Reviews

Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie

pbraue13's review against another edition

4.0

"Dumb Witness" by Agatha Christie is a classic detective novel that showcases the author's unparalleled talent for crafting intricate mysteries with a touch of humor and charm. In this engaging whodunit, Christie introduces readers to a delightful array of characters, a clever plot, and, of course, the inimitable Hercule Poirot.

The story begins when wealthy Emily Arundell, who is convinced that her life is in danger, dies under mysterious circumstances. Initially dismissed as a simple case of natural death, the plot takes a compelling turn when Miss Arundell's astute terrier, Bob, becomes the eponymous "dumb witness" to the events surrounding her demise. Poirot, ever the keen observer, is brought onto the scene to investigate the peculiarities surrounding the supposed accident.

What follows is a riveting journey filled with unexpected twists, red herrings, and a gallery of intriguing suspects. Christie skillfully weaves together a web of motives and alibis, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. The beauty of "Dumb Witness" lies not only in the complexity of its mystery but also in the wit and humor that permeate the narrative.

The characters, each with their own quirks and secrets, add depth to the story, and Poirot's brilliant deductions elevate the novel to a satisfying and cleverly resolved conclusion. The interplay between human nature, the loyalty of a furry friend, and the astuteness of the famous detective make "Dumb Witness" a delightful read for both longtime fans of Agatha Christie and newcomers to the world of classic mysteries.

In summary, "Dumb Witness" is a testament to Agatha Christie's enduring appeal as the queen of crime fiction. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and Poirot's brilliant insights, this novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a good puzzle and a touch of humor in their mysteries.

4/5 stars

anhistorianabouttown's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

reinedumonde's review against another edition

mysterious relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

auri_underthing's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Goodness, I think this is my least favourite Agatha Christie so far. The ending, I thought, was fairly predictable, and I knew who the murderer was, which I normally never know. Still, well written with a couple of good twists. 
Bob was the MVP

tawallah's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Read this as a commentary or look at a changing British culture. The aristocracy/Victorian period is dying. Its underbelly is exposed in your small town with the major family being unsettled by the death of Miss Emily Arrundell and the shocking revelation of a change in her will. 

For the  modern reader, there are the usual Brutish snobbery, racism and xenophobia littered throughout this book. 

nerida_c's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

sanchez24601's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

grafe_'s review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

laurenleigh's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I’m starting to get slightly bored of Poirot mysteries, but there’s also something comforting in the expected. What I loved most in this one was the dog character! He reminded me a lot of Olive, so obviously I’m going to be obsessed. I loved the mini POV’s we got from the dog, and the narrator did them excellently. Just thinking about them brings a smile to my face! The plot overall felt a bit contrived and slightly unbelievable, but I’m not reading Christie for strong verisimilitude. I’m just here for a good time!

valerie_kucerova's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I enjoyed reading this book, it had so many twists that it was intriguing to read more. Throughout the book, I was trying to find the corporate of the incident that happened. However, in the end, I was shocked by the events that occurred. In conclusion, this book is one of my favourites that have read.