Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night is the fifth novel in the Agatha Christie New Hercule Poirot Mysteries written by Sophie Hannah. Come see why Sophia Rose enjoyed this cozy mystery….
by Sophie Hannah
Series: New Hercule Poirot Mysteries #5
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
The world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot – legendary star of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile and A Haunting in Venice – puts his little grey cells to work solving a baffling Christmas mystery.
CAN HERCULE POIROT SOLVE A BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS?
It’s 19 December 1931. Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool are called to investigate the murder of a man in the apparent safe haven of a Norfolk hospital ward. Catchpool’s mother, the irrepressible Cynthia, insists that Poirot stays in a crumbling mansion by the coast, so that they can all be together for the festive period while Poirot solves the case. Cynthia’s friend Arnold is soon to be admitted to that same hospital and his wife is convinced he will be the killer’s next victim, though she refuses to explain why.
Poirot has less than a week to solve the crime and prevent more murders, if he is to escape from this nightmare scenario and get home in time for Christmas. Meanwhile, someone else – someone utterly ruthless – also has ideas about what ought to happen to Hercule Poirot . . .
Sophia Rose’s Review
A Christmas spent in a cozy flat with a brilliant, intelligent friend for good food and stimulating conversation was the height of his Christmas holiday until an irrepressible woman burst in and demanded they come and solve a mystery that was baffling local police.
For a few years now, I’ve been aware of the New Hercule Poirot Mysteries and I’ve wanted to try them since I love Agatha Christie’s eccentric Belgium detective. When I spotted the latest installment among this year’s Christmas offerings, I decided it was time to visit the series. Thankfully, Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night is standalone though it’s the fifth book in the series.
I enjoyed being introduced to Hercule Poirot’s new companion, Scotland Yard Inspector Catchpool who also happens to chronicle the cases they have worked on together. The holiday case comes to them via Catchpool’s annoying force of nature of a mother. He has told her ‘no’ about coming to visit her friends for the holidays so she ends around him and presents the local murder case to Poirot and demands he help solve it because it affects her dear friend and her eccentric household.
I was wary of this new iteration of Poirot, but it wasn’t long before I was comfortable with Sophie Hannah’s careful creation of the character and Catchpool. Then, when Cynthia Catchpool crashed into the story, I was amused and irritated by her in equal measure, but she definitely livened things up.
For the next several chapters, there was the intro to the cast of characters, the murder case, and the setting of the town and the estate by the sea. The characters were all fascinating people and the interactions had me eying them all suspiciously as Poirot and Catchpool interviewed and observed with plans to get the case solved and leave for London by Christmas. Silly men, I can see Cynthia tsking them with her playful finger.
The mystery had me curious, but I confess that I was more into getting to know the new Poirot and seeing him compare favorably with Christie’s original. Also, the amusing way Catchpool is not as quick on the uptake as Poirot and gets put to work while still in the dark by Poirot. Their friendship is fun.
In summary, this was a delightful holiday cozy historical mystery. I’ll be going back to see Poirot and Catchpool’s first meeting and case and getting the whole series though I was glad this worked great as a standalone and recommend you stuff your stocking with this Christmas goodie.
Are you looking for a delightful cozy holiday historical mystery? Check out Sophia Rose's review of Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night by Sophie Hannah #bookreview Share on XAbout Sophie Hannah
Sophie Hannah is an internationally bestselling writer of psychological crime fiction, published in 27 countries. In 2013, her latest novel, The Carrier, won the Crime Thriller of the Year Award at the Specsavers National Book Awards. Two of Sophie’s crime novels, The Point of Rescue and The Other Half Lives, have been adapted for television and appeared on ITV1 under the series title Case Sensitive in 2011 and 2012. In 2004, Sophie won first prize in the Daphne Du Maurier Festival Short Story Competition for her suspense story The Octopus Nest, which is now published in her first collection of short stories, The Fantastic Book of Everybody’s Secrets.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
ailyn koay
I tried the book from Netgalley but I struggled with it, not sure why but I thought Catchpool was very annoying in the book =( . I wanted some more lighthearted sarcasm but was sad I didn’t get any.
Sophia Rose
Bummer Catchpool didn’t take with you. You’re right, there wasn’t much of that dry sort of humor from him. He was in a bad mood caused by his mama. 😉
Ailyn
Probably! That witch has enough poison to kill any joy man
Sophia Rose
You said it! 🙂
Katherine
I’ve enjoyed Sophie Hannah’s Poirot books though like you I was a bit worried at first. They’re definitely different but still good. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Sophia Rose
I’m glad to know you enjoyed them, too. Yes! It doesn’t feel like a Christie carbon copy, but still recognizable. 🙂
Melliane
It’s been so long since I haven’t read one of her books
Sophia Rose
I’m glad I finally gave her books a try. This was good. 🙂
Mary Kirkland
I’m glad you liked it so much that you plan on going back for the other books.
Sophia Rose
Yes! I spotted that my library has them so this will be a good series to tackle for my library reading challenge in the new year. 🙂
Ethan
I love how Hannah has continued to capture the character’s spirit while bringing him to modern audiences. I’ll definitely be adding this one to my Holiday TBR in 2024!
Sophia Rose
Yay! Glad to put you onto it, Ethan. It was a well done nod, I thought. 🙂
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m happy to hear this new iteration of Hercule was actually good. I love Agatha Christie and Hercule is such a fun, unique character I would be worried about how a new author handled him. I will give this series a shot. Wonderful review, Sophia Rose!
Sophia Rose
There was definitely some relief to start reading and recognize a faithful rendering of Poirot, but a fresh look since his delightful companion Catchpool is narrating. I’m hoping to hit the backlist from the beginning soon.
Lover of Romance
historical mysteries are really great for this time of year. Glad that this one worked so well for you.
Great review darling and hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Renee! I do love it when I can find a new release historical mystery set during the holidays. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
I can’t decide if I would like this type of thing or not. It’s good to know you think it was handled well.
Sophia Rose
I get it. Its tough to read or listen in and hope the new version pays proper tribute, but also isn’t a rehash, either. I’m hoping to do a backlist read in the new year as part of my library listening goal. 🙂
Nadene
It sounds like the author did an excellent job with her portrayal of Poirot
Sophia Rose
Yes, I was relieved to see how much I liked her Poirot and especially Catchpool. 🙂