A new Sophie Hannah Poirot novel is always a treat and this much-anticipated 4th outing doesn’t disappoint.

After an unexpectedly eventful coach journey and with the hapless Inspector Catchpool in tow, Poirot arrives at the Kingfisher Hill estate, the home of the Devonport family. His visit has been orchestrated by the family’s only surviving son, Richard Devenport in order for Poirot to prove the innocence of his fiancée Helen, convicted of the murder of his brother Frank.

If this isn’t enough to unravel, soon there is another murder for Poirot to solve.

As well as a satisfying plot, the novel is full of memorable characters. I would really love to see more of the brilliant and terrifying aunt Hester and her gormless nephew. I don’t know what it is about the combination of aunts and nephews, think “Travels with my Aunt” or any of the Bertie Wooster novels but they work so well. I’m not sure that anyone in any of the original Christie novels managed to best Poirot so spectacularly but it was brilliantly written and made me laugh out loud.

I was lucky enough to receive ARC editions of both the text and audiobook versions of this novel (I was desperate to read it) and would like to thank NetGalley, Harper Collins and Sophie Hannah for the opportunity to review them.

I have purchased and loved audiobook versions of the previous books in this series and think that Julian Rhind-Tutt’s delivery is wonderful. However good a novel is, it can be killed by a poor delivery. Luckily, this series has the perfect narrator to enhance it. Loved it.

A book set in the world where Poirot exists, written by another author me me very doubtful about requesting the book, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Sophie Hannah has done a great job at attempting to write and yet keep the Agatha Christie essence alive. As a fan of Christie, I can say it was good writing and a fantastic read.

Definitely recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Collins and Harper Fiction for providing me an e ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a huge Agatha Christie fan my whole life. Poirot is my boy. I have read all of Sophie Hannah's interpretations of Poirot and have enjoyed them all so was so excited to read the next instalment.

Hannah for me does a brilliant job recreating the world in which Poirot exists, I never feel like I'm just reading a story by a different author, if that makes sense. I always feel like Agatha herself would have written this story too. Admittedly I didn't love the last story, but this one had me completely enthralled. For me, part of the fun of Christie's mysteries is trying to figure out whodunnit along with the detectives. I honestly did not see a lot of this coming, true to my original readings of Poirot as a child. I just loved the twists and turns and intrigue of this story and I desperately hope there's more to come from Sophie Hannah!



5/5 Stars

Poirot and Catchpool have another case and they travel to the very affluent area of Kingfisher Hill where there are secrets round every corner and not everything is as it seems. Luckily Hercule Poirot is on the case of murders and false confessions. Sophie Hannah is really very good at taking over One of the worlds most famous detectives. A fantastic murder mystery.

I was thrilled to get my hands on this latest Poirot story from Sophie Hannah. Like all her previous offerings, this was a intricately plotted story with several different threads that come together at the conclusion. Set around a family awaiting the execution of the confessed killer of one of their sons, Poirot and Inspector Catchpool are tasked with investigating whether the convict is the actual killer. And if she isn't, why did she confess? Whilst I would say I've enjoyed Hannah's previous Poirot novels a little more, this was nonetheless a captivating read that I took great pleasure in devouring in a single joyous sitting. If you are a keen Christie fan and enjoy cosy mysteries with a well written plot and cast of characters, this one is perfect for your Autumn reading.

I must start by saying that I am a HUGE fan of Agatha Christie, and especially so of her Poirot novels, so it goes without saying that when Sophie Hannah started writing these new Poirot novels I was jumping out of my skin with excitement. Think then, how excited I was to be granted the ability to read her newest one in advance, in exchange for a review!

As soon as I start these books, I cannot help but try to compare the writing style to the original Christie books, and sure enough with this one as the others I couldn’t notice a difference. It really is like reading an Agatha Christie written novel. That is not to take anything away from Hannah, as to accomplish this is nothing less than an extraordinary feat - Christie (and especially Poirot) are some of the worlds most revered books.

