Audiobook Review -
Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
reviewed by Ken Reiss 3/10/06 |
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It’s 1935 and the aeroplane is a new and exciting mode
of travel. Flying from Paris to London you can almost hear the roar of
the propeller engines and this is the perfect setting for an Agatha
Christie murder right under Hercule Poirot’s nose. And where is the famous
detective when all this happens? Sound asleep several rows back.
Prepare for a smooth flight through 6 hours of excellent listening as
Poirot puts the “little grey cells” to work solving the crime and
redeeming his reputation as the world’s greatest detective!
This is certainly an enjoyable read although not the typical Poirot
story in many ways. A limited cast of characters is successfully
introduced and followed through the investigation. Keeping track of the
players presents little problem and one by one they are eliminated until
an almost certain outcome. The identity of the murderer is almost
certain, but not quite. Turns and twists that are so typical of an
Agatha Christie mystery will have you blaming all the wrong people by
the end. I’m not sure that the reader could solve this one as many
“newly discovered” facts are brought out at the very end.
Poirot fans will certainly want to read this one for its unusual
characteristics. New Christie readers might be better off with other
books in the series and come back to this one after you have a feel for
what’s normal. I recommend “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” as the
starting point for any new Poirot devotee.
Hugh Fraser provides wonderful narration and easy to follow character
voices for this 12th novel in the Poirot series. He is Captain Hastings
on the A&E TV series and his knowledge of the series comes through loud
and clear. Unfortunately, Hastings himself doesn’t actually appear in
this story. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.
About Ken Reiss - Ken is a long time
audiobook listener having little time to read but spending a lot of time
in the car. Mysteries, Old Time Radio and non fiction all occupy his
time, but a good detective story is by far the favorite. In addition to
audiobook reviews, he writes a monthly column for a popular electronics
magazine and reviews of communications equipment.
He has an MBA from Webster University in St. Louis where he teaches evening classes. He lives in the St. Louis area with his wife
and three dogs.
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