Written by Agatha Christie
SUMMARY:
First published in 1932, Pocket Books issued this 224-page Pocket Books reprint in 1990. Set several months after The Mystery of the Blue Train, Hercule Poirot is vacationing with his old friend, Captain Arthur Hastings, at The Majestic Hotel – an English coastal resort in Cornwall. Though his ego is hurt that a new generation is oblivious of him, the legendary Belgian sleuth insists he’s content in retirement.
A chance encounter meeting a charming young local, Magdala “Nick” Buckley, tips off Poirot that her recent series of near-death escapes is no joking matter. For starters, the detective duo soon find a spent Mauser pistol bullet that discreetly punched a hole through Nick’s hat during their casual chat on a hotel terrace.
Probing her dilapidated family estate, End House, a worried Poirot & Hastings start suspecting their new friend’s inner circle. It appears that someone among them is a shadowy predator bent on vengeance against the Buckleys.
REVIEW:
As a Hercule Poirot mystery, Peril at End House is serviceable. One might deem it even slightly lesser than middle-of-the-pack. In terms of balance, Agatha Christie holds Poirot, Captain Hastings, and Inspector Japp up to their usual marks, but the mystery itself is something of a bore. More specifically, the imperiled Buckley girls, Nick & Maggie, should be an intriguing contrast in personalities. They’re handicapped, unfortunately, by a yawn-inducing roster of suspects that struggles generating interest to keep viewers tuned in for a twist finish.
Given End House’s premise, there’s still sufficient suspense at the right moments. Yet, unlike her far superior Poirots, this particular game of misdirection probably won’t leave readers awed by Christie’s ingenuity. It’s a decent garage sale find; otherwise, Peril at End House should be considered a library option.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
In addition to the chapter list, there’s a list introducing the characters.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
