The Ritual Master I’m coming back to Agatha Christie this December, since her short Christmas stories from The Adventure of the Christmas pudding left me wanting more. And this time, it’s for a full on mystery novel, with the one and only Hercule Poirot.
We’re in the English countryside, on the beautiful estate of a somewhat controversial retired businessman, who plans on hosting a Christmas celebration for all of his children and their spouses. You can already feel something’s about to go very wrong. I won’t spoil the surprise, but what I can say is that the novel holds its promise. It is impossible to put down (I even missed my train stop one day on the way to work), and the ending is completely unpredictable.
I always wonder what it is about Agatha Christie novels that makes me feel quite comfy while reading about… murders.
No other author has this power to keep me hooked to a violent story, without taking the joy out of me on the way. Maybe it’s all those vintage movies based on her books, that have already put some general images in my head, and since they were not constructed with the intention to shock the viewer, like many of today’s movies are, I’m not feeling at all insecure or scared. There is a crime, the murderer is on the loose, and I’m all cuddled up on the couch, fluffy socks and huge mug of tea, as if I was reading a Victorian love story.
Why you should read Hercule Poirot’s Christmas ?
First of all, because there is nothing better than a mystery novel to read on holiday, it takes your mind off everything else, and reboots your literary appetite.
But let’s not forget that this time of year, we seem to be getting the same message over and over again : Christmas is a holiday to be spent with family. Now maybe you want to, and you’re lucky enough to make it happen, but maybe you’re far away, or you simply don’t feel like having a busy big family Christmas when all you’re dreaming of is rest.
So, if you need a funny reminder than not all family gatherings are happy over Christmas, you can count on Hercule Poirot for very convincing evidence.
Happy Christmas however you decide to spend it ! and may your readings be inspired !
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