ŷ������

What does one think when a read of 3 years comes to an end. It has been an enjoyable 3 years, and although I had read some of the books, some were certainly new to me and were an enjoyable revelation.

This was no exception, yes I have seen the David Suchet tv episode, but I do not remember reading this novel despite owning the book for many years. Firstly I have to say I found it very moving as well as being a great detective story. Both Hastings and Poirot were the epitome of Hastings- ness and Poirot-ness, and this made the book so enjoyable.
Returning to Styles where they first met, on the orders of Poirot, Hastings finds it is now a hotel of sorts, and Poirot is a long term guest. Now confined to a wheelchair, Poirot appears very frail, and Hastings wonders at times if his little grey cells are in decline along with his body. Poirot puts forward an hypothesis that a mysterious Mr X has committed indirectly many murders and is one of the guests in Styles, and that a murder will be committed. Unable to move about because of his infirmities, Poirot enlists Hastings to be his eyes and ears, and to relay all events and conversations.
To add a touch of spice to the mix, Hastings youngest daughter is also staying there whilst she pursues her scientific career as a Doctor's assistant. Hastings ever the true English gent (oh why are there so few left now ?) always thinks the best of people, struggles to see through the outward appearance of his fellow guests and as a father is so caring and solicitous of his daughter, that she pushes against his stifling love.
Events move towards a climax, various accidents occur followed by murder and then the unthinkable saddest of all things happens. I must admit that reading certain passages brought a tear to my eyes, but for all the sadness there was also a final demonstration albeit posthumously of Poirot's abilities.