Just Another Murder Mystery. Review on Evil Under The Sun - Agatha Christie

The name Hercule Poirot immediately suggests murder, mystery, suspense, and thrill. However, you find exceptions in almost all cases, even when it comes to the trendsetting queen of mystery, Agatha Christie.

Of the few books by Christie I have read, this is the only one, which features the Belgian connoisseur of murder and crime, and perhaps the greatest rival of Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot.

Quite conventionally, the author describes the protagonist with the usual phrases like ?bald egg-shaped head?, ?toothbrush moustache??etc. anyway, Hercule Poirot, according to my friends and relatives (all Christie fans) is really the greatest fictional detective ever. But personally, I feel that he apparently loses his nerve in this book, and that?s what makes the story dull, slow, and quite soporific. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to say that the novel is a good substitute for sleeping pills.

?Evil Under The Sun? is just another murder mystery. The book begins with a detailed description and even history of the crime scene, the hotel where the murder takes place. (I?ll eat my boots if you can find out how the heavens is this connected to the mystery.)

Then comes the life history of the various guests at the hotel: a priest, a retired major from the Indian Army, an American couple and few others. The most importantly highlighted guest is a certain Arlena Marshall; married, with a stepdaughter. Miss Marshall is very attractive, despised by all women and desired by all men? in other words, a true seductress.

Next thing we know, Arlena Marshall is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, and now the situation is for the cops and, of course, Poirot to take in hands. Here comes the most (relatively) interesting part of the story where Poirot interrogates all the occupants of the hotel. Again, like in Conan Doyle?s stories, the sophisticated logic of the detective is what keeps you glued to the book. In this case, however, it is the only thing that does so.

Consequently, Poirot gathers a lot only from interviewing the suspects. What remains to be uncovered are a number of unexplained happenings; for example, water running down a pipe when no one even approached the bathroom?

Finally, eliminating the impossibilities, Poirot hits the bull?s eye. But towards the end, the investigation becomes increasingly dull and boring. Emotional distortions of the characters do little but add to the length of the story and add gloom to it (sniff!)

The climax is too good to be a part of the book. Here, Poirot reconstructs the murder and explains the logic behind his reasoning. Whatever you do, do not miss out this part.

What makes the book dull is the excruciatingly slow and boring plot. Otherwise, Agatha Christie?s books are no less than stunning.

Please do not mistake this review as a certificate that Hercule Poirot is boring. As I said before, we find exceptions in every case.