Written by Agatha Christie
SUMMARY:
Originally published in 1933, this 228-page Berkley Books paperback reprint was released in 1984.
Captain Arthur Hastings narrates why private detective Hercule Poirot deems this sordid case as a rare professional failure. Glamorous actress Jane Wilkinson insists upon Poirot’s immediate intervention to persuade her husband, Lord Edgware (George St. Vincent Marsh), to consent to an expedited divorce.
Placating their new acquaintance, Poirot & Hastings are bewildered that an unlikable Edgware has already agreed to his self-involved wife’s demand. Come the following morning, Edgware is found stabbed to death in his own study. Deemed the prime suspect, a less-than-grieving Jane was witnessed entering and leaving the crime scene the night of the murder.
Still, Lady Edgeware has an impeccable alibi at a high society dinner party that same night. Sensing an elaborate frame-up, Poirot and Hastings pursue other suspects. Could the ruthless killer really be acclaimed stage impersonator Carlotta Adams?
Perhaps it is really suave actor Bryan Martin, whose open suspicions of Jane are more personal than he admits? Or possibly Edgware’s freeloading nephew, Ronald Marsh, who stands to gain a hefty financial inheritance? Or the haughty secretary, Miss Carroll, who was no fan of her imposing boss (or his wife)? Or maybe even Edgware’s rebellious teenage daughter, who admittedly despised him?
Poirot, Hastings, and Scotland Yard’s Inspector Japp face a growing conundrum, as the elusive culprit won’t settle for just one victim.
Note: The novel’s original U.S. Title was Thirteen at Dinner.
REVIEW:
Owing to its appealing originality, Lord Edgware Dies remains a high-caliber Poirot mystery. Christie clearly enjoys mingling the Belgian sleuth and Hastings amongst the 1930’s London answer to the glitzy Hollywood crowd. Outlandishly conceited characters like Jane Wilkinson and Ronald Marsh aren’t multi-dimensional creations, but Christie ensures that they are entertaining. Perhaps the novel’s most intriguing asset is dazzling celebrity impersonator Carlotta Adams, who adds extra spice to all the what-if’s re: the central crime.
This sharply-paced novel isn’t a genre masterpiece equal to The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, but its storyline becomes increasingly engrossing once Christie’s trickery come into play. Saving the novel’s best effect for last, it’s a darkly humorous irony that only Christie would have devised.
Delivering old-school suspense, the novel’s core theme exploring what awful things textbook narcissism motivates one to do helps Christie score a knock-out finish. For a stay-up-all-night read, Lord Edgware Dies makes a welcome addition to any mystery fan’s nightstand.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A table of contents is included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
