The Hollow-Book Review

 

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Book: The Hollow

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Mystery

"The real tragedy of life was that you got what you wanted"

Book Blurb:  Lady Angkatell, intrigued by the criminal mind, has invited Hercule Poirot to her estate for a weekend house party. The Belgian detective's arrival at the Hollow is met with an elaborate tableau staged for his amusement: a doctor lies in a puddle of red paint, his timid wife stands over his body with a gun while the other guests look suitably shocked. But this is no charade. The paint is blood and the corpse real!

WeReflect:  This was the first book I picked for the #Christichallenge2021. A story set in a grand house, 'The Hollow' a quaint estate in England country side. The owner of the house invites six people to spend their weekends here. Four among them were cousins and one couple. Before they could reach 'The Hollow' we were amply introduced to them all. And I waited patiently for the murder to happen. Here enters the Hercules Poirot, another guest staying in the adjacent cottage. At first the murder looks like an open and shut case. The investigation begins. As usual everyone comes under the radar of suspicion.

Midge Hardcastle, poor relative of Angkatells is in love with cousin Edward, but Edward is in one with Henrietta. Hold your horse here. Henrietta is in love with married-man Dr. Christow (victim) and doctor is in love with himself.  He and his wife Gerda's relationship is of inequality. Gerda kisses the ground her husband walks on. John is just your average male chauvinistic pig who takes her for granted. Gerda's devotion is greater than her love. What will happen when you realize your picture perfect husband is not what you thought he is? 

In a mystery a reader constantly tries to guess the killer and motive. I was little disappointed with it's end. And Poirot's presence and investigation is rather annoying. Not to say it is a bad read. Just that I've read better Christie's work.