Cards On The Table by Agatha Christie

 

This is the final Poirot for 2021.  I'll be continuing my readings of Christie's Hercule Poirot novels throughout 2022.

Mr Shaitana is a flamboyant and wealthy collector.  Most of his collections are of art and objects from around the world.  He also finds people of great interest, and he finds out everything about them that he can.  His parties are filled with people he's collected that he feels are interesting.

When he meets Hercule Poirot, he invites Poirot to a dinner party.  Also at the party will be one or more people who have gotten away with the perfect murder, he says.  

In an unusual introduction to the book, Christie tells the reader there are four murderers.  The narrator this time is omniscient, rather than Arthur Hastings or some other individual involved.

The Guests:

Poirot

Mr. Shaitana

Mrs Oliver, Mystery Writer

Superintendent Battle described by all as "wooden"

Colonel Race Secret Service

Doctor Roberts  Popular physician

Mrs Lorrimer   "Well informed, intelligent, excellent bridge player"

Major Despard  Explorer

Miss Meredith  "A pretty girl in her 20s"

After a dinner in which the host tosses out some cryptic remarks that may refer to murders previously committed, the group is split into two tables to play bridge in two separate rooms.

Shaitana gets everyone started, then takes a seat by the fire in the first room.

After a few hands of bridge are played, it is discovered that the host is dead.  He's obviously been killed by someone in room one, but how, why, when?  It would take a bold killer to carry out such a deed with witnesses a few feet away.

Superintendent Battle takes charge of the investigation.  With Poirot's knowledge that there were guests invited who Shaitana had thought carried out perfect murders, he delves into the pasts of the guests to see who might have committed but not been charged with a similar crime in the past.

Poirot concentrates on the players of the game of bridge, what they thought of the game played that night and what they thought of their fellow players.  He carries their score sheets around with him, noting scoring methods and handwriting.  

In one of the most twisted plots yet, Poirot finds his killers.