I just received my Agatha Christie newsletter and read that actor David Suchet, after 23 years of playing Hercule Poirot, will call it quits; the last episode, Curtain, how appropriate. Curtain is the story of Poirot’s last case. He’s been on the job for more than sixty years and returns to Styles where we first meet him while investigating the death of Emily Inglethrop. In this last case, he also teams up with Hastings again whom he hasn’t worked with since 1937. I will not spoil the ending, but you may want to have a box of tissue on your bedside table while reading.
Christie wrote this final Poirot mystery during WWII fearing that she might not survive the blitz. She had it locked away in a bank vault for more than thirty years. It was published in 1975 when Christie was eighty-five.
In honor of Suchet’s longtime portrayal of the little Belgian detective, I’ll be giving a way a copy of my reissued and updated book, The Agatha Christie Triviography and Quiz Book (LL-Publications.)
Just leave a comment by November 27, telling me the title of your favorite Christie mystery.
Here are a few questions to test your David Suchet trivia knowledge:
1. In which 1980 made-for-TV movie, taken from a Charles Dickens novel, did Suchet star?
2. What was his role in the 1998-2000 Broadway production of Amadeus?
3. In what American film did he play a bigfoot hunter?
Look for Suchet next spring; he’ll be narrating a new Christie documentary.
My fave remains the very first one that I read, the one that hooked me decades ago – Ten Little Indians. I've tried to read them all and just recently finished watching (once again) Suchet as Poirot on Netflix. I confess that I've never read Curtain because I didn't want to read my favorite detective's last case.
Thanks for stopping by Kris. Ten Little Indians remains Christie's bestseller.
Kathleen,
I've done considerable Agatha Christie research for my mystery, MURDER A LA CHRISTIE. Loved learning that Poirot's death was written up in The New York Times. I must admit I prefer the Miss Marple books to those involving Poirot. My favorite? Probably The Moving Finger, about letters revealing characters' secrets.
Mine will always by THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD. I've reread it several times to see how she did it!
I love Miss Marple, too, she was my introduction to cozies mysteries.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is also on my favorite list. I love the controversy surrounding the novel. Many believed that Agatha cheated when writing this, but she knew what she was doing and pulled it off. I think she even dropped a clue on page one.
Thanks Marilyn and Kaye, for dropping by.
I like all of them, but in particular, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles." It's fun to watch those little grey cells … did Christie get the idea from the "ratiocination" of Poe's Dupin?
William
I just can't get past Murder on the Orient Express for its style. The period setting and the amazing conclusion that they ALL had a hand in the death could not be topped. Sure, some like Death on the Nile and the ABC Murders were intriguing, but I still think Murder on the Orient Express is the quintessential Christie at her best.
That's a good question, William. I'm not sure, but I'll see if I can find out.
In writing her 60+ mysteries, Agatha used every angle; having all the suspects guilty was a classic. I also like Death on the Nile, especially the movie version.
Has it really been 23 years? Well, I hate to hear of his departure, but I guess he deserves it. My favorite is The Halloween Party because I enjoy seasonal mysteries, and I love Ariadne Oliver.
Pattie, I'm curious about your handle, Olla Podrida. Does it have anything to do with the art mall in Dallas that closed down a long time ago? kayegeorge@gmail.com if you care to respond. Sorry for putting this on here, Kathy!
That's okay, I'm curious, too. I remember that art mall.
Pattie, Very few folks remember Ariadne Oliver. I love that name. Whenever I think of her, I think of apples. Ariadne and Agatha have a lot in common.
I'm not in time for the contest, but I've enjoyed everything Poirot, bookwise and filmwise.
Sir David is one of my favorite actors and nailed the part of Poirot to perfection.
This is sad news 🙁