In The Killings at Kingfisher Hill, Poirot is partnered with his inspector friend Catchpool on a coach journey to investigate the killing of a man within his own family home at Kingfisher Hill, when two of the strangest occurrences happen to him on the way. The first is that a woman declares she has been told she will be murdered on the coach if she sits in a certain seat, and the other is that a passenger happily confesses to a murder. Poirot and his friend Catchpool make it to Kingfisher Hill, and the drama And strange occurrences are only just beginning.

The most noticeable difference between these reimaginings of Poirot and the originals, is the noticeable exchange of Hastings for Catchpool. Catchpool is an inspector at Scotland Yard, and accompanies Poirot in the same way that Hastings does in the originals. He is there mainly to provide support in the form of a listening ear to Poirot who constantly bounces his ideas off of him, and as a constant target of Poirot’s teasing by never quite filling Catchpool in on who he suspects and how.

The story was very Christie-esq, with many layers and unraveling required at the end, if not just a tad too confusing at times within the middle. I did not guess who had committed the murders, and in true Poirot form, we find out at the end where everyone is brought into one room to have the verdict delivered.

I think Hannah did a great job of capturing the essence and characteristics of Poirot, and all of the element apps that make these stories so delightfully fiendish and satisfying.

4 blood stained stars.

Love all the Sophie Hannah Poirot books and "The Killings at Kingfisher Hill" is the best one yet. Kept guessing right up until the end. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Highly recommended this book.

Hercule Poirot and his friend Inspector Catchpool are on their way to the Kingfisher Hill estate, to pose as enthusiasts of a board game, the unfortunately named Peepers. The reason for this is that they have been asked by Richard Devonport to prove the innocence of his fiancée, Helen, in the murder of his brother, Frank (who was her fiancé at the time). There are two problems – Poirot must hide his reasons for being there, hence the pretence at interest in the creation of Devonport’s father, and the fact that Helen confessed to pushing Frank off of the balcony seconds after he hit the ground, has been found guilty and faces the death penalty.
The coach journey to Kingfisher Hill is hardly uneventful. One woman runs from the coach as she has been warned that if she sits in a certain seat, then she is bound to die. And a second woman confesses to Poirot that she has killed a man – a confession, it soon transpires, that she also murdered Frank…
The fourth continuation Hercule Poirot novel, an idea that is unpopular amongst some areas of Golden Age fandom and clearly, if sales are anything to go by, popular amongst others. The thing to bear in mind going into these novels is that Sophie Hannah has deliberately chosen her own style of novel, deliberately not mimicking directly Dame Agatha’s style, while maintaining the draw of the character of Poirot. I mean, it’s not exactly Poirot vs King Kong, but the simplicity of plot that Christie was a genius at is not on display in these books – indeed, it’s hardly on display anywhere else in the Golden Age either. There’s a reason why Christie was a genius.
Overlooking the fact that Poirot wouldn’t be seen dead taking a coach to a destination, given it’s necessary for the plot, this is a good exercise in deduction. For the most part, the mystery is fairly clued. There’s one aspect that I think could have done with a nod or two, as it does seem to come out of nowhere – it’s the link between two characters that’s revealed late on – but most of the deductions come from what is presented to the reader.
The problem for me was one particular character, a character whose actions completely drive the plot, actions that just didn’t convince me, despite attempts to justify them. The resolution also fell somewhat flat for me too, for reasons that I won’t go into.
In many ways, this is as much about whydunit as whodunit, as much of the deduction is directed towards why certain events happen, and how those events collide to form the big picture here, and I can admire a lot of the construction here. Poirot feels like Poirot (for the most part) and I was entertained for the majority of the book. But the choice of killer, even though it makes perfect sense where nothing else would, well, it’s not a choice that Christie would have made (I think), so the final section, while explaining things well and logically, it just felt a bit disappointing.
So, not a perfect book, but if you enjoyed the other continuations, you’ll probably enjoy this one too. I don’t think it will convert people who didn’t enjoy the others though.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for the e-review copy via Netgalley. The Killings At Kingfisher Hill is out now in hardback and as an ebook.

Another entertaining Hercule Poirot read!

Poirot and Catchpole must travel to the Kingfisher Hill estate to solve the murder of Frank Devonport. Is Helen Acton guilty of the murder or not? Why would she admit to killing him?

