Cat Among the Pigeons

Classic Christie

Unusual plot, with the standard cast of characters. First class entertainment, beautifully read by Hugh Fraser

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A polemic against the English education system.

I regard the novels of Agatha Christie as an indictment of the ridiculous class system which still has a certain power in the Southern parts of this island. The headmistress of this establishment troubled by unexpected murders has some ethical values, albeit limited, and nourishes intellectual growth and encourages more than superficial development of her pupils in preparation for a “good marriage”, but they are still taught how to behave at lunch with the Queen and how to exit gracefully from a Rolls Royce!!!
These are not useful skills on the whole: I cannot think they’ll ever be incorporated in the National Curriculum, or count towards university entrance, even in St Andrews!
I do think Christie must have had tongue in cheek, and so now I’m beginning to appreciate her more, as a crypto revolutionary, having for so long despised her work as stuff you read at 12 or 13, and avoid like the plague on TV. “retro nostalgie”. Candy floss..
Nonetheless there’s none of that noir of ultraviolence that pervades so many detective stories of today, and keeps you awake and troubles dreams. It’s all good clean snobbish fun, and the murders are less shocking than the ambience in which they occur.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Cat Among the Pigeons

Well narrated by Hugh Fraser with an intriguing storyline.
Agatha Christie did her fantastic job of keeping you busy trying to work out who did what a throughly good audio book cannot wait for the next one

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

Brilliant story line, kept you guessing and very well narrated by Hugh Frazer. One you can listen to again and again.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Perfect Comfort Listening

Hugh Fraser narrates this tale brilliantly: within minutes, the multitude of characters have each gained their own separate identity thanks to his ability to portray their mannerisms. The story itself is classic Christie; and knowing what to expect - the unexpected twist! - makes for the ultimate in comfort listening. Curl up with a hot drink and get stuck in!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Cat amongst the pidgeons.

Really enjoyed, good story line ,excellent narration, have listened to it three times, and will again,

A clever story

An improbable but entertaining Poirot plot in an unusual setting Clever twist at the end

Most enjoyable

I listen to a lot of Christie novels and have to say that this was one of my favourites. The setting, a boarding school, is a bit different from her usual, and the two-set structure of the story also adds interest. Hugh Fraser's narration fantastic as always. Most enjoyable.

Cat Among The Pigeons

Who was your favorite character and why?

Miss Bulstrode. Despite the fact that two murders had caused parents to take their children away from Meadowbank, she never gave up.

Which character – as performed by Hugh Fraser – was your favourite?

Poirot.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep on to the end.

Any additional comments?

In this book, Poirot doesn't come on the scene until later, perhaps an hour or more towards the end. It begins with a prologue where we are taken into Miss Bulstrode's room as pupils are either arriving at Meadowbank or starting the school for the first time. Then you're whisked off to a country abroad where events are being set in motion which eventually lead to murder at the school, then after a few chapters you're brought to the scene of the crimes and are introduced to the various characters who will play their part in the events which happen. Then in her characteristic way, Christie, having given the necessary lead-up, takes you to a nearby police station where a member of staff is taking details of a murder at Meadowbank and the investigation begins.

A bit different

Another great mystery, well read and enjoyable to listen to. Highly recommended for any Poirot fan.