The Mystery of Three Quarters

Author: Sophie Hannah

Series: New Hercule Poirot Mystery #3

Publisher: William Morrow Books

Release Date: August 28, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Hercule Poirot is back and in top form!

The legendary detective Hercule Poirot was having a normal day when he is suddenly approached by someone who is angry with him for accusing him of murder in a letter. Knowing he has sent no letter to this individual, Poirot is frustrated that someone has used his name to play a prank.  Then someone else shows up with the same accusation.  Soon two more come forward.  The more Poirot thinks about it, the more intrigued he becomes.  All four have been accused of the same murder and all four proclaim innocence.  Some research shows that the victim of the murder is in fact deceased, but the death was ruled accidental as he was ninety-four years old and fell asleep in the bath.  But Poirot cannot help himself.  Someone must believe it is a murder and have known that this act would intrigue Poirot to find out the truth.  So he sets out on an investigation to learn the truth with Inspector Edward Catchpool of Scotland Yard.  At first, the investigation provides more questions than answers.  In true Poirot fashion, he always figures out who committed the murder, if there actually was one.

I felt like I was reading one of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels through the whole book. I didn’t even know that someone had started up a continuation of the series, but I’m glad that she did.  I enjoyed everything about this book.  The way it was narrated kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.  Each character was solidly developed and played out their parts beautifully.  The connection to Poirot was imminent and carried throughout the story.  I love old mystery novels and that was just what this felt like.  The personalities just clicked like they were supposed to.  It was a clean read all the way through, which is a rare find these days.  I’m happy to say that there is a new follower to this series and I recommend all readers give this a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.