The Big Four Book Summary - The Big Four Book explained in key points

The Big Four summary

Agatha Christie Lambda Press

Brief summary

The Big Four by Agatha Christie is a classic murder mystery featuring the legendary detective Hercule Poirot. With a sinister organization and a series of puzzling crimes, Poirot must use his little grey cells to solve the case.

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    The Big Four
    Summary of key ideas

    The Big Four: A World of Intrigue and Espionage

    In The Big Four by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, who is approached by a man named Captain Hastings. Hastings informs Poirot about a secret society called The Big Four, which is a group of four criminal masterminds who are plotting to take over the world. The group consists of a Chinese man, a French woman, an American man, and an Englishman, each with their own unique skills and resources.

    The story begins with the apparent suicide of a man named Paul Renauld, a wealthy businessman. Poirot and Hastings are convinced that Renauld's death is linked to The Big Four. They soon discover that Renauld was actually murdered and his wife was kidnapped. The duo then sets out to solve the case and unravel the mysteries surrounding The Big Four.

    The Intricacies of the Plot

    As Poirot and Hastings delve deeper into the case, they encounter a series of complex puzzles and dangerous situations. They travel to France, where they meet a Russian woman named Madame Daubreuil, who is suspected to be a member of The Big Four. They also encounter a Chinese man named Li Chang Yen, who is believed to be another member of the group.

    During their investigation, Poirot and Hastings are captured by The Big Four and are forced to play a deadly game of chess. They manage to escape and return to England, where they continue their pursuit of the criminals. They uncover a series of interconnected crimes, including a train robbery, a murder, and a kidnapping, all orchestrated by The Big Four.

    The Final Confrontation

    As the story progresses, Poirot and Hastings realize that The Big Four's ultimate goal is to destabilize the world's economy and political systems. They plan to achieve this by creating chaos and fear through a series of carefully orchestrated crimes. Poirot devises a plan to bring The Big Four to justice and prevent their catastrophic plans from coming to fruition.

    In the final confrontation, Poirot and Hastings manage to capture the members of The Big Four. They discover that the Englishman, who was believed to be the leader of the group, was actually a pawn in the hands of the other three members. Poirot reveals that he had been aware of The Big Four's existence from the beginning and had been working behind the scenes to dismantle their operations.

    The Unraveling of The Big Four

    In the end, Poirot exposes the true identities and motives of The Big Four. The French woman, Madame Daubreuil, was the mastermind behind the group, using her intelligence and cunning to manipulate the other members. The American, Abe Ryland, was a brilliant chemist who created deadly poisons, while the Chinese man, Li Chang Yen, was a master of disguise and deception.

    As for the Englishman, he was a brilliant mathematician who was blackmailed into working for The Big Four. Poirot's careful planning and strategic thinking ultimately lead to the downfall of The Big Four. The story ends with the criminals being brought to justice, and Poirot and Hastings reflecting on their thrilling adventure.

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    What is The Big Four about?

    The Big Four is a gripping detective novel by Agatha Christie that follows the renowned Hercule Poirot as he investigates a mysterious and powerful criminal organization known as the Big Four. Filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The Big Four Review

    The Big Four (1927, Lambda Press) by Agatha Christie is a thrilling detective novel that will captivate mystery lovers. Reasons to dive into this book:

    • With its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the secrets.
    • The book's meticulous attention to detail creates a rich and immersive world, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story.
    • Complex and intriguing characters add depth to the narrative, making it impossible to predict the motivations and actions of each individual.

    Who should read The Big Four?

    • Readers who enjoy mystery novels and love solving puzzles
    • Agatha Christie fans who want to explore one of her lesser-known works
    • People who appreciate clever plot twists and unexpected turns in a story

    About the Author

    Agatha Christie was a renowned British author, known for her captivating mystery novels. With a career spanning over 50 years, Christie wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Her works, including The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and And Then There Were None, have become timeless classics in the crime fiction genre. Christie's clever plots and memorable characters continue to captivate readers around the world, making her one of the best-selling authors of all time.

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    The Big Four FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Big Four?

    The main message of The Big Four is that mysteries can be solved through clever deduction and perseverance.

    How long does it take to read The Big Four?

    The reading time for The Big Four can vary, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Big Four a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Big Four is a captivating read that keeps you guessing till the end. It's definitely worth picking up for any mystery fan.

    Who is the author of The Big Four?

    The author of The Big Four is Agatha Christie.

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