After the Funeral

Also known as Murder at the Gallop and Funerals are Fatal

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie is available to buy here.

Synopsis

When Richard Abernethie dies, none of his family think anything untoward had happened. But when his younger sister Cora announces at the will reading that 'he was murdered, wasn't he?' and is herself found murdered the very next day...Poirot is called in to investigate.

Poirot

24th Novel featuring our Belgium detective.

When to read

There's something about this one which I love, its another firm favourite audio book of mine which I listen to while cleaning the house, With the mention of the Willow Tree tea shop and Gilchrist's excellent cakes I often find myself baking while listening too.

Murder mystery

Country house murder mystery - which of them did it?

England

Set in the English country - the manor house of 'Enderby Hall'

Publishing info

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie was published in 1953 this is the 45th mystery novel by AC

Overall rating

4/5

On Screen

Watching Agatha Christie

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie was filmed as part of the ITV feature length episodes and is Season 10 episode 3 starring David Suchet.

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie was filmed primarily in Rotherfield Park, East Tisted, Alton, Hampshire, England as the setting for Enderby Hall.

David Suchet stars as Hercule Poirot alongside Michael Fassbender as George Abernethie and Monica Dolan as Miss Gilchirst.

After The Funeral Character List

Alexander GuthrieArt collector
Cora LansquenetRichard Abernethie’s sister 
Dr BartonTimothy Abernethie’s doctor
Dr LarrabyRichard Abernethie’s doctor
Dr ProctorLocal doctor of Lytchett St Mary
George CrossfieldRichard Abernethie’s nephew
GeorgesHercule Poirot’s Valet
Gregory BanksSusan’s husband
Helen AbernethieWidowed sister-in-law to Richard Abernethie
James ParrottSolicitor to informs Entwistle of the death of Cora,a partners of the law firm of Bollard, Entwhistle, Entwhistle and Bollard
JanetA worker at Enderby Hall
LanscombeButler
LloydAn employee of tge law firm of Bollard, Entwhistle, Entwhistle and Bollard
MarjorieCook at Enderby Hall for Mr Abernethie
Maude AbernethieWife of Timothy – Richard Abernethie’s brother
Michael ShaneRosamund’s husband
Miss GilchristCora’s companion and house keeper
Mr EntwistleFamily solicitor
Mr GobyPoirot’s PI
Mrs JacksA part time helper at Enderby Hall
Mrs JonesA sensible part time helper at Enderby Hall who refuses to go and look after Timothy when Maud is away
Mrs PanterLocal lady of Lytchett St Mary who came in to work for Cora Lansquenet
Rosamund ShaneRichard Abernethie’s niece
Sorrel DaintonMichael Shane’s mistress
Superintendent ParwellLocal policeman called to investigate later in the novel
Susan BanksRichard Abernethie’s other niece
Timothy AbernethieRichard’s brother, married to Maude

SPOILERS BELOW!

Just the one – Cora Lansquenet, Richard Abernethie died of natural causes and wasn’t murdered at all. 

An attempt is made on Helen Abernethie’s life but she survives. 

Miss Gilchrist

Cora Lansquenet has, unknowingly, purchased a Vermeer painting. Miss Gilchrist realises though and kills Cora so that she can sell the painting for enough money to re-open her beloved Willow Tree cafe.

Cora is bludgeoned and Helen is hit over the head in the attempt on her life.

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