I had got used to having Poirot in my books and so naturally he had to come into this one, but he was all wrong there. Agatha Christie also revealed that she thought she had ruined the book by the introduction of Poirot: She herself described it in her autobiography as “ in some ways rather more of a novel than a detective story.” I agree, the characters are well drawn and the setting of both The Hollow and Ainswick, the larger country house Edward has inherited from his uncle, Lucy’s father are described with nostalgia. This is now one of my favourite Agatha Christie books. But caramel custard is so easy – slippery if you know what I mean – and then one leaves a little on one’s plate.

There would be something very gross, just after the death of a friend, in eating one’s favourite pudding. Of course, say what you like, a murder is an awkward thing – it upsets the servants and puts the general routine out – we were having ducks for lunch – fortunately they are quite nice eaten cold.

It’s typical of her vague, almost detached nature. (page 13)Īs Poirot arrives and is taken through the garden to the swimming pool all the characters are there, with Gerda, revolver in hand, standing over the dying body of her husband, as his blood drips gently over the edge of the concrete into the pool. … one of those funny new cottages – you know, beams that bump your head and a lot of new plumbing and quite the wrong kind of garden. She describes Poirot’s house disparagingly as As a distraction she has invited the “ Crime man“, Poirot, whose weekend cottage is next door, to lunch on the Sunday. David is too intellectual and Lucy herself is vague, charming and completely eccentric. Edward is in love with Henrietta and Midge is in turn in love with Edward. Lucy is sure it will be a difficult weekend – Gerda always appears vacant and lost, completely dominated by John, who is having an affair with Henrietta. John is an agressive dominant personality. Also down for the weekend were Lucy’s cousins Midge, who works in a London dress shop, Henrietta, a sculptress, Edward, a rather pale character and David, a student.

Gerda and her husband John Christow, a Harley Street doctor were visiting Sir Henry and Lucy, Lady Angkatell at their house, The Hollow. A stage scene” a murder scene specifically staged, he thinks at first, to deceive him. The Hollow by Agatha Christie is a country house mystery in which Hercule Poirot comes across what he decribes as “ A set scene.

The hollow by agatha christie