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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

It‘s time for the #ChristiesCapers discussion! I have 6 questions posted as spoilers; you can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtags.

Next up is The Man in the Brown Suit, the first appearance of Colonel Race in the novels. The official post will appear tomorrow!

#AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

Bookwormjillk I just started this morning. I‘ll be back in a few days! 3d

kspenmoll I am reading now, hoping to catch up by tomorrow! 3d

Cuilin I just started yesterday. I‘m so behind in all my reading goals for March. 😑 3d

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MallenNC I‘m excited for the April book. I‘ve never heard of this one. 3d

BarbaraJean I skipped this month since it was a re-read, but I‘m excited to read The Man in the Brown Suit in April! 3d

mrp27 Hope to finish the last few pages today! 3d

kelli7990 I‘m excited to read next month‘s story. 3d

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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

6. We've discussed Poirot and Giraud and touched on characters during our mystery discussion, but let's think about the characters now. Christie purposely has Hastings ride off to Argentina in the end in order to let Poirot stand on his own for future stories (though Hastings does come back, as we will see). What did you think of the cast of characters? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MariaW I think Hastings is portrayed well as an unstable character. He still has the chance to grow and to evolve compared to Poirot who is already a stable and grown character. Maybe Christie wanted to „kill off“ Hasting to set up a more „good cop - bad cop“ thing with Giraud, but realized in the end it did not work. Poirot seems to be someboy who likes to be teaching things to others and helping them to grow. He needs a sidekick that is open for that.. 3d

MariaW and otherwise she must have had to create another „new“ character in the next Poirot novel. I pretty sure she did not know yet at that time where she was heading or wanted to head with Poirot. 3d

MallenNC I hadn‘t read this one before or many of the Poirot novels we will be reading so I didn‘t realize that Hastings wasn‘t in all the books. He‘s been written into a lot of the TV versions, I think, so this is new to me. I agree that I‘m not sure Christie had a full sense of what she wanted to do with her characters early on. 3d

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kspenmoll I am glad i read this because I had no idea Hastings went off & was not with Poirot in all the books! I have not read her books in any order, nor have I read all of them! I am so glad you are having us read in publication order Jess! (edited) 3d

dabbe In the Poirot novels I have read before #ChristiesCapers, Hastings wasn't in any of them! So, yes, imagine my surprise with the first two. I am now wondering why Christie puts Hastings on the back burner, unlike Watson, who chronicles most of the Holmes stories. The POV is definitely going to have to change if Hastings isn't there. 3d

suvata I have always thought that Christie wrote the most interesting characters. Some of them are exaggerated, but they are always believable prototypes of people you would know or hear about. 2d

Bookwormjillk I really liked the Hastings character. I liked that he was always wondering what Poirot was doing but seemed to trust him. 2d

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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

Librarybelle https://www.calaisxxl.com/en/inspirations/lhistoire-des-bourgeois-de-calais/

https://sites.hertford.ox.ac.uk/bridge/calais-englands-first-colony/ 3d

5. This novel takes place in France, but the region surrounding Calais has a very deep history with England. I'm sure our UK friends could talk about this better than I can! But, to give a small bit of history as to why British citizens would be living in Calais, I have a couple of links in the comments for more of a history between to the two regions.

Any thoughts on setting? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MariaW I was wondering about that as well. It seemed strange to be able to go to and fro without any problems back then. Just thinking about how much time it takes today. 🙈 I am looking forward to the British/French comments here as well. 😊 3d

MallenNC As an American, I only know about the English connections to Calais from watching historical adaptations and I know those aren‘t always completely accurate. Thanks for sharing the links! 3d

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kspenmoll Thanks! 3d

dabbe From some of my other readings about early English history, I know that Calais is the closest French town to England, only 21 miles away, and on a clear day, one can see the White Cliffs of Dover from Calais. Many wars, sieges, and battling for the town have taken place over the centuries. 3d

suvata @dabbe that‘s very interesting 2d

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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

