The Hollow
Also known as Murder After Hours
SYNOPSIS
John Christow is a doctor, a father, a husband and...dead. His wife is discovered, during a house party, standing over his body, holding a revolver - but did she do it?
poirot
This is the 22nd appearance of (probably) the most famous detective in the world.
when to read
I don't know if its thanks to the beautifully shot ITV adaptation of this showcasing Autumn in England at its best or just the references to shooting and pheasants but I always look forward to enjoying this story in November - to me it means December (and Christmas) is coming and I love to cosy up with this one.
murder mystery
Perfect country house murder with suspects galore to chose from.
england
Set in England with references to heading to 'the country' for the summer.
Publishing info
Published in 1946 this is the first Poirot story in four years with the previous one being 'Five Little Pigs' written in 1942. The novel immediately preceding this one was Sparkling Cyanide (based on the short story Yellow Iris) but Poirot was replaced with Colonel Race as the sleuth.
overall rating
4/5
On Screen
Watching Agatha Christie
The Hollow by Agatha Christie was filmed as part of the ITV feature length episodes and is Season 9 episode 4 starring David Suchet as Poirot.
The Hollow Character List
| Beryl Collins | Secretary to John Christow |
| David Angkatell | A student and relative of the Angkatell’s |
| Doris | Housemaid at The Hollow |
| Dr John Christow | Doctor investigating the effects and cure for Ridgeway’s disease. Married to Gerda and victim |
| Edward Angkatell | Distant cousin to Sir Henry and owner of Ainswick |
| Gudgeon | Butler at The Hollow |
| Henrietta Savernake | A sculptor having an affair with John Christow |
| Inspector Grange | Investigating officer |
| Lady Lucy Angkatell | Sir Henry’s wife and mistress of The Hollow |
| Midge Hardcastle | Lady Lucy’s young cousin who works at a dress makers |
| Mrs Crabtree | Patient of John Christow suffering with Ridgway’s disease |
| Mrs Gerda Christow | John Christow’s wife |
| Sergeant Clarke | Policeman |
| Sir Henry Angkatell | Owner of the Hollow |
| Terence | John and Gerda’s 12 year old son |
| Veronica Cray | American actress staying nearby and ex-girlfriend of John Christow |
| Zena | John and Gerda’s 9 year old daughter |
SPOILERS BELOW!
John Christow
His wife Gerda Christow
Gerda discovers her husbands infidelity and shoots him in revenge.
John is shot
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