her dead. And she has made an unconventional arrangement in her will that will leave the entire family upset and wanting explanations.

Her dog, a terrier named Bob, is thought to have left a ball in the hall that she tripped over--which strangely triggers her worries about being someone's target--and indeed, even before Poirot can arrive to consult with her, she has died. It looks like natural causes, but Poirot knows it isn't, so he remains to solve the mystery, as he was asked by her (before her death) to do.

Wouldn't call this Christie's best book--but it is very good. It was one of the few I probably only ever read once--many years ago, so I had forgotten the story--and that made it all the more fun! Recommend. It's hard to go wrong with Agatha!

Bob the dog

Hugh Fraser is an outstanding narrator, capturing Poirot as well as Bob the dog perfectly.

Great

I loved the characters and the narrative it was a good story. Poirot was in his element, I did not guess until the end. This will become one of my favourites.

Delightful 'conversations' btwn Hastings and Bob

Another good whodunit. Quite the lot of characters, the greedy family, ridiculous neighbors, the silly hen of a companion... I followed the psychology, as Poirot so teaches, and had picked the likeliest personality for the murder, but had not quite worked out all of the deceptions and facts just right. What an awful family. I just adored Bob though, I think my favorite part of the book was his little woofs and "conversations" with Hastings. Masterful work by Poirot.

Great narration as always, but unusually there were the dialect mix-ups in the dialogue. Small though, and not overly confusing.

Agatha, Hercule and Hastings

This was s wonderful Hercules story. My favorite part is Hastings’ interpretation of what Bob the dog was saying and thinking. Funny, poignant and spot on what I think Bob was saying, too! Hugh Frazier is the best reader for the Poirot books. Highly recommend!

Another solid novel in the series.

Any additional comments?

Another masterfully written Christie novel. Interesting plot and twists. Striking differences from recent BBC Poirot episode, the book is better (not always the case with that excellent tv series). Recommended.

Dog Lovers Will Appreciate Bob & His Ball

I love Poirot mysteries. They are delightful, engaging, and an easy listen. Hugh Fraser is an excellent narrator and always reliable. While this was not my very favorite Poirot mystery, the wrinkle of Bob the dog and his ball is extremely memorable. The plot doesn't follow the same format as many Poirot mysteries, but contains all of Hercule's fun eccentricities--mustaches and everything!

Delightfully Different Story

I should first clarify that this story is not drastically different from any other Agatha Christie mystery, just enough so (at least in my mind) to really set it apart. I get the feeling that most readers don't think this would translate well onto the big screen, but I think this would be the best to put on the big screen. There aren't too many characters, like in Death on the Nile, it's not all that disturbing either, just a very interesting mystery that absolutely has no need for a rewrite of any kind. A very straightforward retelling would fit perfectly.

Classic Poirot

A wonderful, interest story with all the usual ingenuity of Christe. The ‘dumb witness’ adds a lighthearted aspect that is rarer in Poirot’s stories, and Hugh Fraser’s performance is spectacular as always

One of my favorite Poirot books.

Although “Dumb Witness” is not in Christie’s top ten who-done-it puzzle mysteries, it is certainly one of my most enjoyed Poirot reads or listens.

The many characters are filled out & believable and the red herrings well woven in.

What makes novel one of my favorites is the addition of Bob, the very personable terrier with Hastings’ interruptions of Bob’s communications.

Plus the little amusing conversations between Poirot & Hastings reflecting their long friendship adds more pleasurable notes for me.

Hugh Fraser’s reading is excellent as always.
I have been replacing all my Christie book collection on Audible with those read by Mr Fraser.