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Curtain: Poirot's Last Case


In this exclusive authorized edition from the Queen of Mystery, the legendary detective saves his best for last as he races to apprehend a five-time killer before the final curtain descends - the last book Agatha Christie published before her death. The crime-fighting careers of Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings have come full circle—they are back once again in the rambling country house in which they solved their first murder together. Both Hercule Poirot and Great Styles have seen better days—but, despite being crippled with arthritis, there is nothing wrong with the great detective and his “little gray cells.” However, when Poirot brands one of the seemingly harmless guests a five-time murderer, some people have their doubts. But Poirot alone knows he must prevent a sixth murder before the curtain falls.


 

The Final Curtain Falls

Nestled within the hallowed halls of Agatha Christie's prolific career lies "Curtain: Poirot's Last Case," a poignant farewell to the world's most meticulous detective. Published in 1975, this novel serves not only as a thrilling mystery but also as a melancholic elegy for the legendary Hercule Poirot.

The story unfolds at Styles Court, the very location where Poirot first encountered a murder decades earlier. Invited by a mysterious letter, Poirot finds himself amidst a gathering of seemingly unconnected strangers plagued by unsettling secrets. As whispers of past sins and simmering grievances fill the air, Poirot realizes that he stands on the precipice of his final investigation.

Christie, with her masterful touch, weaves a complex web of intrigue. Each character harbors hidden complexities, and their motives remain shrouded in ambiguity until Poirot's final, dazzling reveal. The tension mounts as shadows lengthen and danger creeps closer, culminating in a shocking climax that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying.

Beyond the captivating mystery, "Curtain" resonates with an undeniable sense of poignancy. Witnessing Poirot, his mind still sharp but his body increasingly frail, embark on his final case evokes a melancholic beauty. We see a glimpse of the great detective's mortality, a vulnerability that underscores the human dimension beneath his iconic mustache and fastidious habits.

Christie's writing in "Curtain" retains its characteristic brilliance. The dialogue is witty and engaging, the descriptions are vivid and evocative, and the pacing is masterfully controlled. Even as she bids farewell to her most beloved creation, Christie delivers a story that is as captivating and suspenseful as any of her previous works.

However, this final curtain call is not without its bittersweet tinge. Some might find the novel's setting, a return to Poirot's past, a touch nostalgic. The reliance on callbacks to earlier works could potentially alienate readers unfamiliar with the detective's complete chronology.

Yet, for those who have journeyed alongside Poirot throughout his countless investigations, "Curtain" offers a deeply satisfying conclusion. It's a fitting tribute to a literary icon, a chance to witness his final bow and savor the bittersweet beauty of his farewell.

In conclusion, "Curtain: Poirot's Last Case" is more than just a murder mystery; it's a poignant farewell to a beloved character. While some might find its nostalgic elements and ties to past works slightly limiting, for true Poirot devotees, it's a must-read. Through a captivating mystery and a subtle undercurrent of melancholic reflection, Christie delivers a final chapter that is both thrilling and deeply moving. So, step into Styles Court one last time and witness the final curtain fall on the legendary Hercule Poirot.

Verdict: A captivating and poignant farewell to Hercule Poirot, filled with suspense, nostalgia, and the bittersweet beauty of saying goodbye. Highly recommended for Christie fans and anyone seeking a masterfully crafted mystery.


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Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie, Author From

The Queen of Crime

Early Life and Background: Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller, later known as Agatha Christie, was born on September 15, 1890, in Torquay, Devon, England. Raised in an affluent family, Agatha enjoyed a comfortable childhood. Her interest in storytelling and mysteries began at an early age, influenced by her extensive reading habits and imaginative play.

Marriage and World War I: In 1914, Agatha married Archibald Christie, an aviator in the Royal Flying Corps. During World War I, she worked as a nurse, an experience that would later influence her writing. Her first novel, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles," featuring the iconic Hercule Poirot, was written during this period but faced initial challenges in finding a publisher.

Literary Debut and Poirot's Arrival: Agatha's perseverance paid off when "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" was published in 1920, marking the debut of Hercule Poirot, a Belgian detective with an unparalleled knack for solving crimes. The novel's success laid the foundation for a prolific literary career.

Prolific Career and Poirot's Adventures: The 1920s and 1930s witnessed Agatha Christie's emergence as a literary sensation. Her works, including "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" (1926) and "Murder on the Orient Express" (1934), showcased her ingenuity in crafting intricate plots with unexpected twists. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, another beloved detective, became enduring figures in detective fiction.

