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The Big Four

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The Big Four

By: Agatha Christie
Narrated by: Hugh Fraser
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About this listen

Framed in the doorway of Poirot’s bedroom stood an uninvited guest, coated from head to foot in dust. The man’s gaunt face stared for a moment, then he swayed and fell.

Who was he? Was he suffering from shock or just exhaustion? Above all, what was the significance of the figure 4, scribbled over and over again on a sheet of paper? Poirot finds himself plunged into a world of international intrigue, risking his life to uncover the truth about ‘Number Four’.

©1927 Agatha Christie (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd Crime Fiction Genre Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Mystery Tie-in Fiction Exciting

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Critic reviews

"The acknowledged queen of detective fiction." (Observer)
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Exciting story, very different from Poirot's usual cases, a little let down by the ending.

An enjoyable listen.

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I really like this book mainly because it is so thrilling and exciting. Before I read this, I did not think I would enjoy it, but I was very wrong. I love it, and of course Hugh Fraser does an excellent job at narrating it. Definitely one of Poirot's finest cases.

A Great And Thrilling Book!

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Good story superbly narrated by Hugh Fraser. This is not one of Agatha Christie's best but still enjoyable anyway.

Enjoyable but not one of best.

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Christie's thrillers are always a bit bonkers and this is no exception. It's certainly not her finest work, and had some unfortunate Fu Manchu-style racism, but it certainly pulls out all the evil genius stops and has its moments of fun. As always, the reading is impeccable.

bizarre and dated but fun

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Amazingly published in 1927, this lesser known Chrstie novel is more of an adventurous romp than a murder mystery, but it is ahead of its time in plot, characterisation & humour. I forgot how laugh out loud funny Christie can be! I also forgot how she portrayed women in equally powerful roles to men, which, less than a handful of authors did at that time. (Those authors, of course, were all female).

Some of the terminology may seem old-fashioned today, but it's accurate, not offensive. If anything ages it, it's Hugh Fraser's spiffing narration, which submerses the story into full-on romp mode. However, let yourself be swept along & just enjoy the fun of it.

The format is more GK Chesterton than normal Christie, but I love it when she explores different styles. This is well worth a listen, although confusing at times, it speeds along & reveals so much about Poirots character & relationship with Hastings, it is a hidden gem.

A big hit! More spiffing yarn than detective story

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Another very enjoyable listening experience with Hugh Fraser at the helm. This particular one is a little different to other Poirot and Hasting tales- this one more of an old fashioned thriller, reminiscent of John Buchan.

A great read

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If you could sum up The Big Four in three words, what would they be?

Twisting. Deadly. Secrets.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hastings. Bless him. I jusy love that he is so transparant. Whatever goes through his head we are told wither it is something that could potentially paint him as a bit of an idiot or not. Love him!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Umm...oh, I know. The moment when the 'does Poirot actually have a twin?' question is answered. Too smart for his own good! Thats what Poirot is.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I think I did actually end up listening to it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Hugh Fraser as the narrator is marvolous!
This is also one of the more Sherlock Holmes feeling stories. A collection of cases that all join together to make a big picture. Very like a certain master criminal we all know and love. :)

Fun

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It is the first time I have read/heard this particular novel, and I really enjoyed it. Hugh Fraser is the perfect reader for Agatha Christie novels, being able to produce many different voices, so that you imagine different characters are playing their part.
After being an Agatha Christie fan for years, to come across one I hadn't read was an absolute delight.

More twists than a country lane!

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This is an interesting one… not my favourite Poirot story, the ending is a bit bizarre. However the narration is good and generally an easy listen.

Not the best Poirot

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A great easy listen. Really great entertainment. thoroughly enjoyed it. Hugh has a great voice.

Classy, pure entertainment.

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