The mystery of three quarters by Sophie Hannah

"The mystery of three quarters" by Sophie Hannah -  Hercule Poiroit resurrected. 

This book is published by  HarperCollins in 2018 and has 400 pages. This is 44th Hercule Poiroit mystery and 3rd by the author.

Four different people come to Hercule Poiroit accusing him of writing a letter (that he did not write) alleging each one separately of murdering Barnabas Pandi. 

Who wrote the letter? Why was Poiroit's name used? Was Barnabas Pandi murdered? What is the mystery of three quarters?

There was no complaint of murder. The death was recorded as natural. Poiroit could have just ignored it as a prank. But Poiroit's vanity and curiosity does not allow him to do that and the investigation begins. 

Author has used the analogy of church window cake with four quadrants with the four accused. Out of the 4, inclusion of one does not make sense. Accusing other three quarters of the cake (3 persons) is understood as they had some sort of connection to the deceased. Hence the title of the book. 

This novel has all the hall marks of Agatha Christie. A large house, a rich man, murder,  many suspects, slow story, Poiroit's vanity & grand revelation at the end. However,  Hanna has given her touch too, to the story. For the first time Poiroit has declared the day and time when he will reveal the murderer without having solved the mystery. Usually Agatha mysteries end with revelation or apprehension of murderer. Here the story ends when murderer is sentenced. 

The story is narrated by Inspector Catchpool including the scenes in which he is absent.

The end (revelation of the mystery) is, however, stretched. Author takes long time to tie the loose ends. 

Why did I read this book? Hercule Poiroit. 

What I didn't like? Dragged end.

What did I like? Agatha's inheritance.

Read if you like Hercule Poiroit mysteries.