Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings are summoned to France by a desperate plea from Paul Renauld, who fears for his life. They arrive too late. Renauld is found murdered in a freshly dug grave on the golf links adjoining his villa. The scene is staged to look like a crime of passion, but Poirot's 'little grey cells' immediately smell a rat. The plot thickens with the discovery of a second, nearly identical body, a mysterious woman seen nearby, a missing will, and a web of family secrets involving Renauld's wife and son. Hastings, meanwhile, is distracted by his own romantic interest in a suspect, often leading him—and the reader—astray. The local French detective, Giraud, who relies on physical evidence and scoffs at Poirot's psychological methods, provides a fantastic rival, making the race to find the truth even more fun.

Why You Should Read It

This is Poirot at his most brilliantly infuriating. He sees connections no one else does and enjoys keeping everyone (especially Hastings) in the dark until the perfect moment. The rivalry with Giraud is a highlight, showing two completely different styles of detective work clashing. While the mystery is fantastic, what really stuck with me was the glimpse into Poirot and Hastings's friendship. You see Hastings's loyalty and his hilarious overconfidence, which makes him the perfect stand-in for the reader. Christie plays with identity and deception in such a smart way here, making you question everything you think you've witnessed.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a classic 'whodunit' that moves at a breakneck pace. If you enjoyed The Mysterious Affair at Styles, this is a fantastic next step that deepens the main characters while delivering an even twistier plot. It's also a great pick for readers who enjoy seeing a detective be genuinely clever and a little bit smug about it. A must-read for Christie fans and a brilliant, early showcase of why her puzzles are so legendary.