I am grateful to Niche Comics and Book Shop of Huntingdon, in particular to Angela Mackey of the said establishment. Angela regularly organises events in Huntingdon bringing many well-known authors into the town’s Commemoration Hall to discuss their writing and books. The only problem it gives me is trying to sneak the books into our house which I buy at these events without my wife noticing, she thinks that we have far too many books already.
A while back I was at an event where two authors, Alison Bruce and Sophie Hannah; were in discussion with a gentleman whose name escapes me (I’m sorry I should have been taking notes.)
I am familiar with Alison’s work and a great fan, Sophie Hannah was a name I recognised but hadn’t read anything of hers. I enjoyed the evening and came away with a copy of Sophie Hannah’s Monogram Murders; I have copies of all Alison’s novels.
It is a long while since I have read any of Agatha Christie’s books and I must admit I am not a huge fan of hers, so I hesitated and prevaricated about starting to read Ms Hannah’s take on Agatha Christie’s famous Belgium detective.
The story starts when Poirot’s supper is disturbed by a distraught young woman entering the café where he is dining. She is convinced that she is soon be murdered.
Three murders take place at the Bloxham Hotel in London on that very same night. The victim’s bodies are found in separate rooms on different floors. Hercule Poirot assists Catchpool a Scotland Yard detective, who lives at the same lodgings as Poirot; investigate the murders. Before very long Poirot is in charge of the case with Catchpool, the narrator trying to keep up with Poirot’s thought processes.
The plot is engaging; constantly twisting and turning, to wrong-foot the reader.
I prefer Sophie Hannah’s version of a Poirot mystery to any I have read penned by Agatha Christie; I shall read more of Sophie’s books.
Fenlandphil's Blog 
Posted by Catwoman=^••^= on September 14, 2022 at 11:05 am
Just reading this post gave me strong feelings of nostalgia. I love Agatha Christie! You have renewed my interest in her. Thanks!
Also, if it’s true that Sophie Hannah’s style is similar to Agatha Christie’s I would very much love to read her books as well.
Thank you for enlightening me.
Posted by fenlandphil on September 16, 2022 at 9:59 am
I enjoyed Sophie Hannah’s writing, I thought it was better than Agatha Christie’s.
Posted by Catwoman=^••^= on September 16, 2022 at 10:01 am
Forgive me for sounding naïve, but I’ve never heard of her. She must be very good for you to make such a statement.
Posted by fenlandphil on September 16, 2022 at 2:13 pm
I had heard the name but that is all, I went to an event in Huntingdon and met her there.
I also met another best-selling author at Huntingdon Emma Rous, (see my post “A bit of public speaking”). I haven’t read Emma’s book yet but will review it once I have.
Here is a link to Sophie Hannah’s website: https://sophiehannah.com/books/
Posted by Catwoman=^••^= on September 16, 2022 at 3:58 pm
Thanks for the link. How great that you had an opportunity to meet her. I’m sure that was very special for you.
Posted by fenlandphil on September 16, 2022 at 4:11 pm
It was special, they have some really good events there most are free to attend.
Posted by Catwoman=^••^= on September 17, 2022 at 3:11 am
I’m very impressed. She must be an excellent writer if Agatha Christie’s family gives her their blessings to resurrect Poirot (am I spelling that right? 🙂
Posted by fenlandphil on September 17, 2022 at 5:25 am
The family has given their blessing, I think, and don’t quote me on this, they invited her to write the new Poirot books.
Posted by Catwoman=^••^= on September 17, 2022 at 10:56 am
That’s quite an honor.