Mysterious Disappearance: In 1926, Agatha Christie's life took a mysterious turn when she disappeared for eleven days, sparking widespread speculation. Her reappearance added another layer of mystery to her life, and the reasons behind her disappearance remain a subject of fascination.

Later Years and Achievements: Agatha's literary output continued unabated through the decades. She became one of the most translated and best-selling authors in the world. Her play "The Mousetrap" premiered in 1952 and went on to become the longest continuously running play in history. In 1971, she was honored as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

Legacy and Enduring Popularity: Agatha Christie's contribution to the mystery genre is unparalleled. Her works, characterized by clever plotting and memorable characters, have transcended time. Even after her passing on January 12, 1976, her books continue to captivate readers, and new adaptations of her stories ensure a timeless legacy.

Notable Works:

  • Hercule Poirot series, including "Death on the Nile," "Murder on the Orient Express," and "The ABC Murders."
  • Miss Marple series, featuring "The Murder at the Vicarage" and "A Murder Is Announced."
  • Standalone novels like "And Then There Were None" and "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd."

Agatha Christie: A Literary Icon: Agatha Christie's mastery of the art of mystery, her ability to keep readers guessing until the final pages, and her enduring characters have solidified her place as the "Queen of Crime." Her impact on detective fiction and her timeless storytelling make her a literary icon whose works continue to be cherished by generations of readers around the world.

+ Author book lists..

 

Ratto
5.0 out of 5 stars It's Poirot! Great mystery.
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
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Patrick W. Crabtree
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect mystery, perfect reader, perfect packaging (details)
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2009
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Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings began their first renowned case together with  The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot Mysteries (Audio)) . And in their concluding encounter, Poirot's last case, the pair completes the circle, again teaming up at Styles Court (which is under new ownership) to ferret out a murderer.

The old mansion of Styles is now a renovated boarding house run by an elderly couple and Poirot calls upon his life-long friend and Man Friday, Captain Hastings, to abet him in his final and most compelling case. Hasting's modernistic and independent daughter is also on the premises and the Captain's unwelcome exertions in attempting to sort out her future provides an appetizing sub-plot.

One of the numerous residents of Styles is a serial killer and the motive for this murderer's heinous crimes remains unclear for a time. The solution to this one is a real zinger and Christie fans will certainly not be let down.

This is a "Golden Age" classic British mystery in every sense, even though the book was published in 1975. The fact is that, doubting her own survival in the face of the endless World War Two conflagrations, Christie wrote this fine whodunnit in the early 1940s! The Poirot mystery which Christie last wrote (1972) was  Elephants Can Remember (Hercule Poirot) , and her final work (which featured Tommy and Tuppence Beresford) was  Postern of Fate , published in 1973. Agatha Christie died in 1976.

Hugh Fraser reads this story from the first-person perspective of Captain Hastings. His reading and rhythm are just top-notch, as it is with all the Christie works which he has taken on. Prospective buyers should be aware that this title is also available with an alternative reader:  Curtain: Complete & Unabridged: Poirot's Last Case . This edition is read by John Moffatt, another master of the art. Which one is best? I cannot say for anyone else but I prefer Fraser on this particular work but most folks will be pleased with either one.

I really like the packaging on my Harpercollins audiobook, which is notably different than the one pictured. My CDs are securely housed in a clear, heavy plastic, music-type container and all five CDs are "stacked" inside, a method which I find preferable to the typical cardboard "slip cases" where each CD slides into a slot. If this is an issue, you might contact the seller in advance to see which packaging format s/he is offering. In any event, the total time for this unabridged audiobook is six hours and what a superb listening experience it is!

There is little else to say except to reiterate that this is a terrific Hercule Poirot mystery that all Christie fans will want to hear time and again.
Mr. Ct Kent
4.0 out of 5 stars More Hastings, Less Poirot
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2015
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Well !? I was miffed to have missed the David Suchet television representation of Poirot's last ever mystery, so I decided that i HAD to read the book - based on the buzz that had been created by the media surrounding the storyline.

I shall not spoil the plot and reveal all - that would be so unsportsmanlike (other contributors should take note!) - so I shall just say that as an Agatha Christie fan I was kind of putting off reading this, almost like saving the best for last, but also knowing that it would be 'strange' to go back to other Poirot novels knowing what happens to him in this final story.

