Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case by Agatha Christie

“Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case” is a detective fiction novel written by Agatha Christie, first published in 1975. It is notable for being the final Hercule Poirot novel written by Christie, and it was actually written during the 1940s, with the intention that it would be published as the last Poirot novel to conclude the series. Christie kept the manuscript locked away and instructed that it be published posthumously, making it a unique and poignant entry in the Poirot series.

Summary of “Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case”:

The novel is set in Styles Court, the same location where Hercule Poirot made his first appearance in Christie’s debut novel, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” Poirot is now elderly and frail, and he has been living quietly at Styles Court for some time. Captain Hastings, a longtime friend and frequent collaborator of Poirot, comes to visit Styles Court and is reunited with Poirot after many years.

Soon, a series of mysterious and sinister events occur at Styles Court, including a murder. Poirot and Hastings find themselves embroiled in a complex web of deception, suspicion, and danger. As they work together to unravel the truth, Poirot’s brilliant mind and deductive skills are put to the test one final time.

Throughout the novel, Poirot reflects on his life, his career, and his approach to solving mysteries. The story delves into themes of aging, mortality, and the nature of evil. As the investigation progresses, Poirot comes to a shocking conclusion about the identity of the murderer, leading to a dramatic and unexpected climax.

The novel is known for its emotional depth, as it provides a fitting and poignant conclusion to Poirot’s long and illustrious career as a detective. It explores the character of Poirot in a more introspective and reflective manner, while still delivering the intricate plotting and clever twists that Agatha Christie is renowned for.

“Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case” is a must-read for fans of Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie’s mystery novels, as it provides a satisfying and bittersweet farewell to one of the most iconic detectives in literature.