After the Funeral

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Cora Lansquenet is savagely murdered with a hatchet, the extraordinary remark she made the previous day at her brother Richard's funeral suddenly takes on a chilling significance. At the reading of Richard's will, Cora was clearly heard to say, "It's been hushed up very nicely, hasn't it.... But he was murdered, wasn't he?"

In desperation, the family solicitor turns to Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery....

This title was previously published as Funerals Are Fatal.

©1953 Agatha Christie Limited (P)2001 HarperCollins Publishers

Hugh Fraser Forever!

Would you consider the audio edition of After the Funeral to be better than the print version?

Yes, It was much more vivid than if I read it in bits and pieces myself. Listening to a great book allows me to listen for extended periods of time instead of trying to squeeze in reading time during a busy day.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Poirot. It begins and ends with Hercule.

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

There should be a law that only Hugh Fraser (or David Suchet) narrate Christie novels. Fraser's performance is like having your own special narrator who will spellbind only you to the exclusion of the rest of the world. A wonderful, wonderful talent. Fraser brings each character to life and adds emotional intensity at the perfect moment.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to work my way through each and ever single volume Hugh Fraser narrates.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

an oldie but a goodie

Agatha Christie's stories still hold up well over time, in spite of items (even plot-dependent items) that are out-of-date these days. This is a good mystery, performed well by Hugh Fraser, and very enjoyable. Hercule Poirot is a character whom I find a little over-bearing, but fortunately he doesn't show up until about half-way through.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Another good tale

loved it. Surprise ending. Believeable characters. Careful listen brings out clues. perfect cottage mystery. would listen again.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Agatha's amazing perceptions of people's character

This is Hugh Fraser's best performance I've listened to so far, he was fabulous! Of course, he had some great material to work with, this may also be my favorite story so far.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This one is a little predictable

I felt that I knew this one and I did not really like any of the characters. But it was still pretty good and I love Hugh Fraser.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A mystery being told with Poirot in the background

Not one of my favorite Agatha Christie books. Poirot is in the background for most of the book, he is almost an afterthought. The characters were not that interesting and the whole plot had a been there, done that kind of feel to it. Hugh Fraser reads this well, as he does all the other Christie audiobooks.

Susan......UES

What great fun!!A real who done it in the very classic sense.So make yourself comfy and a wonderful time.

Weak Tea from Agatha Christie

I have greatly enjoyed other Agatha Christie mysteries read by Hugh Fraser. He is usually a gifted actor, shifting between accents and personas deftly and seamlessly. And I do not need to tell anyone about Agatha Christie's extraordinarily entertaining gifts as a writer. This audiobook is the exception to the rule. Both the plot, characters, and narration seem to have been phoned in. A kind of weariness underlies Hugh Fraser's narration which somehow imparts a "been there, done that" feeling to the whole affair. And perhaps that lack of excitement stems from the book itself. Hard to tell in an audiobook!

With so many other Agatha Christie novels and Hugh Fraser narrations to choose from, my advice is to save your Audible credits and let this one pass.

After life

The plot was so enjoyable. The narrator's ability to have different voices for each character is extraordinary. I will definitely listen to again.

A very good Poirot story

Excellent story (although a bit predictable if you know the author). Hugh Fraser is the best narrator for Poirot stories.