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Top 3 LEAST Favorite HP Books

ArlenaSMarshall 31 Mar 09 at 7:22 p.m. GMT

I really love AC's HP mysteries. I'm a huge fan. But every author has their ups and downs. What are your least favorite novels? Mine are as follows:

1. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd-this book was very dull and I guessed who had commited the murder at the beginning of the book.

2. Death in the Air- VERY DULL

3. After the Funeral- I just didn't like the characters and at first I thought they all did it.

THANKS!

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53 replies

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MissQuin 30 Dec 09 at 4:20 p.m. GMT

Ive read every single Poirot except The blue train, so I cant judge that one.

I didnt like The big four. Its my least favourite Poirot. I found it hard to believe an older, overweight man like Poirot was running around, chasing after international meglomaniacs! On the other hand, I give credit the fact Agatha Christie did something different in the Poirot series. I didnt like Dead mans folly, I found it dull and it just seemed to lack something. Apart from those, I enjoyed all the rest!

Tommy_A_Jones 18 Dec 09 at 4:29 p.m. GMT

I enjoyed it 2nd time around, the only bit I didn't like was all the Waffle and Conjecture about Madness and Mental illness, I love spence as a Character and the Connection with Cat Among The Pigeons but am glad I previously read Dead Man's Folly and Mrs McGinty's Dead

go_leafs_nation 17 Dec 09 at 5:09 p.m. GMT

My objections to Endless Night have been repeated so many times, I don't think I'll bother covering the same ground. And I unreasonably love Third Girl because of one reason and one reason only: Mrs. Oliver. She is simply so much fun in every book she's in! Even the dismal Elephants Can Remember is a more fun with her talk of elephants, while others are puzzled as to the nature of the maze her mind wanders in.

People love to hate Hallowe'en Party, but I really like it. Its initial plot set-up is a fascinating idea, and yes, the book gets very slow near the middle. (It's the only time in AC's work where she ever uses the word "lesbian".) But it's a satisfying read for me, with a killer who effectively chills one's blood. Plus, as an added bonus, there's a nice Poirot 'family reunion': Superintendant Spence returns, Mrs. Oliver comes back, someone knows Mrs. Bulstrode, and Mr. Goby writes a letter.

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Dec 09 at 3:53 p.m. GMT

You are right ofcourse Bundle you have every right to put your posst as does anyone, I hope you feel more refreshed, I put Endless Night on my listt because I couldn't get on with the book, instead of it being a couldn't pput down book it was for me a have difficulty wantring to pick it up book, I didn't like the Plot or characters, this one and Sparkling Cyanide both had Characters none of whom I cared about, I thought both books were Badly written and a Complete waste of ACs Talents of which she had many, needless to say neither book will I be reading again.

Puffinjill 17 Dec 09 at 8 a.m. GMT

Well, go and have a nice lie down in a darkened room for a while and then come back to us fresh and ready for more discussions and debate about our favourite (or least favourite!) books! Well done for getting through your exams. Now you can look forward to Christmas!

I see you have posted your least favourite 3 on a much earlier post. If I could stretch my 3 to a least favourite 4 then I would have to include Third Girl as well. But I'm going to differ with you over After The Funeral!! By the way, the reason I included Endless Night in my list is because I find it an uncomfortable book to read. It's not that I consider it poorly written or a weak story, but more about the way it makes me feel. 

Bundle_ 16 Dec 09 at 5:09 p.m. GMT

Bless you, Jill. I just took my last exam yesterday and am a little spent! Can you believe there were fifty questions on the exam!

Puffinjill 16 Dec 09 at 5:07 p.m. GMT

Bundle/Twink, my dear, I think it's a good thing for us all to have differing views on the same books. Just because I find one book more difficult to like doesn't mean that it isn't a good book and worth reading. It might just not appeal to me. There is no right or wrong.

Sorry you are feeling so tired. Is that too much study? Bless your heart, do take care.

Bundle_ 16 Dec 09 at 5 p.m. GMT

One because I cannot nor do I wish to change your opinions. Two because I just wanted to mention that I liked it as I consider it not as bad as some people think. And Three because I can.

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Dec 09 at 3:27 p.m. GMT

Go_leafs once Asked (when I mentioned about the fact it didn't bother me that Tuppenbce was portrayed as an Alcaholic) why I mentioned it so I ask you the same question, if you aren't going to dispute the fact some of us dislike Endless Night why mention it?  