4. Let's think of the mystery itself. How does it compare with the prior two novels we read, especially Styles? Were you surprised by the ending? Did you figure everything out before Poirot made the big reveal? Any red herrings trip you up? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MariaW Again, because the dispute between Giraud and Poirot reminded me so much of The Mystery of the Yellow Room, I thought Giraud might have something to do with the murder. This was definitely a red herring for me. I think the mystery is quite difficult to solve without the knowledge of the crime that happened years prior. The moment Poirot unearthed that one, I was finally able to understand half of the mystery. I did not see the end coming though. 3d

MallenNC I had a hard time following at first, and I definitely wasn‘t solving the mystery ahead of the book this time. 3d

kspenmoll I had no clue at all -the end was a total surprise. I did not think Jack did it, but all the red herrings, etc. had me confused! (edited) 3d

dabbe I don't know why, but STYLES fell flat for me. This one had much more wit, movements, and yes, I was totally surprised by the #whodunit. 3d

suvata I was totally baffled with this one. Couldn‘t figure out who it was until it was revealed. I haven‘t read STYLES in many years. I am, however, going back and reading the first two books in order so I will be caught up by the time we discuss The Man in the Brown Suit. 2d

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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

3. Poirot meets not exactly a rival but definitely competition in the detective from the Paris Surete, Giraud. In the novel, Poirot outlines his methods of deduction--not needing to traipse around the world in search of clues but really just use the grey little cells--whereas we first meet Giraud lying in the grave. What are similarities and differences between Poirot and Giraud? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MariaW Giraud is supposed to portray the modern day police work with their fancy methods whilst Poirot is portrayed (or is branded by Giraud) as a representative of the „old“ police work. Giraud feels so superior to Poirot that he behaves very patronizing. Poirot on the other hand tries to be polite as he always is and waits. But even he cannot refrain from giving some sideswipes due to Giraud‘s impolite behaviour. 3d

MariaW But in the end both of them think they are the best in their profession. 3d

MallenNC What stood out to me was how Poirot would ask a seemingly weird or unnecessary question and other people in the book would think that was silly, but it would turn out to be important. That was showing the detective work happening in his mind and only he knew how the pieces were connecting. It was kind of fun to see both approaches 3d

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kspenmoll Poirot‘s methods I am familiar with from other books & movies, etc. Giraud seems to be a caricature of the new police man, methods. 3d

dabbe One can pretty well be assured that if there is an OFFICIAL working for the police, he/she/they will not solve the crime. I saw more of a parallel between Giraud and Holmes. It seems Christie is parodying Holmes a bit since Holmes always carries a magnifying glass, plops down on the floor at a moment's notice, knows everything about cigar/cigarette ashes, etc. Poirot is more like Mycroft, Holmes's brother, who likes to solve crimes from his chair. 3d

suvata @MallenNC if you‘re old enough to remember the old Colombo TV show, he used a similar technique. He was pretty laid-back and asked questions that people thought were odd, but it all pulled together in the end. I love old detective novels. 2d

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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

2. Some reviewers draw comparisons between this novel and the stories of Sherlock Holmes. What do you think? Are there any instances in the novel that reminded you of Holmes? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MariaW I haven‘t read any Sherlock Holmes stories yet and know only the movies, but Poirot explaining everything to Hastings reminds me a lot of Sherlock and Watson. But I an pretty sure Watson wouldn‘t have fallen in love this easily, he seems more the thoughful and prudent type compared to Hastings who is more impulsive with his love interests and with drawing conclusions. 3d

MallenNC That‘s interesting. I have read some Holmes stories but I much prefer to watch the adaptations. I guess I can see some parallels between the Holmes and Watson and Poirot and Hastings characters. 3d

kspenmoll I have only read a few Holmes stories but he has Watson & Poirot has Hastings as foils. Agree with @MariaW That Hasting is impulsive, brash & seems to be in love with the idea of love…Watson was an MD right? Married? 3d

dabbe Funny! I just mentioned this is your 1st question, not having looked at this one! 🤩I see a lot of parallels in the relationship between SH & Watson and HP & Hastings. Watson is quite the lady's man, falling in love and marrying the client in just the second story of the canon! Hastings falls in love in the 2nd Poirot novel as well! Holmes is always pushing Watson to think beyond what's there--just like Poirot with his gray cells. 3d

suvata I have always thought there was a huge resemblance between Sherlock and Poirot. I used to think that Sherlock‘s capers were a little more sophisticated than HP‘s but now that I am reading Christie again I may have to rethink that. Great now I‘m going to have to re-read Sherlock Holmes. 2d

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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

The Mystery of the Yellow Room

1. The Murder on the Links marks the 2nd Hercule Poirot mystery. Fun facts:

*According to the AC official website, the game show Jeopardy indicates this is the first time the phrase “the scene of the crime“ is used anywhere.
*Christie enjoyed French mysteries, especially Gaston Leroux's works, and this is somewhat in homage to them.

