DEAD MAN’S FOLLY

Even Hercule Poirot is nearly stumped this time. A famous crime fiction writer and friend invites Poirot to attend a murder hunt she’s devised to entertain attendees of a fete at a country estate. Wouldn’t you know it, the faux victim really does end up dead. The rest of the book is a chance to get to know the guests and suss out possible motives. Christie is the absolute best at creating an England that may never have existed except in our imaginations: garden parties, fancy dress, and roses in bloom. No one presents this varied cast of characters like David Suchet. Suchet may well be one of the best stars working in audio recording today. No one can excel him in making a character come alive as a distinct individual. Little pauses, stutters, lisps, background edginess, or a sense of humor lilts through to craft each person like a little painting and make him and her much more distinct than a mere accent would. David Suchet is a class act and a fine artist. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 02]