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cameron_cassidy's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The hollow is an Agatha Christie novel that I devoured for it's familiarity in writing and Christie vibe while somehow it still possessing some many things making it unique in her canon. Immediately obvious upon reading, this book has some amazing characterisation and really cares about the them, to the point where this book reads much more as about characters about a murder that characters in a murder mystery. Midge, Henrietta, John, Gerda and Lady Angkatell make this book really engaging to read. As for the puzzle mystery, I'm never one to try and solve it so I'm not the best person to ask, but I feel it is presented more subtly through than usual, maybe to the point of not being central enough idk.
The ending 20/30 pages of this book are also some of Agatha Christie's best whilst also feeling unique in her canon. Definitely one of my new favourite and recommendable Christie's if you want an emersive and engaging experience with a favourite author.
The ending 20/30 pages of this book are also some of Agatha Christie's best whilst also feeling unique in her canon. Definitely one of my new favourite and recommendable Christie's if you want an emersive and engaging experience with a favourite author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Suicide
exlibrissum's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death, Infidelity, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Murder
sheryl_reads's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was my first Agatha Christie novel - I went in expecting a detective mystery and I wasn’t disappointed!
The Hollow is fairly short, so it’s a good place to start I think. It’s a Hercule Poirot story, but he doesn’t appear til quite far in! It’s a murder mystery and, of course, Poirot gets to the bottom of it!
The end was definitely unexpected, it kept me guessing the whole way through, and the pacing and writing were very good.
As I expected, the story was a little ‘jolly hockey sticks’ - full of upper class British people who don’t have jobs, and who inherit estates and don’t know what to do with themselves. However, unlike some older stories like that, the characters weren’t boring and I didn’t find myself getting frustrated by them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I’ll be reading more Christie over the year. I give it 3 ⭐️ - a very enjoyable read.
I will put a caveat on this however. There is language and descriptions within the book that are offensive. The books are older and I’ve no doubt it’s in keeping with other books of the period, but it does warrant mentioning it. I found it very jarring and it’s definitely something to be aware of before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Racism, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
zara89's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt
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