What did you think of this Poirot adventure? How does it compare to Styles? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

kspenmoll I should finish this by tomorrow & will join in the discussion then! 3d

MariaW I liked this one very much, even though Hastings sometimes behaves like a leaf in the wind regarding his romantical approaches. In general Poirot colliding with Giraud reminded me a lot of Thy mystery of the Yellow Room by Leroux and I was somewhat expecting him to have somthing to do with the crime.

(edited) 3d

MallenNC I enjoyed this one. It was a little hard to follow at times so at the end I went back and listened to parts of it again. I enjoyed having Richard Armitage narrate this one but I did laugh at his note at the beginning apologizing that he only had so many French accents to offer. 3d

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MallenNC Also I think it is going to be fun to read Christie in publication order. It was fun to see how she reminded readers of what had happened in the first Poirot book, just like the series we read now. I had never thought of her doing that since I have read her work in very random order. 3d

Deblovestoread I haven‘t read any Leroux but am now curious. I enjoyed this. Hastings is a hoot. 3d

dabbe I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially Poirot's “little gray cells!“ His and Hastings' relationship reminds me of Holmes and Watson, and I love the witticisms and friendly barbing that goes on between the two. I didn't see Hastings falling into a romance, though. It'll be interesting to see if this carries through to the next Poirot as I don't remember Hastings having many women like Watson. 3d

kelli7990 I liked this story. 3d

suvata @MariaW I am definitely going to have to check out Leroux. 2d

suvata @dabbe I have to agree with the “little gray cells“ idea that kept coming up in the book. I think that is a phrase. I will start using in my real life. 2d

dabbe @suvata 🎯♥️🎯 2d

Bookwormjillk Ohhhh the scene of the scene of the crime 2d

Morr_Books I feel like it may be a bit much to say I liked it more than The Mysterious Affair at Styles, since that novel was kinda genre-defining, but I thought we got to experience more of her intriguing Poirot character and the humor/banter that comes with him. 2d

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The Murder on the Links | Agatha Christie

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Here‘s my review for a book I just finished reading for #christiescapers. Now, I‘m caught up on the buddy read and I‘m ready for the discussion on Sunday.

Librarybelle Yay!! 4d

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The Murder on the Links | Agatha Christie

#christiescapers

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The Murder on the Links | Agatha Christie

I just started the tagged book for the #christiescapers buddy read. I like it so far. I didn‘t realize that when I read Murder On The Orient Express that the detective is Hercule Poirot in that book. That was my first Agatha Christie book and I would recommend it if you want to try out her books. I actually want to reread it since I‘m participating in this buddy read of her books.

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kspenmoll

The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

Trying to channel spring in my teacup today!

Bookwormjillk Love it! 1w

Bookwomble 💛🌞💛 1w

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kspenmoll

The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

Tonight‘s before bed read. How reassuring & comforting to be in Poirot‘s ordered world. #ChristieCapers

Librarybelle Yes!! Agreed! 1w

dabbe Just finished this one today and couldn't agree more! 🎯 1w

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dabbe

The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

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#ChristiesCapers @Librarybelle
A classic whodunit that shines in its puzzle-like structure, with multiple suspects, red herrings, and a tightly woven mystery. The investigation takes several twists, including a love triangle, hidden identities, and a second murder, and the clues are fairly presented to the reader. Poirot shines with his meticulous reasoning and playful ego, contrasting with Hastings‘ more emotional and sometimes naive perspective.

