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superwritermom's review against another edition
Interesting. This one I actually figured out before Poirot did. Well, I figured it out before Poirot revealed it.
thegel's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
celsajimenez's review against another edition
3.0
Calificación: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narración: 0.75/1
Trama: 0.50/1
Personajes: 1/1
Final: 0.50/1
Emoción: 0.25/1
Narración: 0.75/1
Trama: 0.50/1
Personajes: 1/1
Final: 0.50/1
Emoción: 0.25/1
goodgalririyak's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
reeeeedmg_123's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
makennajonker's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 - classic Agatha Christie but nothing particularly mind blowing. I liked the Middle Eastern setting - Petra is sort of a character itself, meant to serve as a dramatic backdrop to the climax of the story, and a dysfunctional family dynamic is always a fun element in a murder story.
aethonanbookish's review against another edition
4.0
⭐4.4⭐
No hay mucho que decir, Agatha lo volvió a hacer y mis ganas de seguirla leyendo no hacen más que aumentar con cada libro suyo que leo.
No hay mucho que decir, Agatha lo volvió a hacer y mis ganas de seguirla leyendo no hacen más que aumentar con cada libro suyo que leo.
cjvillahermosa's review against another edition
4.0
The case is not that interesting (or pedestrian in Agatha Christie's standard): a woman suddenly died while sitting in a cave entrance. The woman is a sadist and loves to torment her family so naturally suspicions hover above the family members' heads. And since this is an Agatha Christie novel, the most suspicious ones, those with the highest chance of perpetrating the killing, are always absolved and the least likely ones end up as the culprit.
This is the first Christie novel where I guessed the culprit early on. When the killer was revealed, I was as ecstatic as when I guessed a House episode's diagnosis before Dr. House did! This novel also presented a moral dilemma: is the killing of an evil person ever be justified? That question left my mind in tenterhooks with endless pros and cons volleying to and fro.
Summing this review up (and because I babbled more than I meant), Agatha Christie is a terrific writer with so many plot twists to spare. This novel is not her best but her ingenuity is on full display.
This is the first Christie novel where I guessed the culprit early on. When the killer was revealed, I was as ecstatic as when I guessed a House episode's diagnosis before Dr. House did! This novel also presented a moral dilemma: is the killing of an evil person ever be justified? That question left my mind in tenterhooks with endless pros and cons volleying to and fro.
Summing this review up (and because I babbled more than I meant), Agatha Christie is a terrific writer with so many plot twists to spare. This novel is not her best but her ingenuity is on full display.
bookwormmoo's review against another edition
4.0
Agatha Christie’s mysteries never fail to amaze me. This one fell a little short compared to others of hers I’ve read, but it was still an incredible story!
The plot was a little slow, especially the first half. There was so much buildup - the murder didn’t even happen until halfway through. In addition, the “big reveal” was a little underwhelming - usually I’m blown away by how masterful Christie’s plots are and I can never figure out how they’ll end - but in this case, the ending felt like a bit of a letdown.
Overall, though, the characters were spectacularly written and the mystery was very well thought out.
The plot was a little slow, especially the first half. There was so much buildup - the murder didn’t even happen until halfway through. In addition, the “big reveal” was a little underwhelming - usually I’m blown away by how masterful Christie’s plots are and I can never figure out how they’ll end - but in this case, the ending felt like a bit of a letdown.
Overall, though, the characters were spectacularly written and the mystery was very well thought out.
andyshute's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this Poirot story - the Jerusalem and Petra setting it apart from the English stately home stories. The environmental aspects are detailed and authentic, adding depth to the story, reflecting Christie's travels in the area (though unfortunately some of her views on Jews are also brought up).
The first half is spent setting up the characters and Poirot doesn't really make an appearance until the second half. We then get to see him do his, 'I'm going to sit here, let them come to me, listen and work it all out' routine. He feels more relaxed here, possibly reflecting his holiday persona.
I liked it but think the changes Christie made to the stage version (in terms of the ending) makes for a better story. I actually wondered if that was going to be the solution while I was reading before picoting and I actually worked this one out - admittedly, not a common occurrence for me. Not the best but a solid Poirot story.
The first half is spent setting up the characters and Poirot doesn't really make an appearance until the second half. We then get to see him do his, 'I'm going to sit here, let them come to me, listen and work it all out' routine. He feels more relaxed here, possibly reflecting his holiday persona.
I liked it but think the changes Christie made to the stage version (in terms of the ending) makes for a better story. I actually wondered if that was going to be the solution while I was reading before picoting and I actually worked this one out - admittedly, not a common occurrence for me. Not the best but a solid Poirot story.