This is a classic Agatha Christie plot involving intrigue within a family.
When wealthy Richard Abernethie passes away, ostensibly from natural causes, his will divides his estate equally among all his relatives, including a brother, sister, and several nephews and nieces. All the heirs badly want/need the money, to pay off debts. finance a pet project, travel, etc.
After the funeral, Richard's sister Cora suggests the deceased was murdered and hints that she has some inside knowledge about his death.
Soon afterwards Cora herself is killed, and the family attorney Mr. Entwhistle. becomes suspicious.
Entwhistle does a preliminary investigation by interviewing all the heirs and trying to ascertain where they were at the time of Cora's murder. When Entwhistle can't make much headway finding the killer, he enlists Hercule Poirot, who's retired but still very capable of using his 'little grey cells.'
The book is repetitious and plods along very slowly but has the usual Christie twist. Not Agatha's best work, but avid fans will want to include it on their life list.
Rating: 3 stars
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