Murder on the Links
Agatha Christie
1923, England
Hercule Poirot
Agatha Christie’s third published novel brings us the second outing with Hercule Poirot and Arthur Hastings. This time, we are taken to northern France, whence Poirot has been summed by a potential client, Paul Renauld, on a matter of some urgency. However, by the time they arrive, Renauld is dead, and the great detective must turn his attention to murder. This is complicated by the presence of the French police, specifically Monsieur Giraud of the Sûreté, who has little appreciation or patience for Poirot’s more thoughtful methods. Hastings for his part is dazzled by Giraud’s activity and on more than one occasion expects that Poirot is out-detected. Of course, Hastings isn’t always the most reliable of observers, and true to form proves easily distracted by a pretty face, further muddling his observational skills.
Unfortunately, I read Murder on the Links about a year ago and didn’t take any notes, so I don’t really remember my response to it all that well, although the general plot of the story has stuck with me surprisingly well. It is a mystery full of twists and turns, questionable identities, and hidden secrets from the past; secrets that once identified, begin to help Poirot’s unraveling of the case. Hastings is perhaps a bit annoying in his obtuseness, and the inclusion of history that Poirot knows but the reader has no access to can be frustrating to the armchair detective. Nonetheless, an enjoyable diversion.
Simpler Pastimes 
I enjoyed this Christie but it was my least favourite until I read The Big Four. I’m guessing it won’t be at the bottom of the list when all is said and done. It’s fun to be reading Christie together even though we’re not on the same book!
Cleo, there is something fun about reading the Christie’s “with” other people. My mom’s even been inspired and is joining–though I have a feeling she’ll be way ahead of me before too long!
If I recall correctly, I still felt like I was in early Christie with this one (much like Mysterious Affair at Styles). I can’t wait to get to the later, better known books – I have a feeling those will be the ones that feel “right.”
I love following your posts on all her books. When you are finished, I know where to go to pick any new to me titles. I have a couple of her books unread and I am looking forward to reading your reviews when they come up. Also some favorites haven’t come up in your chronological reading yet.
Thank you, Silvia. It’s fun making my way through the series, but I understand why you might prefer to read just selected Christie – there are a lot of titles! I read a decent number of her mysteries when I was in high school, but I haven’t made it to any I’ve previously read yet.
She was just such an amazing author, and so many talented filmmakers have brought her work to life so beautifully. Christie is one of the go-to authors for Mary and me when we are taking a road trip vacation. I’ve been impressed with every narrator of her stories. Of late I’ve only actually read one physical book of hers, And Then There Were None, which I read last year, and I’m well through the first Tommy and Tuppence novel now, a gift for Christmas.
Carl, Christie would be perfect for a road trip! Not too difficult, wonderfully entertaining. I’ll have to remember that the next time I’m planning a road trip.