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.

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 100 pages are a bit tedious but there's a reason for it. Trust Agatha Christie and her ability to play your mind like no other. ALWAYS.

2.5 ⭐

The reclusive Boynton family have uncharacteristically left New York for a touring holiday in the heat and dust of the Middle East. We first meet them in a hotel in Jerusalem, where the evil matriarch Mrs Boynton presides over her family like some monstrous spider. Each of them seems unable to escape the poisonous web she has spun around their lives, and her domineering ways have not gone beyond the notice of their fellow guests - including young Dr Sarah King, who has taken a fancy to the youngest son Raymond Boynton; and the eminent French psychiatrist Dr Gerard, who is fascinated by the way Mrs Boynton controls them all, and very worried about the sanity of the youngest daughter Ginevra.

The location them moves to the mysterious ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan, where the Boynton family are uncomfortably reunited with Drs King and Gerard, in the company of a handful of other tourists, including the indomitable Lady Westholme. Mrs Boyton's presence casts a shadow over them all, so it's something of a relief when she is found dead - apparently from natural causes.

But Dr Gerard is not so sure, and when he raises his suspicions with the authorities, good old Hercule Poirot, who happens to be staying with one Colonel Carbury, is at hand to get to the truth of the matter. And he has an interesting clue already at his disposal - the fact that he overheard two of the Boynton children in the hotel in Jerusalem discussing murdering the tyrannical old woman.

This is one of those Christie stories clearly taken straight from her own experiences travelling in the Middle East, which I always find rather thrilling. It is also one of her stories that has a big build up before we get to see the genius of the little Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, at work. The preamble is full of much delving into the psychology of the Boynton family through the conversations of Drs King and Gerard, and their observations on the interactions between the sadistic mother and her children/stepchildren. It is all perhaps a little overworked, but it does give a good picture of the lie of the land before the murder itself ups the place, particularly given the complexity of the red herrings Poirot takes you through before unveiling the killer.

Poirot, as usual, puts his little grey cells to good use to weed out the truth among all the dysfunctional 'psychologies' he loves to ponder on so much, and picks out the little clues that don't seem all that significant in the grand scheme of things, but are, of course, the very ones that point to the guilty party. He is especially methodical in solving this case, and indulges in his characteristic gathering of suspects to explain the hows, whys, and wherefores which I always love.

It has to be said that, although enjoyable, this is not one of my favourites, as it is a little lacking in stand-out characters for me. The greater part of the cast is taken up with the Boynton family who, beyond the clearly reprehensible Mrs Boynton herself, are all a little insipid. The romances are a bit lacklustre too. Poirot himself is as marvellous as ever though, although maybe a trifle judgemental given the thorough nastiness of the murder victim, and I do have a soft spot for old Colonel Carbury and his insistence on making the case neat and tidy.

The very best thing about this mystery is the exotic locations that Christie weaves into the tale. The backdrops and sense of history are glorious, and make up for the sameness of a big chunk of the characters. I also love the masses of misdirection she works into the story.