Hercule Poirot's Christmas
SYNOPSIS
Its Christmas Eve and the cantankerous old Simeon Lee has invited his family, even the estranged ones, for a big family Christmas. Far from feeling the excitement and frivolity of the season, the family is suspicious and wary of the old man's motives. When a loud crashing and a chilling scream are heard coming from Simeon's room, the whole family converges to find him killed, apparently in a locked room, alone. Poirot is called in to investigate and sets about solving this seasonal crime.
poirot
Poirot is the sleuth in this, the 24th novel by Agatha Christie and the 17th one to include our little Belgium friend.
when to read
When else but at Christmas?! I listen to the audio-book of this every year while wrapping gifts and drinking mulled wine (or even sweet sweet sherry - yum). It always gets me in the Christmas spirit.
murder mystery
Closed circle, classic country house murder mystery - nice.
eNGLAND
Set in a country house in England over the Christmas period.
Publishing info
The second novel published in 1938, just after 'Appointment ith Death'.
overall rating
5/5
On Screen
Watching Agatha Christie
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie was filmed as part of the ITV feature length episodes and is Season 6 episode 1 starring David Suchet.
Hercule Poirot's Christmas Character List
| Alfred Lee | Simeon’s eldest son, married to Lydia, lives with Simeon |
| Colonel Johnson | Chief Constable |
| Conchita Lopez | Acquaintance of Pilar’s in Spain |
| David Lee | Simeon’s younger son and artist |
| George Lee | Member of Parliament and Simeon’s son |
| Harry Lee | Another of Simeon’s sons who has recently returned from abroad |
| Hilda Lee | Married to David |
| Horbury | Simeon Lee’s valet |
| Jennifer Lee | Simon Lee’s daughter – deceased |
| Lydia Lee | Married to Alfred |
| Magdalene Lee | Young wife of George |
| Pilar Estravados | Granddaughter of Simeon Lee, daughter of Jennifer who died |
| Simeon Lee | Unpleasant old diamond dealer and victim |
| Stephen Farr | Son of Simeon’s partner, visiting from abroad |
| Superintendent Sugden | Investigating officer |
| Tressilian | Elder butler to the Lees |
| Walter | a footman |
SPOILERS BELOW!
Simeon Lee is murdered on Christmas Eve. An attempt is also made to kill Pilar however this fails and she survives.
Superintendent Sugden is the killer!
Sugden is the illigitimate son of Simeon who abandoned his mother. He kills him in revenge having patiently waited until he was in the best position to carry out the murder without being suspected.
Sudgen cuts Simeon’s throat and then sets the scene to pull a cord from outside causing tables, chairs etc to fall and sounds like a struggle later on.
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