It's a classic whodunnit with lots of twists and turns and Sophia Hannah is definitely a very good choice in carrying on with the Poirot legacy. Here and their things got a bit confusing for me but overall I found it a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

sophie Hannah has the same knack as Agatha Christie of hiding her clues in plain sight so you kick yourself for not solving the crime. Again Inspector Catchpool is like Hastings the perfect foil for Poirot's genius. Red herrings and misdirection abound to make this an enjoyable tale.

Thanks to NetGalley and to Harper Collins UK for the ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review. Although this is the fourth book in this series written by Sophie Hannah, it is the second I’ve read (you can check my review of The Mystery of Three Quarters here).
Having read the novel and re-read my review, I realise that much of what I said about the previous book applies here, so I won’t elaborate on those points. What I can tell you now is that I enjoyed this novel even more than the last one. I won’t go into details about the ins and outs of the plot, because this is a mystery after all, but let’s say that there are a couple of murders, several murder confessions, clues galore, red herrings by the bucket load, board games, so many secrets and lies that’s difficult to keep track, a variety of motivations for the crimes (true and not), difficult family relationships, a terribly dysfunctional family, and of course, Poirot and his sidekick, inspector Edward Catchpool from Scotland Yard. Catchpool writes the story (in the first person), and often also reports parts of the investigation he has not directly taken part in (as Poirot gives him tasks to complete on his own, and the duo split up at times to cover all bases). He is the Hastings-type character and, despite his profession, as you can imagine Poirot takes the lead and tells him exactly what to do (at the same time giving readers a chance to ask themselves the same questions and to go over the main pieces of the puzzle). At some points he seems to be quite on the ball, but most of the time he is lagging behind Poirot and never dares to challenge him. In this novel there are even fewer of his personal concerns coming through, but that is not what the story is about, and I’m sure readers will be too caught up in the plot to worry about it, as this is a plot-driven story after all and not a psychological thriller.
I enjoyed the variety of clues, the twists and turns, the red-herrings, and although most of the characters are not psychologically complex or well-rounded, I enjoyed the variety they offered and was particularly intrigued by Daisy (not that she is very consistent or likeable, but that is precisely what makes her more interesting). Some of the side topics the story deals in are difficult and morally ambiguous, but the author doesn’t dig too deep, and there is little room for philosophical disquisitions or true heartache in this novel. Yes, even Poirot acknowledges that we might like or sympathise with a criminal and his or her reasons for committing a crime, but according to him, that does not mean they should go unpunished. We might disagree with him, but there is something reassuring in having a protagonist who is not tortured by doubt or self-hatred. Yes, we might want to kick him at times, but we know what we are getting, and he delivers it every time.
There is plenty of telling in the story, and that might not suit people who prefer thrillers or to be immersed in the action all the time. Much of the story involves interrogating suspects, witnesses, or others who might have relevant information, and some of it is not directly observed by Catchpool. There are almost as many narrators as there are characters (some are less than truthful, others are reluctant, infuriatingly detailed…) even though their versions of the story are usually reported by others, and that allows from some nuggets of observation and reflection from Poirot and/or Catchpool (although Poirot does as he is wont to do and plays with some of his cards very close to his chest). There are some touches of humour —funnily named and behaved dogs, bitchy comments, put-downs, witnesses who won’t stop talking and will tell Poirot off for interrupting (a spoonful of his own medicine at last)— that I enjoyed, but readers who are keen on avoiding anything extraneous to the plot might not appreciate them. I’ve also read some comments of people who complained that the writer does not manage to create a true sense of the location or the historical time of the story. It’s true that the author does not spend much time describing the setting, clothing, or other details not essential to the story, but I thought that made readers focus on the plot (and one needs to pay close attention to everything), and I liked the location and the fact that most of the story takes place in a big house, not a mansion but rather a much smaller affair, which goes some way to show times are changing (as does the coach trip).
We have the usual rounding up of all the main characters in the house at the end, and Poirot reveals everything, as he should. Did I guess right? Well, I did guess some things, but not the full explanation. I hang my head low and confess that I was not a match for Poirot’s “little grey cells”.
All in all, this is a book I recommend to fans of Agatha Christie, especially those who have been following this new series by Hannah, to lovers of classical mysteries looking for a puzzle to solve and a fairly light read, that enjoy a challenge and plenty of twists and turns. You won’t be left wondering and worrying about it for long, but you’ll relish it while it lasts and it will help you forget about your daily concerns. A fun read. What more can we ask for?