Bundle_ 16 Dec 09 at 2:19 p.m. GMT

As everyone knows Endless Night is one of my favorites, but I shan't dispute any of you on your opinions on it as I'm too tired :-)

Puffinjill 16 Dec 09 at 9:35 a.m. GMT

Yes, I think I would consider Endless Night as a good contender for my 3rd choice.

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Dec 09 at 1:48 p.m. GMT

I have to read Elephants Can Remember again some time as it is a long time since I read it but I remember the ending and it isn't one that grabs me.

I am with you with Endless Night Go_leafs, a less than Interesting story with a less than interesting Solution, the only Character I liked Died, If it was real-life I would suggest he got out when tyhe going was good, I won't be rushing to re-read this book.

go_leafs_nation 14 Dec 09 at 6:19 p.m. GMT

The forced harlequinade and "mysterious" (note the quotation marks) aspects of The Mysterious Mr. Quin ensures it the bottom spot on my list. It is a book I despised from my first reading (unusual since I usually like a book at least the first time).

Not sure about the others, but Endless Night would probably figure...

Puffinjill 14 Dec 09 at 5:09 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I'm with you on The Big Four. Having just read it again, I still find it too hurried and messy. As for Lord Edgware Dies, It's not a great favourite of mine but I don't feel it's unfair. In fact, one of the reasons I've never been mad over it is because I found it rather obvious. And I've always admired The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd for it's brave ending and the way it turned the readers estabished view of the narrator on it's head. So, thanks for posting why you feel the way you do about them. Always interesting to hear another point of view.

Having said all that, I should think about my own least favourite 3. I think The Big Four would feature. Also Elephants Can Remember. But, as for the third, I'm not sure. I'll let you know...

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Dec 09 at 4:56 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I didn't like Lord Edgware Dies as I thought the Conclusion was unfair, when I read it at least 20 years ago I was so bored I kept on reading forward so I spooilt it for myself, SPOILER!!!! The person they tell you didn't do it was the Murderer, I liked Poirot, Hastings and Japp but asfor the rest of the book I didn't like it. I thought the conclusion of Lord Edgware Dies was unfair and ruined my experience of the book and I thought The Big Four was Good in Parts but SPOILER!!!!!!!! I thought No 4 was unmasked too early and I didn't like the way all the Murderers died

Puffinjill 14 Dec 09 at 4:42 p.m. GMT

Any particular reason why these three have not appealed to you, Tommy? I see in an earlier post you included Hallowe'en Party and not The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd. I know you recently reread Hallowe'en Party, it must have gone up in your estimation this time!

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Dec 09 at 4:18 p.m. GMT

I have changed my mind, my 3 Least Favourites so far are;

1. Lord Edgware Dies

2. The Murder of Roger Ackroyed

3 The Big Four.

But this might change as I read more. 

jane_delawney 06 Dec 09 at 11:45 p.m. GMT

I didn't particularly ejoy "The Murder on the Links". Or "The Seven Dials Mystery", but that's not a HP, of course :)

Boomcoach 15 Jul 09 at 12:58 p.m. GMT

I find Elephants Can Remember to be an odd book (and I won't argue about people's inclusion on this list).  I enjoy the first third of the book for the characters.  I think that Christie captures the feel of elderly people reminiscing perfectly and I enjoyed it, unfortunately, it quickly becomes repetitive and the solution is obvious too early.  A plodding book, despite an well written, if slow, beginning.

Monkfish 15 Jul 09 at 12:54 p.m. GMT

1) The Big Four - Pulp nonsense, which I didn't even finish reading.

2) Elephants Can Remember - Absolute rubbish. Waste of my time.

3) Mrs McGinty's Dead - Bog standard, unconvincing. Not THAT bad, but it's my third and final choice anyway.

kellly 14 Jul 09 at 6:56 p.m. GMT

I didn't like the Mystery of The Blue Train.I was expecting more of the end.

HerculeJC 12 Jul 09 at 3:42 a.m. GMT

For me, I had a better appreciation for two of Agatha's later novels, after I re-read them: both 'The Clocks' and 'Third Girl'.

I agree with the comments about 'Halloween Party': was rather slow and plodding and many of the characters were not that interesting.

For 'Elephants Can Remember': fascinating title: however, you can see the solution coming rather early.

Also, I kept thinking that there was someone who would not want the truth to be revealed, and that a murder would occur, as was the case in 'Sleeping Murder'. 

