The series begins Sunday with Cat Among the Pigeons, the first of two Poirot movies, and it's impossible to say which is better. Both films, of course, star David Suchet, who is nearing his goal of playing Christie's odd little Belgian with the egg-shaped head in every single adaptation of a Poirot novel and story.
Cat Among the Pigeons is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie and first published in the UK by the Collins Crime Club on November 2, 1959,[1] and in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company in March 1960 with a copyright date of 1959.[2] The UK edition retailed at twelve shillings and sixpence (12/6),[1] and the US edition at $2.95.[2]
Cat Among the Pigeons has always been a particular favourite of mine. A killer prowling around at a girl's school; how many authors have been able to take this concept and 'run with it' to create such a tightly-plotted, intriguing novel? This was quite effective, and it didn't need Poirot until someone had to wrap things up. Introducing Poirot was a much-appreciated touch.
Having been practically weened on school stories from authors such as Enid Blyton, Cat Among The Pigeons turned the way I viewed boarding schools inside out! No longer did they seem comfortable, safe places, but somewhere that could be dangerous. And it is a hidden danger as all the characters appear very true to type on the surface. And AC used Poirot well. The plot fizzes along fine without him and his introdution towards the end is almost a suprise as it book never feels it is lacking a more recognisable character.
