AtaraxiaWhen I mention Orient Express or Hercule Poirot, everyone immediately associates them with the famous author Agatha Christie. This literary genius, well-known to the public, has gifted us with many timeless works. Today, the critical spirit within me wishes to discuss Hallowe’en Party, the story where the very famous investigator attempts to uncover who could have killed young Joyce.
Another Investigation of Hercule Poirot: Hallowe’en Party
Halloween in the small village of Woodleigh Common is not just another day. Madame Drake hosts the annual game night in honor of the holiday, welcoming most of the village. But when, at the end of the evening, little Joyce is found dead in the apple-bobbing tub after having insisted she had witnessed a murder, a tragedy unfolds.
Unfortunately, the people of Woodleigh Common are tightly-knit, and everyone seems to believe that this is the work of a madman, convinced that no one could commit such a horrific crime.
Two days later, when Joyce’s brother is found drowned as well, one thing becomes clear: this is not the work of a madman, but someone with a vendetta against these children. The only question that remains is: who and why? Hercule Poirot embarks on an investigation that could unearth old secrets and suspicious deaths, leading him closer to the truth. Welcome to Hallowe’en Party.
Spoiler Alert: The Critique of Greed and Pride Leading to the Greatest of Crimes
This critique requires revealing the ending, so I will give it to you now: It is always the most innocent who commit the crime. And why? For money. But for once, this isn’t a crime of passion or a disagreement that leads to a bloody dispute. It is simply the fear of failing to achieve their goals that drives a couple to kill two children they had known for years. These children, whom the murderer had called “like their own.” The worst part? The man of the couple almost killed his own daughter, had Hercule not intervened.
All this… for money. What does this say about society? Agatha Christie’s works, written years ago (1969), now prompt us to wonder if this book was a societal critique. The sad reality is that things have only worsened.
Money is increasingly dominating society, and we may never know all the horrific crimes that have been committed in its name. Here, three years before Joyce’s murder, three people had been found dead, all killed by the same person, and later it was discovered that a fourth victim had also been claimed.
Agatha Christie: The Author Who Never Dies
Through her stories, Agatha Christie lives on. Everyone knows her name, and both young and old must acknowledge her genius. Few, if any, come close to her level, and she has permanently shaped the literary world. Agatha Christie immerses readers in her world to such an extent that many authors draw inspiration from her to write their own novels. One example is Alexandra Benedict with Murder on the Christmas Express, a delightful homage to Orient Express, or The Agatha Christie Book Club.
Hallowe’en Party is an absolute must-read. It will make you question the human condition, as crimes involving children are more shocking than those involving adults. However, it’s not disturbing to the point of being unapproachable and can be read by a younger audience, though it still leaves one to reflect on the meaning of humanity.
If you wish, you can purchase Hallowe’en Party on Amazon. We hope this read will satisfy you as much as it has us.
