An enjoyable listen.

Exciting story, very different from Poirot's usual cases, a little let down by the ending.

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A Great And Thrilling Book!

I really like this book mainly because it is so thrilling and exciting. Before I read this, I did not think I would enjoy it, but I was very wrong. I love it, and of course Hugh Fraser does an excellent job at narrating it. Definitely one of Poirot's finest cases.

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Enjoyable but not one of best.

Good story superbly narrated by Hugh Fraser. This is not one of Agatha Christie's best but still enjoyable anyway.

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Classy, pure entertainment.

A great easy listen. Really great entertainment. thoroughly enjoyed it. Hugh has a great voice.

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This didn’t age well!

Oh dear, spy novels were not Agatha Christie’s strong point. The plot is preposterous and the dialogue unbelievable, even ridiculous in places. I know this is “unabridged” but surely racist terms could and should be changed. Hugh Fraser’s narration is, as ever, faultless but the story itself is dated and some of the language is downright offensive.

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Fun

If you could sum up The Big Four in three words, what would they be?

Twisting. Deadly. Secrets.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hastings. Bless him. I jusy love that he is so transparant. Whatever goes through his head we are told wither it is something that could potentially paint him as a bit of an idiot or not. Love him!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Umm...oh, I know. The moment when the 'does Poirot actually have a twin?' question is answered. Too smart for his own good! Thats what Poirot is.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I think I did actually end up listening to it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Hugh Fraser as the narrator is marvolous!
This is also one of the more Sherlock Holmes feeling stories. A collection of cases that all join together to make a big picture. Very like a certain master criminal we all know and love. :)

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More twists than a country lane!

It is the first time I have read/heard this particular novel, and I really enjoyed it. Hugh Fraser is the perfect reader for Agatha Christie novels, being able to produce many different voices, so that you imagine different characters are playing their part.
After being an Agatha Christie fan for years, to come across one I hadn't read was an absolute delight.

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A big hit! More spiffing yarn than detective story

Amazingly published in 1927, this lesser known Chrstie novel is more of an adventurous romp than a murder mystery, but it is ahead of its time in plot, characterisation & humour. I forgot how laugh out loud funny Christie can be! I also forgot how she portrayed women in equally powerful roles to men, which, less than a handful of authors did at that time. (Those authors, of course, were all female).

Some of the terminology may seem old-fashioned today, but it's accurate, not offensive. If anything ages it, it's Hugh Fraser's spiffing narration, which submerses the story into full-on romp mode. However, let yourself be swept along & just enjoy the fun of it.

The format is more GK Chesterton than normal Christie, but I love it when she explores different styles. This is well worth a listen, although confusing at times, it speeds along & reveals so much about Poirots character & relationship with Hastings, it is a hidden gem.

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A great read

Another very enjoyable listening experience with Hugh Fraser at the helm. This particular one is a little different to other Poirot and Hasting tales- this one more of an old fashioned thriller, reminiscent of John Buchan.

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The Big Four

Great, fantastic, amazing I don't know what else to say. I listened to it all then relistened in sections which was a good idea there is a lot going on Poirot even does thong you never thought he'd do
you could relisten to this book over again and still pick up things that you've nodded before
I really recommend this audio book

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2 people found this helpful