The ABC Murders

A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher's summary

There's a serial killer on the loose, working his way through the alphabet and the whole country is in a state of panic.

A is for Mrs. Ascher in Andover, B is for Betty Barnard in Bexhill, C is for Sir Carmichael Clarkein Churston. With each murder, the killer is getting more confident - but leaving a trail of deliberate clues to taunt the proud Hercule Poirot might just prove to be the first, and fatal, mistake.

©1936 Agatha Christie Limited (P)2003 HarperCollins Publishers

Top narration

Near perfect fun. A tiny tiny bit contrived but Poirot Poirot even at his least annoying.

One of my favorites.

I liked the small clues which are written into the story you dont realize until you listen to the story a few times.

Fabulous reader, interesting and unpredictable classic Poirot, really well done!

Another great Poirot Hastings combo, with all the classic elements of language and intrigue. Sure to please Poirot fans. Fabulously read!

First Serial Murder Case Told by Hastings

Another installment illustrations the methodical workings of Hercule Poirot's little gray cells. Rather fantastic seeming, the first serial murder case Hastings has told us about. The alphabetical nature did have me wondering. I liked the new investigative legion of victims' family/friends to help hone in on the culprit. I particularly liked a comment Poirot made about how conversation was the undoing of concealment and his quoting that speech was man's invention to prevent thinking. He hinged much throughout the investigation on what would come to light in the course of discussion - and, of course, he was right. And as always he (and the narrative) employed a little misdirection and suggestion while the pieces fell into place. Leading up to the traditional reveal scene I still had no clue how the explanation would go...my suspicions had been thoroughly diverted. Until he said something in the early moments of his speech about the nature and personality of the killer, and it suddenly dawned on me. Still a nice little surprise or two in the denouement after that. Trusty narrator Fraser again did not disappoint, incorporating numerous voices and accents to distinguish not only the traditional cast but more than a dozen other major and minor players. An interesting mystery, unique in many ways, and yet still classic Christie / Poirot style.

great classic detective story

what can you say ? a must read for a detective story fan.
its been referred to in a lot of other novels and stories!

Wonderful as usual from Dame Agatha Christi!!!!!

This book is one of Dame Christie's best in my opinion. She does not leave obvious clues about the guilty party.

Timeless Mystery and Gifted Narrator

Thus perhaps the greatest of the Poirot mysteries. Hugh Fraser is the best narrator ever.

The One with the Serial Killer

Initially I wasn’t sure if I like this book as much as other stories of Christie’s. But by the last word I was very satisfied. I must read for any Agatha Christie fan and as always the narration is spot on. Hugh Fraser is one of the best narrators I have ever listened to.

Excellent story and voice acting!

I am amazed how Agatha Christie manages to hide the criminal from me till the very end every single time! She is truly a genius writer. Excellent voice acting as well even when names were not said, I could tell who was speaking based on the tones and inflections.

Hugh Fraser superb

Superb job Mr. Fraser. Absolutely perfect Hastings did this. You are the best Hastings ever.