The two greatest fictional detectives are Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. But Poirot wasn’t always as highly regarded as he is today. Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Links was an essential book that showcased just how brilliant Poirot was. Keep reading for a short summary and why you should read this novel!
Murder on the Links Summary
Hercule Poirot travels to France with Captain Hastings after receiving a letter from Pail Renault. The letter asks Poirot to help Renault as he believes his life in is in danger. But when Poirot and Hastings arrive, Renault is found murdered.
Renault was stabbed in the back with a knife in front of a newly dug grave. The murder weapon is left at the scene of the crime. Renauld’s wife Eloise says that two men broke into the house at 2 A.M. and took Renauld outside with them and tied her up before the left. When Eloise sees her husband’s body, she collapses.
Monsieur Giraud of the Sûreté leads the police investigation leads the investigation and isn’t a fan of Poirot. He uses modern techniques whereas Poirot prefers to use his “grey cells.” As Poirot tries to solve the mystery, he has to overcome questionable testimony and a criminal who has struck before.
Book History and Commentary
This novel was well-received and was compared to Arthur Conon Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. As Poirot was fairly new, readers and critics weren’t sure what to make of him and this book boosted his reputation. Christie introduces a rival to Poirot as well as place the setting of the novel in France, a change from England.
I enjoyed the novel a lot and the plot is a rollercoaster ride. There are a lot of twists and just when you think that you figured it out, Christie has yet another trick up her sleeve. I really thought I had this mystery solved and was wrong yet again. It was a great read so that makes up for it.
Conclusion
Not many authors can write a fun and interesting mystery but Christie makes it look easy. There were a lot of characters in this book and new characters were added throughout the book. That isn’t the usual for Christie but the plot required it as Christie was juggling a lot. Happy reading!
I am looking forward to reading it! Thanks!
You’re welcome!