I keep saying that I don't like sequels, prequels, retellings, modernised versions of classic stories, yet I am repeatedly drawn to them.

I haven't read an Agatha Christie mystery for a long, long time, but loved them in my youth and was fascinated by the life of the author herself.

After hearing Sophie Hannah talk about this book and her writing in general a few months ago, I was eager to try it, even though I didn't like the cover or the title, and always preferred Marple over Poirot.

I very much enjoyed it! I can't say it was true to Christie because I am no longer familiar with all her nuances, but it certainly felt like it. I revelled in the period setting, the relationship between Poirot and Catchpool, the intrigue, the humour. It was exactly the experience I remember from reading Christie all those years ago.

My only criticism would be the reveal - it seemed to go on far too long and was far too complicated. Perhaps this is typical of Poirot's mysteries, but I found that I didn't care enough about the motive or the perpetrators and it was all just a little too far fetched.

But still a very good read - though I'm more likely to pick up another book by Sophie Hannah than Agatha Christie, sadly.