Poirots problem

Hans Bergqvist’s narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook. His take on Captain Hastings isn’t just a British accent—it’s a full-bodied performance, all bluster and misplaced confidence, making Poirot’s dry wit land with even more impact. There’s a particular joy in hearing him stumble through clues, his tone shifting from baffled to smug in the span of a sentence. The production is crisp, with no unnecessary embellishments, letting Christie’s razor-sharp dialogue shine. That said, a few of the mysteries (*The Third Floor Flat* comes to mind) rely too heavily on coincidence, feeling less like clever deduction and more like Christie pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Still, the standout cases—*The Chocolate Box* and *The Incident of the Dog’s Ball*—prove why these early Poirots are timeless. The pacing is brisk, never dragging, and Bergqvist’s pacing as Hastings keeps even the weaker stories engaging. My only gripe? The final case, *The King of Clubs*, wraps up a bit too neatly, leaving some threads dangling. But if you’re here for the thrill of watching Poirot outthink everyone, warts and all, this audiobook delivers in spades.