It would have been much more fun if someone interviewed was later killed, or imagine if either Desmond or Mrs. Burton-Cox were killed off. 

TheMole 11 Jul 09 at 1:28 p.m. GMT

ArlenaSMarshall

Hi TheMole-

I would have to rate Murder on the Links a 7. I didn't like any of the suspects and I thought the storyline was very dull. Have you read Ordeal By Innocence? I'm reading it currently.

Hello Arlena!

I have seen the MM adaptation of Ordeal by Innocence, but I have not read it yet. But how do you like the book so far?

asmikhushi 04 Jul 09 at 5:10 a.m. GMT

hey ariana,

i love poirot mysteries but my leat favourite ones are -

- murder of roger ackrod

- dumb witness

- the hollow

ArlenaSMarshall 03 Jul 09 at 6:27 p.m. GMT

Hi TheMole-

I would have to rate Murder on the Links a 7. I didn't like any of the suspects and I thought the storyline was very dull. Have you read Ordeal By Innocence? I'm reading it currently.

Frndorfoe 18 Jun 09 at 7:11 p.m. GMT

The Hollow as a play does not have Poirot in it. The play is much, much better than The Hollow as a novel. It is actually one of my favorite Agatha Christie plays. Christie herself had said that putting Poirot in every one of her stories had become a habit of her. The Hollow I suppose is one such a story.

tudes 18 Jun 09 at 6:54 p.m. GMT

I love Poirot, but I think some of the books would be better without him, as Sad Cypress and The Hollow. I didn't like very much The Big Four, but it wasn't Poirot's fault.

Christopher_Wren 18 Jun 09 at 11:14 a.m. GMT

1. The Big Four

2. Elephants can Remember

3. Third Girl

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Jun 09 at 10:44 a.m. GMT

Oh dear! I am going to read 'The Clocks' when I have finished the book of short stories I am reading but I agree about the other 2 they are the 2 less good ones featuring Ariadne 

Frndorfoe 11 Jun 09 at 5:50 p.m. GMT

Some earlier Poirot books like Murder on the Links and The Mystery of the Blue Train are two of my least favorites. But my Top Three Least Favorite HP books have got to be Elephants Can Remember, Hallowe'en Party and The Clocks. These books almost bored me to tears (even my favorite Mrs. Oliver could not save the first two books).

Boomcoach 11 Jun 09 at 1:43 p.m. GMT

I don't know if I can name 3, but The Big Four takes the top spot as "Least Favorite".  Unfortunately, it is June's book for the book club, so I will be rereading it the next couple of days, to give a fresh opinion.

TheMole 11 Jun 09 at 12:59 p.m. GMT

Hello Arlena! It's nice to hear from you again.

I own the dvd of Murder on the Links (it came in a box set) but I haven't watched it yet b/c I haven't read the book, so I'm afraid I can't give my opinion on it.

On a scale from 1-10 (10 being the best) how would you rate "Murder on the Links"?

ArlenaSMarshall 10 Jun 09 at 9:51 p.m. GMT

Greetings TheMole!

I'm also a Hastings fan. I haven't read Peril at End House yet, though. I didn't really like how Poirot treated him in Murder on the Links. How did you feel about it?

TheMole 04 May 09 at 3:29 a.m. GMT

Hi, Arlena!

I am a big fan of Captain Hastings; he's a dear! I liked him in "Peril at End House" and "Dumb Witness" the most. Have you read those?

ArlenaSMarshall 03 May 09 at 2:54 p.m. GMT

I enjoyed reading "Cards on the Table". My least favorite book with her in it was also "Elephants Can Remeber". Do you like Captain Hastings as well?

TheMole 01 May 09 at 7:18 p.m. GMT

ArlenaSMarshall

I like the Poirot books with Ariadne Oliver in them.

In which book featuring Ms. Oliver is your favorite? Mine would have to be "Mrs. McGinty's Dead". My least favorite is "Elephants Can Remember".

ArlenaSMarshall 30 Apr 09 at 10 p.m. GMT

TheMole-

I'm a huge Poirot fan as well!

I like the Poirot books with Ariadne Oliver in them.

Nikisha 19 Apr 09 at 11:30 a.m. GMT

Cards on The Table & After The Funeral took me a couple of weeks to finish reading, so they must be my least favorites.

Doggy Bob is kinda entertaining though, I didn't think getting inside a dog's head could be that interesting. It's funny how he judges the people around him. It's better than having him discribed merely as "barking, sniffling & wiggling tail" Bob made me smile occasionally while reading this book.

