Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 5 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 22 minutes
"The Big Four" by Agatha Christie is a departure from her typical Poirot stories, as it is structured from twelve short stories that were compiled into a full-length novel. The novel revolves around Hercule Poirot's encounters with an international crime cartel known as "The Big Four," who are working towards world domination. The characters in the novel represent a supranational association of high-ranking personalities, and the story is a series of loosely connected episodes. The book has been critiqued for lacking the unity of a proper novel and for its atypical boredom compared to Christie's other works. The characters in the novel, particularly the villains, have been described as lacking traits that make them engaging or interesting. The novel has been associated with the literature of the interwar period, reflecting concerns about foreign threats and international challenges. Additionally, the character Li Chang Yen has been linked to the concept of Orientalism and compared to Fu Manchu by Sax Rohmer. Despite mixed reviews, the novel was adapted for television, featuring David Suchet as Poirot.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 7 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 33 minutes
"The Man in the Brown Suit" is a detective fiction novel by Agatha Christie, introducing the character Colonel Race. The story follows Anne Beddingfeld, who witnesses a man's death in a London tube station and embarks on an adventure to South Africa after finding a mysterious note. The plot unfolds across various locations, involving murder, espionage, and romance. The novel received mixed reviews upon publication, with some readers hoping for another Hercule Poirot story. The characters include Anne Beddingfeld, Colonel Race, and Harry Rayburn, among others. The book's development was influenced by Christie's real-life experiences during a trip to Southern Africa. It was adapted for television and as a graphic novel. The first edition was published in 1924, and the novel was serialized in magazines. Christie dedicated the book to Major E.A. Belcher, referencing their shared experiences. The novel's dust jacket and publication history also hold significance.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 22 minutes
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" is a detective novel by Agatha Christie, featuring Hercule Poirot as the lead detective. The story is narrated by Dr. James Sheppard, who lives with his sister Caroline in the village of Kings Abbot. The novel begins with the suicide of a wealthy widow, Mrs. Ferrars, and the mysterious death of Roger Ackroyd, a wealthy widower. Ralph Paton, Ackroyd's stepson, becomes the primary suspect. Flora, Ralph's fiancée, asks Poirot to investigate and he unravels a complex web of intrigue. In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Dr. Sheppard is the blackmailer and the killer. The novel received positive reviews and is considered one of Christie's best works. It has been adapted into stage plays, films, and television dramas.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 5 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 9 minutes
"Poirot Investigates" is a collection of eleven short stories featuring the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Each story presents a different mystery involving themes of greed, jealousy, and revenge. In "The Adventure of the Western Star," Poirot investigates the theft of a diamond from a famous American film star. "The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor" sees Poirot unravel the case of a man who died shortly after insuring his life for a large sum of money. In "The Adventure of the Cheap Flat," Poirot uncovers a plot involving stolen naval plans and spies. "The Million Dollar Bond Robbery" follows Poirot as he clears the name of a man accused of stealing bonds. "The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb" explores the mysterious deaths of an Egyptologist and his nephew. "The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan" involves the disappearance of a pearl necklace and a clever plot by the chambermaid and valet. "The Kidnapped Prime Minister" takes place during World War I and follows Poirot's efforts to locate a kidnapped British Prime Minister. "The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim" sees Poirot solve a case without leaving his chair. "The Case of the Missing Will" involves a visit from a woman seeking Poirot's help in finding her uncle's missing will. Overall, "Poirot Investigates" offers a collection of entertaining and cleverly crafted mysteries for fans of detective fiction.