The story is narrated by Hastings, his ever-faithful friend and co-sort. It was written in a remarkably clever manner, still detailing the usual pithy Christie characterisations and observations of all the people present (the list of suspects). So it was almost like reading any other Agatha Christie - it was an enjoyable read. The only thing that was disappointing was the lack of the man himself 'starring' in this book, as it really would have been a spectacle to have Poirot weave his eccentricities throughout, creating tensions, asking questions, motivating the energy, bringing out sub-plots and then - as always - gathering the crowd of maybe-murderers together at the end to do the 'big reveal'. In this book we find Poirot a very elderly and immobile figure, confined to a wheelchair, bound by his physical ailments and - for the most part in this book - locked away in his room at the hotel only surfacing occasionally to steer Capt Hastings back on track with the investigations.

Needless to say, the mystery is solved - it is all justifiable and made sense in the end - and, yes!, Poirot does a type of final performance/reveal at the end which wraps it all up nicely. However, I cannot help but feel that this was written almost in a cold, calculated, way by AC as necessity out of having to detail the end of Poirot, to wrap him up and close that chapter for herself, the publishers and the readers. There did not feel any real act of love for Hercule, which I was quite saddened by.

Hastings does somehow manage to carry Curtain though,and is an affable, likeable, diligent character. It is through his emotions, from his perspective, that we view the demise of the Great Belgian Detective. It just would have been nice to have felt it for myself.
Alice
5.0 out of 5 stars Slightly disappointed
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2022
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The premise of the book is fantastic. My issues lies with the execution and the characters.

I didn’t warm up to or bond with any of the characters. I found them all superficial. Poirot was condescending, arrogant, and aloof. Hastings was the only one whose thoughts and feelings were well described.

As this was the last book with Poirot, in which he actually dies, I had expected a more well-rounded character portrayal with glimpses of him as a younger detective and maybe a reflection here and there about his life, his train of thought, his regrets, and maybe even some humanity with doubts and wishes for what his life could be like had he not been weakened and in failing health.

The plot is convoluted with too many small clues that nobody picks up on. This causes the reader to place their trust completely in Hastings as he is Poirot’s extension. As he tries to figure out X’s identity, he also has to deal with family issues regarding his daughter, who is also at Styles. It muddies the pool.

Hasting’s butterfly brain finds no rest in the book, not even at the end. There is no rest at the end for the reader either. For in the end, we only have Poirot’s high-and-mighty word for what really happened.

Avronil Das
5.0 out of 5 stars and with good reason. She would in her life be berated ...
Reviewed in India on April 8, 2015
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When we think of a murder mystery we think of a plot where a detective finds out who killed whom, with what and possibly where. None of this applies to this masterpiece mystery. Although known as the second novel Agatha Christie ever wrote, it is one of the last ones published. Agatha Christie herself claimed she wanted to save the book until she had finished a lot more other detective novels. After reading the book you might agree that she was most likely too nervous to release this type of plot onto the world, and with good reason. She would in her life be berated by readers and other crime novelists for her 'unorthodox' murder mechanisms and approaches. In fact Dorothy Sayers threatened to kick her out of the Detection Club for her plot in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Christie's main offense was allegedly not providing enough information for the readers to figure out for themselves who dunnit. This novel, Curtain, is no exception, except that the plot in this novel is so subtle and intricate that even if all information was explicitly provided people would most likely still be up in arms over it. Without giving too much away, Christie found a means of committing murder that can not under any circumstance be blamed on the killer.

In Curtain, we meet famed detective Hercule Poirot one last and final time. In a message, which leaves nothing to speculation as to Poirot's health, the great detective summons his old friend Hastings to the house where it all began. The large mansion has since changed ownership and is now a lovely bed and breakfast with modern conveniences. Like before, and this time announced early on by Poirot, the hotel will be host to a murderer. Again without giving away too much about the plot it can be said that this is one of the most unorthodox methods by which any murderer has operated. In fact it is the way by which the murderer kills and more importantly gets away with it, which is the best part of the novel and its most controversial part.

Christie early on defined for herself two principles by which her Belgian detective approached a case. First of all Poirot would solve all crimes by means of psychology and not for example by using an analysis of cigarette ashes. Second, it was extremely important to Poirot that the innocent should not suffer or be blamed for something they had not done. Out of all the novels she wrote, Curtain actually honors those both those principles. In other works it could be argued that Poirot also used cigarette ashes and circumstantial evidence, but not in this one, this one is all psychology. Perhaps yet another reason she was hesitant to release the book into the critical hands of her readers.