When an author writes books in a series by someone as iconic as Agatha Christie, about a detective as iconic as Hercule Poirot, you know they are going to have to bring their A Game. Thankfully Sophie Hannah has done so. It is obvious she is intimate with Christie’s books and deeply familiar with Poirot’s character. She has got him spot on. Of course, like the original books, character is right at the heart of this story, and the way these characters interact is a major part of the storyline. I could picture each of them clearly. They are beautifully drawn, especially Daisy whose mood swings and emotions were almost palpable. It is essentially a closed room mystery, with some of the action taking place in a coach before moving to a a house in a gated community. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mystery was strong, as was the setting. I felt myself transported in both space and time and could feel the claustrophobia, not only if the house, but the community. An excellent book which I wholeheartedly recommend.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

I’ve enjoyed all of Sophie Hannah’s Poirot books - they’re definitely not the real thing (sorry Sophie) but they’ve all been a worthwhile read.

The Killings at Kingfisher Hill is Sophie Hannah’s fourth Hercules Poirot mystery novel and the first one I’ve read. I have read some of Hannah’s books previously. So, I know that she writes complicated and tricky plots. Whilst not attempting to reproduce Christie’s Poirot this book is loosely based on Christie’s books, as Hannah incorporates all the twists and turns, red herrings and misdirections that you find in them. There’s a country house setting, a number of suspects, and a gathering together at the end where Poirot reveals all.

I wasn’t expecting a cloned Poirot and Hannah’s Poirot is not Christie’s Poirot. There’s no Captain Hastings in this book, Poirot’s faithful friend. Instead Poirot is accompanied by Inspector Catchpole from Scotland Yard. How on earth he got to be an inspector is beyond me – he comes across as rather dim and stupid and Poirot treats him as such, endlessly explaining things to him and telling him what to do in an officious manner.

There are three strands to the plot – who killed Frank Devonport; who is the hysterical woman with an ‘unfinished face’ who insists she will be murdered if she sits in a specific seat on the coach; and who is the mysterious woman who tells Poirot she is a murderer – what a stupid thing to do when she knows he is a ‘world-renowned detective’? And I wondered what makes Richard so sure that Helen didn’t kill Frank when she had immediately confessed that she had? And I’m still wondering why when he was invited to Kingfisher Hall, an exclusive and private country estate, he went by coach with 30 other passengers – even if it was a ‘luxury’ coach. I just can’t see Poirot travelling by coach!

This all makes the book extremely convoluted, confusing and tangled as well as long-winded. Poirot though works his way methodically through the mess and gets to the truth. However, I found it quite dull and repetitive and rather contrived. So, my rating for this book is 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.

My thanks to HarperCollins for a review copy via NetGalley.

Sophie Hannah's series of Agatha Christie inspired Poirot mysteries continues with her third novel, 'The Killings at Kingfisher Hill', the eponymous estate where the murder of Frank Davenport has taken place. Cue the arrival of Poirot and his sidekick, Scotland Yard Detective Catchpool. As a huge fan of Agatha Christie, I approach any new interpretations with an element of trepidation. However, Poirot is in safe hands with Sophie Hannah. This murder mystery has everything you'd expect from a classic Agatha Christie mystery. From plot twists and turns, red herrings, a range of suspects to almost palpable moments of tension the plot kept me guessing right up to the denouement. This is a deftly plotted, thoroughly enjoyable pacy read throughout which Sophie Hannah has triumphed in seamlessly channelling the 'Queen of Crime'. Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a Poirot fan and these books are firmly in the right tone and genre for me.
Poirot and Catchpool are on a trip to investigate a murder when things take a turn for the worse.
Nasty goings on and a couple of murders make this vintage Poirot.

Still not quite Agatha though!