TheMole 16 Apr 09 at 8:25 p.m. GMT

Thanks for clarifying that, squatty :) ! And yes, his name was Bob.

squatty 16 Apr 09 at 6:35 p.m. GMT

The Mole - I'm pretty sure that the dumb witness is meant to be the dog.

I am an animal lover but I squirm when the animals are enlisted to help solve the crimes. There were lots of these sort of things in my childhood: Skippy, Flipper, Black Beauty. I think Bob (was that his name) fits into that category of four legged sleuths

TheMole 15 Apr 09 at 7:48 p.m. GMT

Hello Arlena.

My favorite is Poirot: he's the best fiction detective of all time, in my opinion.

I like Miss. Marple too....My favorite book of her's is "Nemesis". My least favorite would have to be "At Bertrams Hotel": it wasn't at all interesting.

ArlenaSMarshall 15 Apr 09 at 7:11 p.m. GMT

TheMole-

I have read numerous Poirot books, but I've also read a few Marple such as: The Body in the Library, 4:50 to Paddington, A Murder is Announced, along with a few others. I've also read And Then There Were None. Who is your favorite detective? I'm not sure, to be absolutely honest. I think Poirot is my favorite detective, but Marple is so interesting. Sorry I didn't reply earlier.

TheMole 13 Apr 09 at 8:52 p.m. GMT

squatty

2) Dumb Witness - all that doggy talk was embarassing and the solution was far too easy to solve

I agree w/ you, squatty. I did, however, enjoy the book up until AC revealed who the culprit was. As you have said the solution was far too easy.

Also, I thought that maybe there would be a reason why someone was a "Dumb Witness" but after I read it I found that no one was. And then I wondered whether or not 'dumb witness' was supposed to be some kind of an analogy for the dog (because, of course, it can't speak); but I don't think that this is the case, either. The book has a lot of flaws, imo...

AndThenThereWasTim 13 Apr 09 at 4:16 p.m. GMT

I Dont have any books I absolutly hate but some were kind of boring..

1. Muder of Roger Ackroyd... Was pretty slow I never finished it.

2. At Bertrams Hotel... I want to finish it but It never caught my interest

3. Cards on the table... I liked this book but the Suchet Butchering of the book put a bad taste in my mouth for it. I wasn't too fond of the setting I like books in the country more then in the city.

Dolly_B 12 Apr 09 at 4:31 p.m. GMT

Among my top least favourite books:  Elephants Can Remember, Halloween Party, Third Girl.

TheMole 12 Apr 09 at 3:44 p.m. GMT

1. Elephants Can Remember (It lacked depth and nothing exciting happend leading up to the end, it took me nearly five months to get through it!)

2. After the Funeral (The characters were indeed dull and the plot was uneventful)

3. Third Girl (About a few months after I read it I forgot nearly the entire story line and whodunnit!)

To Arlena: Have you just read all HP books or have you read the non-series too?

robreid 05 Apr 09 at 4:06 p.m. GMT

The Mystery on the Blue Train is the only book I can think of which just isn't as impressive as most of the other ones I've read.  Also, how can people think that The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is bad, it is one of Agatha Christie's best works and it was her breakthrough novel that made her famous.

binki 02 Apr 09 at 2:22 p.m. GMT

dumb witness

i can't think up another one

Tommy_A_Jones 01 Apr 09 at 2:11 p.m. GMT

1. Lord Edgware Dies

2. The Big Four

3. Halloween Party

Unfortunately I was debating to put The Blue Train Mystery, The Hollow and The Murder of Roger Ackroyed on the list but plumped for those 3. 

ariadnepoirotmarple 01 Apr 09 at 9:47 a.m. GMT

Hallowe'en Party - I thought the book was very dull

Apart from this one, I don't have dislikes...

sapphire_arisa 01 Apr 09 at 5:13 a.m. GMT

I don't have any worst books yet...

devilgal19 31 Mar 09 at 8:14 p.m. GMT

1.  Mystery of the Blue Train

2.  Murder on the Links

3.  Cards on the Table

squatty 31 Mar 09 at 7:43 p.m. GMT

1) Elephants Can Remember - a total mess. For example, A pushes B over a cliff and ends up with blood on their hands

2) Dumb Witness - all that doggy talk was embarassing and the solution was far too easy to solve

3) The Mystery of The Blue Train - hardly any detection. I believe AC was caught between writing an adventure novel and writing a new Poirot.