Agatha Christie liked unorthodox plots, to her credit. But she had one weakness, which makes this novel even more difficult to get into. Her characters have always been rather flat and boilerplate. She usually introduces a grand old lady of the house who's irresistibly beautiful and eternally tragic. There's always a colonel or captain somewhere who just got back from safari or a war. This does not make a good combination with a plot that is highly logical and mechanical and contrary to other novels she wrote this one is on the extreme side of mechanical writing. How then to think about a book such as this? Should the rating reflect the genius of plotting and logic or should the work be judged solely on its character development and emotional depth? It's hard to say but I feel I need to reward the tremendous originality of the novel and slightly overlook the sentimental aspects.
Graham Tritt
4.0 out of 5 stars About David Suchet, the actor who player Poirot for the BBC
Reviewed in Germany on July 19, 2014
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I recall reading it (around 1970) along with many other Christies and remember it as possibly the best Poirot crime story. Now it seems a bit dated but I haven't yet gotten into it.
Recently it was on BBC TV: Agatha Christie's Poirot Curtain Poirot's Last Case. An introduction is on youtube: [...]

The final episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot on ITV. The end of an era, but a dramatic and climactic end by the award winning David Suchet. [...]
About David Suchet: Do you think Poirot's an eccentric obsessive? He's got nothing on the actor who plays him: A revealing portrait of the brilliant David Suchet as he kills off his greatest creation.
[...]

Television’s most revered characters are the detectives, super-perceptive beings whose moral strength defends us against evil and chaos. Detectives are the gods of the TV age.

And of all the gods, David Suchet, an obsessive perfectionist, plays the supreme intelligence: Hercule Poirot.

Though he has been played by many fine actors - Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov and Alfred Molina among them - Poirot was once a lesser deity, a minor idol whose eccentricities were good for a giggle. His absurd accent, his popinjay manner, his fastidious attire made him a comic caricature. In the colour TV era, viewers wanted detectives who drank real ale and swigged whisky; Poirot sipped from a thimble-glass of sweetly foul red liqueur called crème de cassis.

Poirot first appeared in 1920, and over the next half-century, in a series of more than 30 novels and dozens of short stories, he made his creator, Agatha Christie, the most successful writer alive. But after Christie died in 1976, it seemed certain that, outmoded and ridiculous, Poirot would be forgotten. Instead, the egg-headed man with the mincing gait is a superstar — and that is due entirely to the charm and intensity of Suchet’s performance. He brought to Poirot the psychological complexity he evolved growing up, the son of a taciturn gynaecological surgeon and a music hall artiste

David Suchet on playing Poirot [....]
Raza muqri
3.0 out of 5 stars Poirot will be missed
Reviewed in India on September 29, 2020
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Jessica
3.0 out of 5 stars Clever plot but lacking in character development
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2011
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I agree with a previous reviewer that Poirot and Hastings both behave in ways that are not quite believable, or true to their characters in the previous books, in this last Poirot novel. I think this is a creation by an author who was thoroughly fed up with her hero and wanted to get rid of him. I found it sad, because I love Poirot as a character - and I was also very disappointed at the way both Hastings and Poirot behaved (again, if you've read the book you'll know what I mean). Quite simply, I thought it was not quite credible. The plot is very clever but extremely unlikely. Of course, many of Dame Agatha's plots are unlikely, but I found this one slightly ridiculous. The references to "Othello" are very thought provoking, though. The book seems to have been a bit rushed - I know Agatha Christie is renowned for developing her characters only so far as she needs to, but I think a lot more could have been done with many of the characters in this book to make it more vivid and intriguing. It isn't a patch on "Death on the Nile" or "Five Little Pigs", for instance. Still, I enjoyed it and it made me read the plot of "Othello", if not the whole play!

Another thing I felt was that I didn't "recognise" Styles from "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" - it was like a different place completely. Of course, it was probably very different by then in the book's terms, having been made into a hotel - but I felt that perhaps more could have been done in description to make the reader feel that the action was really taking place in the same house as the original murder did - because all the way through I kept forgetting that the venue was supposed to be Styles...

On a different note, there are some errors in the layout on the Kindle - for instance, sometimes in dialogue, there is no new paragraph when a different person is speaking, as there should be, which made me confused a couple of times about which character was speaking. I didn't notice any spelling errors, though.
Morgan Giesbrecht
4.0 out of 5 stars A bittersweet farewell
Reviewed in Canada on March 14, 2022
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