Customer Reviews

Dead Man's Mirror (Mystery Collection Leatherette Hardcover)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Also known as _Murder in the Mews_, this unabridged audiobook with Hugh Fraser is light entertainment in classic Agatha Christie style. Originally written in 1931, the book depicts the declining country house society and its ways of life, post World War I, within a clever mystery. Sir Gervase Chevenix-Gore, owner of a sizeable estate, has written to famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, demanding that he come to England to meet with him.

Before Poirot arrives, Sir Gervaise is discovered dead, shot in the head, a gun by his hand, and a letter saying "Sorry" on his desk, an apparent suicide. The study and windows are locked from the inside. Numerous relatives, guests, and employees of Sir Gervase are in attendance throughout the weekend, including his ditsy wife, one of his friends (who has always been openly in love with his wife), his adopted daughter, his nephew (the person who will inherit his title) and his girlfriend, a woman hired to write a biography of the family, the estate manager, a private secretary, etc.

As they relate their whereabouts at the time that the shot or champagne cork or car backfire was heard, the immense size and configuration of the estate become clear, and as Poirot investigates the suicide that he is convinced is murder, the listener is struck by the arrogance of Sir Gervase and the expectations of the guests. None have much conception of the outside world, and several have motives for murder. As always, Christie drops small clues, leading the reader to form conclusions about who did what to whom, then springs a surprise ending.

Hugh Fraser does yeoman's service playing all the voices on this recording without overacting, reflecting subtle class differences and personalities in the process. His French accent for Poirot is controlled, and his diction is superb. The audio moves quickly, making this a fine, light entertainment. n Mary Whipple

This book follows the same old Agatha Christie/Hercule Poirot formula. And, like macaroni & cheese or mashed potatoes, I found this murder mystery comforting and delightful in its familiarity. A collection of relatives and friends gather at a country house, and their dominating and idosyncratic host commits suicide ... or does he? Fortunately, shortly before the fatal shot was fired, the dead man had the foresight to invite Hercule Poirot for a visit. Thank goodness he is there to unravel things, as only he can! If you are looking for a by-the-book fact and/or forensic based mystery, like those by Cornwell or Grafton or Paretsky, you'll be disappointed. But if you're looking for evocative mood, wit and charm, you'll enjoy yourself.

For those who are unaware, this book is also available under the title 'Murder in the Mews'

Agatha Christie once more will mesmerize your mind with the unexpected turns of this plot! When the master of the house is discovered shot in his study, the suggestion of suicide is brought forward. It satisfies everyone, but not M.Poirot! The investigation uncovers secret passions, past intrigues, and cunning plots. You don't want to miss this page turner!

Hercule Poirot is summoned to the estate of aristocrat Sir Gervase Chevenix-Gore. Sir Gervase thinks that someone is trying to defraud him. Despite the fact that Poirot takes orders from no man, he still decides to go and see what the case is all about.

He arrives just before dinner, but he arrives only to find his host dead. Sir Gervase is found in a locked room with a bullet hole in his head. The local police are quick to draw the conclusion that it was suicide, but Poirot is not convinced. After all, Sir Gervase has just wired for Poirot to come. Surely, he wouldn't do that and then kill himself. Is Poirot right? And how can a shattered mirror provide a clue?

This is an audio version of a short story originally published in MURDER IN THE MEWS. It's around two and a half hours long, but very enjoyable. The first two thirds or so are pretty much interviewing the suspects, and each one seemed guilty to me. Yet Poirot manages to bring everything to a logical solution by the end. And, while I did guess a couple of things, the complete solution was a surprise. The biggest problem with the story is the cast of characters. I had a hard time keeping a few of them straight, even by the end.

Hugh Fraser, who played Captain Hastings for A&E's Poirot TV shows, narrates the story. He is fabulous, bringing each character and their emotions to life.

Whether you are a fan of Agatha Christie's works or not, this is a pleasant way to pass some time.

This is not words we are used to hearing. TOO many words, unknown words, Agatha gone mad. love to return this.?? Beth