Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night by Sophie Hannah (HarperCollins UK)

December 1931 marked the beginning of a grave investigation for Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool. They were summoned to unravel the unsettling murder of a man who met his demise within the supposed safety of a Norfolk hospital ward. In an unexpected turn of events, Cynthia, Catchpool's spirited mother, insisted that Poirot accompany them to a decaying mansion by the coast for the holiday season, all while he worked diligently to crack the case. However, Cynthia's close friend, Arnold, awaited admission to the very same hospital, leaving his wife fearful that he would be the next target of the enigmatic killer. Alas, she remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind her apprehension.

With less than a week at their disposal, Poirot had to employ his wits and intuition to solve the crime promptly and avert further bloodshed, ensuring his escape from this nightmarish scenario and a timely return home for Christmas. Nevertheless, there was another individual present – one harboring a ruthless disposition – who held their own agenda on what should befall Hercule Poirot.

True to form, Poirot was as self-assured and exasperating as always. Despite being an Inspector, Catchpool proved somewhat dim-witted, a characteristic commonly found among police officers in Christie's novels, designed to illuminate the brilliance of the main character. I found great pleasure in the central mystery, albeit it took some time to gain momentum. Although the denouement was entertaining, it deviated from the Golden Age's principles as not all the clues were accessible to the reader.

Indeed, the ending introduced an intriguing aspect! Just the way I prefer to conclude a murder mystery novel – slightly befuddled, astounded by the solution to the crimes, and yet unsurprised that I didn't deduce it myself. While Poirot was perpetually intrigued by "the psychology of the individual," the resolution of this particular mystery delved into more psychological realms than Christie typically ventured, although it retained Sophie Hannah's signature touch. Hannah's fifth addition to the Poirot series pays homage to Agatha Christie's distinctive style of mystery and remains true to her legacy.

Overall, if you are a fan of Christie or Hannah, this novel offers a delightful, easily forgettable read, blending personal engagement with originality.

3/5