Murder in Retrospect (Paperback)

I liked some of the adaptations I saw of her works though, and always had a soft spot for "Murder on the Orient Express" so I finally gave in and became a fan, especially of Hercule Poirot. I didn't think her work could bring me any more surprises, so many books later.

So I was delighted at how much I loved this one. It has all the characteristics that have made her dear to me, especially as an author, for these things are sometimes nowhere to be found in adaptations one sees: characters who are basically mouthpieces to Agatha's views on the world and life; the way Poirot's ridiculousness makes him so easily underestimated by friends and foes alike; and in Agatha's mysteries the crime and whodunit is merely a pretext to watch and observe and reflect upon people whom you become more and more fascinated with, sometimes just because you're watching. It's like Hitchcock's "Rear Window", but some decades earlier.

I even fell into the trap of thinking that this time I had guessed correctly who the killer was, something I never do. What for? Agatha always beats me, and this time was no exception. I particularly loved the ending, the best I have ever read in any mystery novel and, to me, eerily reminiscent of Conan Doyle's "The Blue Carbuncle".

For those who feel curious, the painting that is described as a blind girl sitting on an orange is by George Frederic Watts and is called Hope because the harp she's holding has only one string left but she doesn't give up playing upon it.

Agatha Christie certainly spins a terrific story revolving around a murder which has been laid to rest for 16 years. Throughout the story we are given different points of views from different characters. This novel truly defines the meaning of 'in the eye of the beholder' since everyone has a different account to tell, a different viewpoint, and a difference in remembering facts. Though Poirot will never have the chance to meet the victim (Amyas Crale) or the supposed murderess (Caroline Crale), with the help of interviewing the people involved long ago. Part One tells about Poirot's interviews with the counsel for the defence, counsel for the prosecution, the solicitors, the police superintendent, and the five witnesses. Then Book Two focuses on the narratives of the five witnesses and the conclusion to the story.

Here's a quick introduction to the five witnesses (and suspects!). The title, "Five Little Pigs", refers to these five characters;
Philip Blake - went to market: Best friend to the murdered victim, has good business sense and is a very precise man. Could he have devised the perfect plan to kill?
Meredith Blake - stayed at home: The perfect example of a English country gentleman. Loves nature and has a very quiet temperament, but could he actually be a murderer?
Elsa Greer - ate roast beef. She falls in love with Amyas and finds nothing wrong with stealing him from a lovely wife and daughter. Extremely greedy and selfish, could she kill her lover?
Miss William - got none. A governess in the Crale household, she was soon going to be dismissed from teaching Mrs. Crale's young sister. Also has a distaste for men, and was angry at Amywas for wanting to leave his wife.
Angela Warren - cried all the way home. Disfigured sister of Mrs. Crale, had many fights and arguments with the murdered man.

Everyone has a motive, and everyone seems to be hiding something. Who is the murderer and what had exactly taken place on that fateful day of Amyas' death? After reading to almost the conclusion, you'll probably have an idea what had happened. But I most assure, Christie has plenty of surprises and twists and turns for you!

"Five Little Pigs" is certainly well-written and should not be missed, but it's not one of my most favorite Christie stories. And some people might find it a bit repetitive though that's the beauty of the whole story, how everything meshes together subtly. I recommend you read "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" if you have never read any of Agatha Christie's mysteries before.