Death on the Nile: A Hercule Poirot Mystery

Listeners will recognize narrator David Suchet from his titular role on the long-running British television series Poirot. As such, it comes as no surprise that he delivers a masterful performance, capturing the great detective’s Belgian accent and the spirit of Christie’s classic mystery. While on a pleasure cruise in Africa, Poirot is called upon to investigate a mysterious murder and catch a killer before he or she can strike again. Suchet effectively transitions between British and American characters, while his portrayal of the obnoxious—and often downright emotionally abusive—socialite Miss Van Schuyler proves particularly engaging. Listeners discovering Christie’s work for the first time may have to adjust an expository style and slower pacing not found in newer incarnations of the mystery genre. And while staying on top of events may sometimes pose a challenge, the entertainment value of this audiobook and importance of preserving Christie’s place in the canon of whodunit literature cannot be denied. A Morrow paperback. (Aug.)