Hercule Poirot's Silent Night

A Novel

De: Sophie Hannah, Agatha Christie

Narrado por: Julian Rhind-Tutt

The world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot—legendary star of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile—puts his little grey cells to work solving a baffling Christmas mystery.

It’s December 19, 1931. Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool are looking forward to a much-needed, restful Christmas holiday, when they are called upon to investigate the murder of a man in a Norfolk hospital ward. Cynthia Catchpool, Edward’s mother, insists that Poirot stay with her in a crumbling mansion by the coast, so that they can all be together for the festive period while he solves the case.

As Poirot digs into the mystery, he discovers that the murdered man was a retired post office master, and by all accounts very well-liked. The local constabulary’s investigation failed to uncover how someone could have entered a hospital room and killed him under the noses of the staff. Cynthia’s friend Arnold is soon to be admitted to that same hospital, and his wife is convinced he will be the killer’s next victim, though she refuses to explain why.

With no obvious motive or suspect, Poirot has less than a week to solve the crime and prevent more murders, if he is to escape from this nightmare scenario and get home in time for Christmas. Meanwhile, someone else—someone utterly ruthless—also has ideas about what ought to happen to Hercule Poirot…

Best So Far

Of Sophie Hannah’s few Poirot books, this one is the best thus far. Less jumbled, trying to over complicate things; more well crafted mystery.

Had the essence of Poirot

First, the narrator does an excellent job distinguishing the characters. He brought the story to life. Also, Realizing that any author would find it difficult to imitate another completely, this Sophie Hannah does a good job with Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poitier.

I am a die heart AC fan and have read all her books, multiple times. AC’s books, like many of the well known golden age detective writers, embodied some of the author’s own unique charm and perspective which is impossible to recreate. In light of that, Sophie Hannah, does a good job with Hercule Poirot. However, there were a few instances where I said to myself, Hercule would not have been caught by that.

I’m ambivalent about the character Catchpool in this book. I found him entertaining and realize that He’s not meant to be Captain Hastings. However, for a Scotland Yard chief inspector, I find his character a bit insipid. He’s certainly not CID Japp. I would expect a CID of Scotland Yard to take more interest in the mystery. He does a lot of thinking without coming to any of his own conclusions. Catchpool, for a policeman is too much on the sidelines.

Overall, The plot was ok. But not believable. I found it hard to believe that the solution would have been the cause for the murders.

Believable and surprising to the end

Really very well done story with a totally plausible plot that keeps you guessing to the very end. Perhaps my favorite of the mystery books written by Sophie Hannah.

Another great Sophie Hannah Poirot tale

It took me a while to finish this because I wanted to savor every moment. Now onto the best part, replaying from the beginning and catching all of the clues that I originally missed 😀

Great story

I like how this book is such a classic Christie, but at the same time is the author’s own story. And I’m glad there are some new Hercules Poirot books too!

Perfect and entertaining narration

Great development of all the characters so it became very easy to follow as the story evolved. Highly recommend this audiobook.

Hercule Poirot and narrator great. Plot and other characters, very poor!

Love Hercule Poirot, wish this author could write a story with more believable characters and plot!

Love Sophie Hannah

I don't know why others give reviews of bad plots, etc. I have thoroughly enjoyed each Poirot book and think she has carried on the characters well. It's not easy to write a "Christie" novel and Sophie does it honorably. This is my favorite so far but I have loved them all. You can follow the story and I am always ready to hear what happens next.

Closest to Agatha Christie

I would not have been able to discern the difference between this author and Agatha Christie had I not known

My favorite of Sophie Hannah’s Poirot books!

This is my favorite of those ghostwritten by Sophie Hannah and the closest to an original Agatha Christie of the lot. The ridiculous but stereotypical British archetypes are all there, most are unlikable yet recognizable characters. I think she nailed the pacing and didn’t overly complicate things while still surprising us. I liked that the Poiroit vs. Catchpool dynamic has matured. And the narrator was *chefs kiss*. All in all, well done!