The Big Four
SYNOPSIS
Captain Hastings returns to England after 18-months in Argentina, only to find his old friend Hercule Poirot about to leave himself for South America. However, an unexpected visitor comes in and dramatically collapses on the floor. The only clue to what he wants is his saying Poirot's name (his only words) and writing the number 4, many times...International crime cartels, a Chinese mastermind and of course, our favourite Belgium sleuth make this a book of intrigue and suspense.
poirot
Another Poirot novel, this is his fourth appearance in a novel.
when to read
This isn't really set at any particular time in the year but for me it's a snuggle up and feel cozy book. The concepts of an international crime cartel just make me want to be safe and sound at home.
espionage/ mystery
various
Initially set in London this novel sees Poirot travel to various locations in the south of England as well as France and Belgium.
Publishing info
Published in 1927 - Agatha Christie's 7th novel.
overall rating
3/5
On Screen
Watching Agatha Christie
The Big Four by Agatha Christie was filmed as part of the ITV feature length episodes and is Season 13 episode 4 starring David Suchet as Poirot.
The Big Four Character List
| Abe Ryland | The ‘American Soap King’, supposed richest man in the world |
| Achille Poirot | Poirot’s supposed twin brother |
| Ah Ling | Chinese servant to Mr Paynter |
| Ariadne Oliver | Mystery writer |
| Arthur Leversham | Author of letter sent to Abe Ryland |
| Austen Foly/ Austen Lee/ Ernest Luttrell/ John St Maur | Unseen suspects for the character of ‘The Destroyer’ |
| Betsy Andrews | Housekeeper for Jonathan Whalley |
| Captain Arthur Hastings | Friend of Poirot |
| Captain Harvey | Agent of the British Intelligence Service |
| Captain Kent | Member of United States secret service |
| Chief Inspector James Japp | Scotland Yard detective |
| Claude Darrell | English actor |
| Colonol Appleby | American secretary to Aby Ryland |
| Countess Vera Rossakoff | Russian aristocrat |
| Deans | Abe Ryland’s valet |
| Dr Quentin | Doctor blamed for death of Mr Paynter |
| Dr Ridgeway | Poirot’s doctor |
| Dr Savaronoff | Best chess player in the world |
| Dr Treves | Host of a dinner at the Templeton’s |
| Felix Laon | Man who attacks Hastings in Paris |
| Flossie Monro | Old friend of Claude Darrell |
| Gerald Paynter | Artist, Mr Paynter’s nephew and air |
| Gilmour Wilson | Young American chess champion |
| Inspector Meadows | Policeman investigating death of Jonathan Whalley |
| James | Abe Ryland’s footman |
| John Halliday | Scientist who disappeared |
| John Ingles | Retired civil servant |
| Jonathan Whalley | Victim of the Big Four |
| Joseph Aarons | Theatrical agent |
| Li Chang Yen | Chinese leader and mastermind |
| Mabel Paynter | Hospital nurse |
| Mademoiselle Claude | An assistant to Ariadne Oliver |
| Mickey | Mrs Templeton’s son from a previous marriage |
| Miss Martin | Abe Ryland’s stenographer |
| Monsieur Desjardeux | Prime Minister of France |
| Monsieur Henri | An assistant to Ariadne Oliver |
| Mr Bronson | Manager at Arthur Hasting’s ranch in Argentina |
| Mr Halsey | Arranges the interview between Poirot and John Ingles |
| Mr Hodgson | Poirot’s solicitor |
| Mr McNeill | Poirot’s solicitor |
| Mr Meyerling | Former member of the secret service and victim |
| Mr Paynter | 55 year old bachelor |
| Mr Saunders | |
| Mr Templeton | Older gentleman who falls ill |
| Mrs Halliday | Wife to John Halliday who disappeared |
| Mrs Pearson | Poirot’s landlady and housekeeper |
| Mrs Templeton | Mr Templeton’s wife |
| Pierre Combeau | An old friend of Poirot |
| Professor Borgobbeau | Parisian Scientist |
| Robert Grant/ Abraham Biggs | Manservant to Jonathan Whalley |
| Sonia Daviloff | Dr Savaronoff’s niece and housemate |
| Sydney Crowther | Home Secretary and friend of Poirot |
SPOILERS BELOW!
So many!
Johnathan Whalley, Mr Paynter, John Ingles, Gilmour Wilson and Flossie Monro to name a few.
Well they may not all be cited as murderers exactly but the ‘culprits’ are The Big Four who are: Abe Ryland, Madam Oliver, Li Chan Yen, Claude Durrell
The Big Four are creating a super weapon and try everything to keep their plan on course. The killings are all linked to the creation of the weapon and/or keeping the identities of the Big Four hidden.
The Big Four are certainly imaginative…
Johnathan Whalley is hit on the head and then has his throat cut.
Mr Paynter is poisoned with yellow jasmine.
John Ingles is pushed overboard on a ship
Gilmour Wilson is electricuted
Miss Monro is hit by a car
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