The 5 Intriguing Cases of Hercule Poirot
Lifeline gave the green light on adapting "And Then There Were None" to the small screen. This was Agatha Christie's most successful novel, about ten individuals who find themselves in an uninhabited island. There don't know each other, but they have something in common. They committed a crime and got away with it. And the one who brought them together would have a field day.
Christie, who would mark her 125th year on September 15, became the Dame of Crime fiction. Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, and Superintendent Battle were the detectives who solved crimes of passion and greed. But it was Hercule Poirot who stood out. He retired from the Belgian force, and strangers would notice his egg-shaped head right away. They wouldn't pay attention to his orderly appearance, until he asked questions. He was logical and meticulous in his investigation, and his approach would be successful. Readers were often confused, as there were instances when the most likely culprit IS the culprit. And there were some who were sly and diabolic in nature.
So what were Poirot's intriguing cases? Let's exclude Styles Court, the site of his first and final cases. There were more exotic settings and deceptive villains. Here they are:
The A.B.C. Murders. Alice Ascher, Betty Barnard, Sir Carmichael Clarke. There seemed to be a pattern in the cases, and only one person might be responsible. He may have wanted to taunt the police force, so he came up with the alphabet scheme. Poirot was baffled at first, but he managed to figure out the suspect before he thought of names starting with D. Let's say vanity gave him away.
The Big Four.Readers thought that Poirot was too good, such that there was no adversary who could matched his wits. Christie didn't think of Professor Moriarty, but she conceived four individuals who were at large. Abe Ryland, who had lots of wealth to dispose. Madame Olivier, a brilliant scientist who wanted to use her knowledge for political goals. Li Chang Yen, who was driven by his desire for personal supremacy. Claude Darrell, actor and master of disguises. These four were intimidating enough, but they liked to recruit more members to their sinister organization. So Ryland tried to woo Poirot. A clandestine feud followed after the Belgian turned down his offer. It was four against one, with the world at stake. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle might have been green with envy while reading this heart-stopping story.
Elephants Can Remember. Someone recalled a ten-year-old murder case, inviting those who have recollections of it. The killer doesn't like it, and he's not far away. This is rather mind boggling at first, as there were many information that seemed genuine. However, Poirot could detect which ones would help him catch the suspect. It comes down to perception, and readers must use their instinct.
Evil Under the Sun. No one would dare commit a crime under broad daylight, but someone did in a secluded hotel in Devon. Poirot happened to be there. It turned out to be a case of conflicting emotions, a fat bank account, and lots of gall. And Poirot was blindsided at first.
Five Little Pigs. Carla Lemarchant handed Poirot a challenging case. She was about to settle down, but she feared her would-be husband might have a change of heart after he learned about her past. It was sixteen years since Caroline Crale, her mother, was charged with murdering Amyas Crale, her father. Caroline pleaded her innocence. Carla believed her. Poirot reopened the case and find out that Amyas was a painter with lots of muses. Readers would be suspicious, and Christie's subdued depiction of the five suspects would leave them confused. Then someone gave in.
