Third Girl (by Agatha Christie)

(Amazon UK link)

I have just finished yet another crime novel by the prolific Agatha Christie. This time, I read this book aloud to my teenage sons, so it took a little longer to complete than is normal for me.

In 'Third Girl', the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot appears as a rather pompous man. He is somehow less amusing than he is in some of the other books featuring him. Indeed, we all rather thought this particular story would have worked better with Miss Marple instead.

The plot involves a girl who thinks she might have committed a murder, but isn't sure. It's a slightly odd premise, leading to a fast-paced book which moves rapidly around the country from place to place.

It was enjoyable, on the whole, and the ending was a surprise to us all.

Recommended.