Written by Agatha Christie
SUMMARY:
Also known by its alternate title, Death in the Air, this Hercule Poirot mystery was first published in 1935. The 230-page Berkley reprint (as seen below) was released in mid-1984. During a routine noon flight from France to England aboard the commuter airplane, Prometheus, eleven passengers and two stewards inhabit its rear compartment.
Amongst the travelers, there are French father-and-son archaeologists; a businessman, a mystery novelist; a physician; a dentist; a hairstylist; two British socialites; a money lender; and a snoozing Hercule Poirot. Yet, one of these commuters is discreetly murdered by the time the Prometheus reaches its destination. The audacious method is evidently a poisoned dart from a blowgun.
Teaming with Scotland Yard’s Inspector Japp and his French counterpart: the Sûreté’s Fournier, Poirot gets to work deciphering who conjured up the opportunity and resources to pull off this homicidal stunt. After recruiting two fellow passengers for assistance, the Belgian sleuth best hurry finding vital answers before a remorseless killer strikes again.
REVIEW:
Aside from the convenience of inserting him as one of the crime’s witnesses, Death in the Clouds is middle-of-the-pack Poirot. This enigma’s solution is neither jaw-droppingly ingenious, nor will it leave readers contemplating its standard-issue plot afterwards.
Yet, Death is competently designed, as the audience waiting late in the game for certain story elements (no matter how contrived) to fall into place, won’t come away disappointed. The solution is somewhat outlandish, but there’s enough dangling clues to still make it fair game for astute readers. Poirot’s smooth chemistry with hairstylist Jane Grey, Inspector Fournier, and the reliable Japp further contributes to an enjoyable read.
While the author’s preoccupation with archaeology grows tiresome here, at least Death in the Clouds doesn’t mingle in overtly racist overtones, unlike various other Christie works. Ironically, this time she mocks stereotypical British xenophobia towards distrusting foreigners, with the Belgian-born Poirot bearing the brunt early on. Her inclusion of snobbish bigotry doesn’t add much to this storyline, but Poirot’s plausible deductions make up much of the difference.
For travel, work breaks, or bedtime, Death in the Clouds provides an ideal option. Though not a top-tier Poirot mystery, this undemanding Christie novel serves its purpose well enough.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
The first page is a possibly helpful diagram of the Prometheus’ rear compartment seating arrangement.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
