Hercule Poirot's Christmas

Hercule Poirot's Christmas Book

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 LeeSimeon’s eldest son, married to Lydia, lives with Simeon
Colonel JohnsonChief Constable
Conchita LopezAcquaintance of Pilar’s in Spain
David LeeSimeon’s younger son and artist
George LeeMember of Parliament and Simeon’s son
Harry LeeAnother of Simeon’s sons who has recently returned from abroad
Hilda LeeMarried to David
HorburySimeon Lee’s valet
Jennifer LeeSimon Lee’s daughter – deceased
Lydia LeeMarried to Alfred
Magdalene LeeYoung wife of George
Pilar EstravadosGranddaughter of Simeon Lee, daughter of Jennifer who died
Simeon LeeUnpleasant old diamond dealer and victim
Stephen FarrSon of Simeon’s partner, visiting from abroad
Superintendent SugdenInvestigating officer
TressilianElder butler to the Lees
Waltera 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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