The Monogram Murders it is, then. One interesting feature of Malice Domestic 26 was the unveiling, by a representative from Agatha Christie's publishers Harper Collins, of an image of the cover of the new Hercule Poirot novel written by Sophie Hannah. It was a bit of a tease, since we were kept in suspense as to the title of the book - the publishers are rather cleverly building up interest in a publication that is bound to be a major event in the world of crime fiction.
I've mentioned before that, although I know this project dismays some Christie purists, I am very much looking forward to seeing what Sophie Hannah does with Poirot. From the first time I met her, which must be seven or eight years ago, I've been aware that she is a genuine fan of Christie, and this counts for a good deal. She is also, even more importantly, highly skilled at the construction of elaborate mystery puzzles - an essential part of the job specification if you are brave enough to tackle a new Poirot. For a keen plotsmith, however, it must be an irresistible challenge, and for me, this story will be an absolute must-read.
And now, finally, we know the title of Sophie's book - The Monogram Murders. Intriguing, I'd say. What do you think of it?
Martin - I must admit that title is appealing. I'll also confess to being a bit of a cranky purist about this. I really am. I truly respect Sophie Hannah's writing and talent; there's no question of that. But Poirot? I confess I'd need some convincing.
ReplyDeleteNice title, indicative of the kind of baffling riddles and clues that exemplify an old-fashioned whodunnit. It immediately makes me think of one of the most famous uses of monograms in a Christie book involving symmetrical letters like A and M and how a mirror image can lead the mind to imagine the wrong order. I'm looking forward to the release of Hannah's book.
ReplyDeleteSorry--count me out. I can't believe Christie's heirs are in such dire straits that they had to commission a new Poirot. And Martin, I must respectfully disagree with your assertion that Sophie Hannah is highly-skilled at puzzle plots. She is highly-skilled at developing very intriguing premises--but in the books if hers I've read, the denouements are always disappointing and hinge on hackneyed devices such as the discovery of a tell-all diary. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd once more.
ReplyDeleteI've now heard Sophie talking about the book at Crimefest and I'm optimistic. But of course it's a subjective thing. Deb, I think you'd agree that part of Christie's skill, often overlooked, is that you can know the trick in Ackroyd and still enjoy it. Her critics seldom seem to acknowledge this.
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