A story based on a classic Agatha concept: murder in a country house / wealthy family / travel. A complex story and a really enjoyable read although it was a bit slow at times. The epilogue is very satisfying. I am a huge fan of Sophie Hannah's writing style as I find it really clever and unique with a hint of humour. For fans of Agatha and "golden age" mysteries.

A complex and highly entertaining mystery that kept me hooked till the last page.
I love the style of writing of Sophie Hannah and, even if the mystery are more complex that those by Ms Christie, it is sometimes hard to distinguish the style of writing.
It was an engrossing and enjoyable read, a bit slow at times, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

If you are missing Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s famous detective, then read the latest novel from Sophie Hannah.

Hannah has been enlisted to create new Poirot stories by the Agatha Christie estate. Her fourth, The Killings at Kingfisher Hill, has the same reassuring old-fashioned feel to the style of writing and the language.

She does a good job of recreating Poirot with all his eccentricities and charming—or irritating depending on your point of view—habits.

And her sidekick for him, Inspector Catchpool, is as naive as Captain Hastings in the original books.

Poirot has been summoned to a fancy house at Kingfisher Hill by Richard Devonport. He is convinced that the wrong woman, Helen, is about to be hung for the murder of his brother Frank.

Things get more complicated when his sister, Daisy, also confesses to the murder. And then we discover that Helen, who is now engaged to Richard, was in a relationship with Frank when he died.

The plot gets going with a pretty bizarre and seemingly separate situation. A young woman travelling on the same coach as Poirot gets off because she fears she will die if she sits in a certain seat.

When a body later turns up, Poirot has another baffling puzzle to solve. He also has to figure out if the two deaths are linked.

The book has all the things you would want from a murder mystery of this kind. There’s an overbearing patriarch who controls his family through fear and money. Some people aren’t who they seem to be, and everyone has a secret to hide.

Bits of the plot could have been stronger. The explanation behind the scenes on the coach isn’t very convincing. And having characters explain away strange behaviours by saying that “our true thoughts are often profoundly irrational” is a bit of a weak response.

But still, it’s an enjoyable read and I’d finished it within a few days.

There are some good plot twists and anyone who likes whodunnits should enjoy it.

Anyone taking on the task of taking Hercule Poirot and carrying on his tales is gong to always come in for some criticism - not least because it can never be the same. Very true but in a world where nothing is ever going to be the same, it is refreshing to revisit a familiar character doing what he does best - using the little grey cells to solve crime. 

In this case, Poirot is waiting to board a coach to the Kingfisher Hill Estate. The coach is full and whilst he intends to sit with his friend and colleague Inspector Catchpool of Scotland Yard, the ramblings of a woman who thinks she will be killed if she sits a certain seat means that the journey Poirot and Catchpool take is very different.

Whilst one of them sits next to someone convinced they are going to be murdered, the other site next to someone who confesses to having done such a thing. 

It is all very unsettling for Poirot, especially when the real reason for going to Kingfisher Hill is at the bequest of Richard Devonport. His fiancee is waiting to be hanged - for killing his brother Frank Devonport. The rest of the Devonport family are not to know why Poirot is really there. 

But when another disclosure prevents Poirot from remaining undercover and unnoticed it seems that there is much to learn about the Devonport's and the Kingfisher Hill Estate. 

With numerous confessions, lies and truths littered throughout the book, it seems that it can only take Poirot to the right answer - which it turns out has been obvious from the beginning of his quest. 

Can you see what Poirot can see? 

Poirot's nature, his use of his little grey cells, the way that his sidekick, Catchpool's seemingly innocent in what is taking place round him and with some twists along the way, make it for an entertaining and intriguing read. Likeable and loathsome characters, changeable sympathies with the people along the way, the reader is drawn right in to the puzzling mystery. 

If you can think of the best Christie you have read and team it with the best David Suchet Poirot adaptation you have seen then you have captured the essence of this book (and Hannah's three previous Poirot novels). It works, don't ask me how it just does. 

Sophie Hannah's novels are the closet we are ever going to get to wishing for more Agatha Christie stories - they are a must for all Golden Age Crime fans.