Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie Narrator: Hugh Fraser
Series: Hercule Poirot #9
Published by HarperAudio on July 3, 2012 (first published 1933)
Source: Purchased
Genres: Vintage Mystery
Length: 6 hrs 31 mins
Pages: 260
Format: Audiobook
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Poirot had been present when Jane bragged of her plan to ‘get rid of’ her estranged husband. Now the monstrous man was dead. And yet the great Belgian detective couldn’t help feeling that he was being taken for a ride. After all, how could Jane have stabbed Lord Edgware to death in his library at exactly the same time she was seen dining with friends? And what could be her motive now that the aristocrat had finally granted her a divorce?
Jane Wilkinson a beautiful actress is married to Lord Edgware. She approaches Poirot, asking him to help her obtain a divorce. However, when Poirot and Hastings, go to see Lord Edgware, he seems to have no issue with divorcing her. Jane Wilkinson will have her freedom after all. Then, Lord Edgware is found dead, leaving Jane a widow, free to marry the Duke she has her eyes on.
Jane Wilkinson has no motive now, no many how many times she may have threatened to “get rid of” her husband, and a solid alibi. So who did it? We have a fair number of suspects, including a nephew in need of money, a daughter who disliked him, and another actress adept at impersonations. Each chapter brings us a new revelation, a dead suspect, a clue, a red herring. Poirot seems a bit unsure some of the time. Just when he thinks he has the solution, something happens that shows him he’s wrong.
The puzzle is well-done and I always enjoy Poirot, even if he can be a bit of an arrogant jerk. I should have guessed who the killer was but a.) I didn’t try and b.) Christie would have tricked me anyway.
About Agatha Christie
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English crime novelist, short story writer and playwright. She is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around her fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world’s longest-running play, a murder mystery, The Mousetrap, and six romances under the name Mary Westmacott. In 1971 she was elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contribution to literature.
I have been reading a lot of Poirot mysteries lately, so I enjoy any of your posts on Agatha Christie books. This was a novel I liked a lot. I loved your comment… “Christie would have tricked me anyway.” I often guess the correct villain, but then I decide I must be wrong. Christie is very good at misdirection.
I think Poirot might be my favorite detective, although I do really like Marsh’s Inspector Alleyn too.
I can never guess the killer in one of Agatha Christies’ novels, so I always just sit back and enjoy the ride. 🙂
I’m the same exact way.
I started (not on my Kindle) the styles affair . I want to go back and read all the Christie books, but have to slip them in, in between the current review copies!
Tomorrow I’m watching a reading of a play that is an adaptation of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I’m really looking forward to it.