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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Five Little Pigs summary
Brief summary
Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie is a classic murder mystery where Hercule Poirot is tasked with solving a crime that occurred 16 years earlier. With multiple suspects and motives, Poirot delves into the past to uncover the truth.
Table of Contents
Five Little Pigs
Summary of key ideas
Investigating the Past
In Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot is approached by a young woman, Carla Lemarchant, who seeks his help in solving a murder that took place sixteen years ago. The victim was her father, Amyas Crale, a famous painter, and her mother, Caroline Crale, was convicted for his murder. Caroline died in prison, but before her death, she wrote a letter to Carla, claiming her innocence and asking her to clear her name.
Carla believes her mother's story and wants Poirot to investigate the case. Poirot agrees and begins by interviewing the five people present at the time of the murder, whom Caroline referred to as the 'five little pigs' in her letter. These individuals are Philip Blake, Meredith Blake, Elsa Greer, Cecilia Williams, and Angela Warren, each with their own motives and alibis.
Unraveling the Mystery
As Poirot delves into the past, he uncovers a web of complex relationships and emotions. Amyas Crale, a charismatic and manipulative man, had a romantic relationship with each of the five suspects. His behavior had caused significant emotional turmoil, leading to a motive for each of them to commit the murder. Poirot also learns that Caroline was an artist herself and had painted a portrait of Amyas, which becomes a crucial piece of evidence.
Through his interviews and careful analysis, Poirot begins to piece together the events leading up to the murder. He discovers that Caroline had indeed poisoned her husband, but her method was cleverly disguised. She had used a slow-acting poison, which she painted over the rim of Amyas' favorite cup, a method that would ensure her alibi and frame someone else for the crime.
The Truth Revealed
As Poirot continues his investigation, he uncovers the truth about the murder. He realizes that the key to solving the case lies in the portrait of Amyas painted by Caroline. Poirot arranges for a reenactment of the murder, using the portrait to reveal the true killer. Through this, he proves that it was not Caroline but Elsa Greer, who was driven to murder by Amyas' cruel treatment and her love for him.
With the mystery solved, Carla is relieved to learn the truth about her parents' tragic past. She is grateful to Poirot for his efforts in clearing her mother's name and bringing closure to the case. The novel ends with Poirot reflecting on the complexities of human emotions and the enduring power of love and jealousy, which were the driving forces behind the murder of Amyas Crale.
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What is Five Little Pigs about?
Five Little Pigs is a classic murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a young woman asks Hercule Poirot to investigate her mother's murder, which occurred 16 years ago, he delves into the past to uncover the truth. With multiple suspects and different perspectives on the events, Poirot must use his detective skills to solve the case and reveal the real killer.
Five Little Pigs Review
Five Little Pigs (1942) by Agatha Christie is an intriguing murder mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- The complex and clever plot twists keep you guessing until the very end, making it impossible to put the book down.
- With its rich character development and psychological insights, the book delves deep into the motives and emotions of each suspect, adding depth to the story.
- Christie's skilful storytelling and attention to detail create a suspenseful atmosphere, ensuring that the book is never boring and the suspense never wanes.
Who should read Five Little Pigs?
- Readers who enjoy classic detective stories and intricate plots
- Fans of Agatha Christie's novels and the character of Hercule Poirot
- Those who appreciate psychological exploration and complex character relationships in a mystery
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Five Little Pigs FAQs
What is the main message of Five Little Pigs?
The main message of Five Little Pigs is that the truth can be elusive and that the past can have a lasting impact on the present.
How long does it take to read Five Little Pigs?
The reading time for Five Little Pigs varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Five Little Pigs a good book? Is it worth reading?
Five Little Pigs is worth reading because it is a classic Agatha Christie mystery filled with twists, turns, and intriguing characters.
Who is the author of Five Little Pigs?
The author of Five Little Pigs is Agatha Christie.
What to read after Five Little Pigs?
If you're wondering what to read next after Five Little Pigs, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda