The Little Grey Cells Prepare for Reatirement

The Labors of Hercules – A. Christie
Audio performance by Hugh Fraser
4 stars

Hercule Poirot is about to retire. Leaving his detecting career behind, he plans to take his little grey cells to the country where he will cultivate gourmet vegetable marrows. Before he departs, he determines to undertake 12 more cases; cases of special and particular interest, which will mirror the labors of the classical Hercules. Twelve cases that also give Agatha Christie an opportunity to write 12 wonderful short stories for the little detective.

I thought this was an exceptionally good collection. There was a bit more comedy than in many of her stories. Christie seemed to be poking fun at her little Belgian detective, gently and with affection. Hastings does not appear in any of the stories, but this is the first time I’ve read anything of the resourceful butler, George. (Mildly reminiscent of Peter Whimsy’s Bunter.) Miss Lemon remains ever resourceful and Inspector Japp appears briefly in a story that includesPoirot’s version of ‘THE woman’. I especially liked the spinster, Miss Carnady, who appears in two of the stories. She reminded me a bit of Sayers’ Miss Climpson. (I always wonder about the parallels between these great dames of mystery writing.)

Some of the stories worked better than others. A few were dated in bias and attitude. Hugh Fraser’s performance made all of them enjoyable.

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A well done narrative by Hugh Fraser

One of Madame Christie's more creative Poirot mysteries. With cases inspired by Herculean villains, this book will keep you thinking.

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Excellent! Once again Poirot!

Again a case of the book being so so much better than the poor attempt at the adaptation for the Poirot last season. While there is no one better to be Poirot then David Suchet, Hugh does an amazing take of the Belgian detective in this varied and complex and as it turns out unfilmable case. Highly recommended and enjoyable.

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Love my Agatha characters,

The short clips came together smoothly. Theme was consistent throughout. Hercule was true to form. Narration was excellent. Would read again.

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Hercule Poirot !

What did you love best about The Labors of Hercules?

Hercule Poirot his detailed description of the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Labors of Hercules?

Hercule Poirot taking on the task to help those in love part three of his labors.

Which character – as performed by Hugh Fraser – was your favorite?

Hercule Poirot he is my favorite detective.

Who was the most memorable character of The Labors of Hercules and why?

All twelve main characters within each of the descriptions that Hercule Poirot had about his Labors of Hercules.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Fantastic Christie

Wonderful stories from one of the best mystery writters Agatha Chiristie featuring her great little belgium dectective Pirot. Outstanding narative by Hugh Fraser. Recommend for all mystery lovers. I enjoyed it very much.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

consistent and enjoyablei

If you could sum up The Labors of Hercules in three words, what would they be?

it was an enjoyable plot which was read in a clear and calm tone. It was easy to follow and continue even after missing time.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

the plot kept the listener involved by the way everything flowed and fit together.

Have you listened to any of Hugh Fraser’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have listened to Hugh Fraser before. His tone and diction is quite enjoyable.

Who was the most memorable character of The Labors of Hercules and why?

Poirit because of his simplicity and the way he solves the case at hand.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Agatha Christie's Poirot as always - excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! If they like mysteries, an Agatha Christie book read by David Suchet or Hugh Fraser is a no-brainer. If you like short stories, this one is for you.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. It is a collection of short stories and each one is excellently done.

What does Hugh Fraser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration is very good and it gives the familiar feel of the episodes because you recognize Hasting and Poirot's voices.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The solution always is great.

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Disappointment

Nobody is a bigger Agatha Christie fan than I am—have been reading them all for over 50 years. I think, in general, her short stories are never as good as the full length books, where she has more time to flesh out characters and motivations. But I found this one less interesting than most. Couldn’t even make myself finish it. I feel disloyal even saying this, as her work is mostly so good. But not this one.

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Agatha Christie is Everything

Hugh Fraser, always classic
Hercule Poirot always brilliant
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Superb stories
Great characters
Just plain unadulterated intriguing literary fun for all

6 personnes ont trouvé cela utile