Big Four: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 5) Paperback – July 1, 2014

Agatha Christie's "The Big Four" is a riveting novel that showcases her unparalleled skill in crafting intricate plots and memorable characters. This book stands out for its compelling narrative, which intertwines elements of mystery, espionage, and international intrigue.The story follows the brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as he unravels a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by a quartet of powerful and elusive adversaries. Christie's ability to build suspense is masterful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Poirot and his loyal friend, Captain Hastings, navigate a labyrinth of clues and deceptions.Christie excels in portraying the global scope of the conspiracy, offering readers a thrilling journey across multiple countries and exotic locales. The diversity of settings adds to the excitement and highlights Poirot's deductive prowess in various challenging environments.The dynamic between Poirot and Hastings is another highlight of the book. Their partnership is both endearing and effective, with Hastings' straightforward approach contrasting nicely with Poirot's meticulous and often eccentric methods."The Big Four" is a testament to Agatha Christie's storytelling genius. Its fast-paced plot, memorable characters, and clever twists make it a must-read for fans of detective fiction. This novel not only entertains but also showcases the timeless appeal of Christie's work, cementing her status as the Queen of Mystery.

At first, I liked it, and then, as it went on, I became confused with so many names and considered not finishing it, but I'm glad I did. While it wasn't written as descriptive and as well as it could've been, it was still a good story. Hercule and Hastings head off a gang of international mastermind criminals in a series of adventures. Suspension of unbelief was called for quite often, but I found it quite enjoyable escapism.

This one has quite an intricate plot. There are, come to think of it, several loosely (or not) related plots within a plot. I'm usually just annoyed by that, but because Agatha's characters are so realistic, varied, and interesting, it's not a problem. I just resolve not to get upset with myself for not remembering who everyone is and hang on, by my fingernails if necessary, for the very enjoyable ride.

"The Big Four: A Hercule Poirot Mystery" by Agatha Christie offers a unique twist on the classic detective story, with Hercule Poirot facing off against a quartet of powerful and enigmatic adversaries. As a long-time fan of Christie’s work, I found some aspects of this book intriguing, while others fell a bit short.On the positive side, Christie's signature writing style is as engaging as ever. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, and there are plenty of clever twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Poirot’s intellect and methodical approach to solving mysteries are well showcased, and the interplay between him and Captain Hastings adds a touch of humor and warmth to the story.However, "The Big Four" doesn’t quite reach the heights of Christie’s best works. The plot, while ambitious, sometimes feels disjointed and overly convoluted. The central antagonists—the Big Four—are intriguing in concept but lack the depth and development that make for truly memorable villains. As a result, the stakes don’t feel as high or as personal as in some of Poirot’s other cases.Additionally, the episodic structure of the book, with Poirot tackling various subplots related to the Big Four, can be jarring at times. It feels more like a series of loosely connected short stories rather than a cohesive novel, which may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.Overall, "The Big Four" is a decent entry in the Hercule Poirot series, offering enough intrigue and classic detective work to please die-hard fans. However, it doesn’t quite measure up to Agatha Christie’s finest mysteries. If you’re new to Poirot, you might want to start with some of her more acclaimed works before diving into this one.

I thought I had read most of Poirot's cases, but some how I missed this adventure. The Four did a great job of keeping Poirot busy but his little gray cells lead the way to victory! I have not seen where Captain Hastings was treated so poorly... like his brain was in neutral. I have always thought slot of Captain Hastings...so this was different. I liked the variety of dangerous situations Poirot & Hastings found themselves.

I love these books. Hercule Poirot is a great detective and very smart. I am a big fan of this detective.

This story takes a different tack than the other Poirot stories. It is almost like a James Bond I really enjoyed the discovery of each member of The Big Four and the ultimate plan to deal with them. I wish the adaptation was closer to the book than it was.

There were more twists and thigh an I could ever imagine. What's Christy is beyond any other mystery writers. I am in awe