Librarybelle Great review! 1w

Deblovestoread Fantastic review!! 1w

dabbe @Deblovestoread @Librarybelle TY! Looking forward to next week's discussion! 1w

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suvata

The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

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Reading on #Litsy with Christie‘s Capers (Reading Agatha Christie's books in publication order) Hosted by @Librarybelle
#AgathaChristieClubR3

4 Stars • The Murder on the Links is the second novel featuring Agatha Christie's famous detective, Hercule Poirot. Published in 1923, the story begins when Poirot receives an urgent letter from Paul Renauld, a wealthy Frenchman living in Merlinville-sur-Mer, requesting his help due to fears for his life.

Librarybelle Yay!! 1w

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The Murder on the Links | Agatha Christie

We have less than two weeks to go before our next #ChristiesCapers discussion! I‘ve seen some good reviews and comments on rereading so far on Litsy, so this should make a good discussion on the 30th! Anything to share with the others? #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

suvata Can you add me to your list? I really would love to join in with you on this. 2w

Librarybelle Of course, @suvata ! Welcome! 2w

Morr_Books I just started this and love the beginning so far. The first scene was very intriguing and amusing. 2w

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Librarybelle Yay, @Morr_Books ! 2w

TheAromaofBooks Possibly the most unbelievable romance of all time 😂 but a fun mystery nonetheless!! 2w

Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks 😂 2w

PurpleyPumpkin Could I be added to your list? I started down this path (reading AC books in pub order) with an earlier Litsy book club but didn‘t quite make it all the way through. And I wasn‘t great at following through on my own!🤪 1w

Librarybelle Of course, @PurpleyPumpkin ! 1w

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TheAromaofBooks

The Murder on the Links | Agatha Christie

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The move is progressing!! My windowsill books have moved to the piano for now. The bottom picture is an attempt to fit all my crates of books into one picture (unsuccessfully) - ended up with 96 crates of books + a few boxes.

I had read this Agatha Christie mystery before, but as usually couldn't remember the solution 😂 I'm the worst armchair detective ever, but it doesn't reduce my enjoyment of reading and rereading Christie's tales. ⬇

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) The romance was pretty unbelievable for me, but I still found the story entertaining. And honestly I think Poirot is so dang likable.

#ChristieCapers @Librarybelle
#ISpyBingo (surprising number of prompts!) - Rope, Sports Equipment, Author Name in Grey, Number Higher Than Ten, “The“ in the Middle of the Title
#100YearsofBooks
#BookSpinBingo 3w

AnnCrystal
🤩📚💖📚💕🐕🐾💝. (edited) 3w

Librarybelle I‘m a terrible armchair detective too! 3w

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TheBookHippie Wowowow!!! Good luck!!! 3w

AmyG Glad to read your move is going well. And all those crates…holy cow! 🙌🏻 3w

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 3w

willaful Hmmm. I reread this not long ago and I'm not very fond of it so I wasn't going to do the reread. But all those bingo prompts is tempting. 😂 3w

bookandbedandtea That's a lot of books! Enjoy making your new house a home! 🏠 ❤️ 3w

staci.reads Wow! That's a beautiful amount of books! Glad the move is progressing! 3w

Leftcoastzen Look at those crates ! Amazing 3w

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MaleficentBookDragon

Murder on the Links | Agatha Christie

The I cannot resist a weird vintage Christie cover. These two are from the 1970s. I picked them up at a used bookstore yesterday.
I like the tagged one (the next #christiescapers buddy read) but the bright red lips on the Taken at the Flood is a little off putting.
#AgathaChristieClubR3

Librarybelle Yes it is! 1mo

thegirlwiththelibrarybag Would love to read the design brief for this era of covers 🤭 (that said, I‘d take a weird cover over a bland one) 1mo

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The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

I‘ve decided to join the #christiescapers buddy read. The only Agatha Christie book I‘ve read is Murder On The Orient Express and I liked it. I‘ve been wanting to read more of her books. I have some of her books on my Audible app and this will give me a good excuse to read them sooner rather than later. They also seem like short audiobooks. I‘m only 2 months behind on the buddy read because I just joined but I have time to catch up.

Librarybelle You definitely do! Glad you joined! 1mo

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LitsyEvents

The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

repost for @Librarybelle:

Get ready to use your little grey cells—our next #ChristiesCapers book is the second Hercule Poirot novel.

Discussion will take place on March 30th! Please let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from the tag list. #AgathaChristieClubR3

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 1mo

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