The PlotThe story revolves around a series of murders committed by a mysterious killer known only as "ABC." The victims are chosen seemingly at random, with the only connection being their names and locations, which follow the alphabetical order. As the body count rises, Poirot is called in to investigate. He quickly realizes that the killer is leaving clues behind, taunting him with a copy of the ABC Railway Guide at each crime scene.The Characters
- Hercule Poirot: The brilliant Belgian detective, known for his meticulous attention to detail and his little grey cells.
- Arthur Hastings: Poirot's loyal friend and chronicler of his adventures.
- Chief Inspector Japp: The Scotland Yard detective who is initially skeptical of Poirot's methods but eventually comes to respect him.
- The ABC Killer: A cunning and elusive individual who keeps Poirot guessing until the very end.
Themes
- The psychology of the criminal: The novel explores the motivations of the ABC Killer, delving into the darkness of the human psyche.
- Justice vs. revenge: Poirot is determined to bring the killer to justice, but he also grapples with the question of whether revenge is ever justified.
- The power of observation: Poirot's success hinges on his ability to notice seemingly insignificant details that others overlook.
Adaptations
- The ABC Murders has been adapted for film and television several times, with the most recent adaptation being a BBC miniseries in 2018 starring John Malkovich as Poirot.
OverallThe ABC Murders is a suspenseful and thrilling read that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's a classic Christie novel that showcases her genius for plotting and character development.