Susan Maluschka

Very disappointing!!!

Reviewed: 06-16-15

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A better written story.

Would you ever listen to anything by Agatha Christie again?

Most definitely. I love her books (except for this one).

Any additional comments?

I'm a big fan but was extremely disappointed in this book. The storyline was like a soap opera. There was hardly any investigating done by Hercule Poirot. Everyone just showed up at his door and told him things. Even the revelation of the murderer was vague and anti-climactic. I should have known I wouldn't like it when it took me so many times starting the book over to try and "get into it".

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1 person found this helpful

SO DISAPPOINTED!!!

Reviewed: 03-03-15

How could the performance have been better?

I love Hugh Frasier because his characters are easy to differentiate and the voices are pleasant. David Suchet however is not as talented in this area. I'm sure he has many good talents but after listening to the first chapter, I thought my ears were bleeding. Poirot sounded like Speedy Gonzales from the Sat. a.m. cartoon shows. The other "investigator" sounded like the clergy from a Princess Bride but at full volume. Then there was the old woman who was nasal, SCREECHING and just plain obnoxious to listen to. I'll never get a book by David Suchet again. Back to Hugh Frasier for me.

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14 people found this helpful

Disappointed

Reviewed: 01-01-15

Was Cards on the Table worth the listening time?

This book was as wonderful as any other of her tales. I love the way that Poirot referred to this type of murder in a previous book as his "ultimate crime to solve". I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone but it left me somewhat dizzy. The last 30-45 minutes seem to move the action really fast and the ending literally comes out of nowhere.

The only part I didn't care for was when other members of Scotland Yard went to interview people. You didn't know who these officers were and never heard anything about them later on either. It seemed random. I can understand the need to interview the people but why not send one of the characters we already knew? It was like they had a cameo appearance and in a book it just doesn't work the same as a movie.

I may have enjoyed it better if I played bridge. I didn't understand many of the hands that were played during the games. I would have gotten more out of the book if I did.

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3 people found this helpful

Not what I expected

Reviewed: 12-22-14

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I was very disappointed in this storyline. The reading of course was wonderful. The story however did not live up to past expectations. The A, B & C characters all had the same initial for their first and last names. This tradition should have continued. In addition, the thought process seemed scattered and random. Not one of my favorites.

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent

Reviewed: 11-21-14

What made the experience of listening to Death in the Clouds the most enjoyable?

Hugh Fraser never disappoints. This is another excellent Agatha Christie mystery. I tried so hard to figure it out but was still completely in the dark up until the last 5 min. when it was explained. An excellent read!....er, hear!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I tried so hard to figure it out but was still completely in the dark up until the last 5 min. when it was explained. Several of what I thought were "clues" never came into play.

What about Hugh Fraser’s performance did you like?

He is so consistent with his voices throughout the books. I know who is talking now just by the voice. I really appreciate that because it helps the book become more real and easier to follow.

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Roller coaster

Reviewed: 10-09-14

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It was a good story but it was quite an emotional roller coaster ride. There were parts that I almost turned it off because I was scared to know what happens next. The ending was very confusing. I had to listen to it twice to understand. However the final explanation on reincarnation was well worth the wait.

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One of the best

Reviewed: 09-26-14

If you could sum up Murder on the Links in three words, what would they be?

Must get it!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Murder on the Links?

I loved the parts where Hercule went up against the "expert detective". While the he was searching for clues with a microscope, Poirot was examining a piece of pipe and piles of old clothes.

What does Hugh Fraser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love the way he is consistent with the voices of the characters that are in multiple books. It makes it very easy to know who is talking without him saying so.

Any additional comments?

One of my favorites so far!! Never saw the end coming!

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8 people found this helpful

Rather disappointed

Reviewed: 09-26-14

What did you like best about The Mystery of the Blue Train? What did you like least?

From the Hercule Poirot books I've read so far, this one is the most confusing and the slowest getting started. After a time, I was beginning to wonder if it was actually a Poirot book.

What was most disappointing about Agatha Christie’s story?

It was very confusing as far as characters go. I had to listen to it twice to understand most of it and still ended up with unanswered questions. I can't be specific without giving away spoilers.

Have you listened to any of Hugh Fraser’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Hugh Fraser's performance is spot on and just as wonderful as his other works. He excels every time.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

If I didn't have to pay for it. It might make more sense if I watched it but I don't know.

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