Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case (1975) is the final novel featuring Hercule Poirot, the legendary Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie. Written during World War II but published near the end of Christie’s life, this novel is a poignant and thrilling farewell to one of the most iconic figures in crime fiction.
Plot Summary: A Return to Styles Court
An aging and weakened Hercule Poirot returns to Styles Court, the country house where he solved his first-ever case in The Mysterious Affair at Styles. He is joined by his loyal friend, Captain Arthur Hastings, who soon realizes that Poirot is investigating a new and dangerous murder plot.
Poirot believes that an unidentified master manipulator—a criminal mastermind— is responsible for multiple murders, but without ever physically committing them. The detective, now confined to a wheelchair, must use his “little grey cells” one last time to stop a seemingly untouchable killer. But as the mystery unfolds, the case becomes more personal than ever, leading to an unforgettable and shocking conclusion.
Why Curtain is a Must-Read
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Hercule Poirot’s Final Case – This novel is Poirot’s last appearance, giving fans a bittersweet farewell to the world’s greatest detective.
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A Clever and Unique Murder Mystery – The plot revolves around a killer who never actually commits murder, relying instead on psychological manipulation—a brilliant and chilling twist.
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A Full-Circle Ending – Returning to Styles Court, the setting of Poirot’s first case, creates a sense of nostalgia and closure.
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Poirot and Hastings’ Friendship – Captain Hastings, now older, plays a crucial role, and the novel explores his emotional connection to Poirot in a deeply moving way.
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A Shocking and Unforgettable Ending – Curtain contains one of the most daring conclusions in detective fiction, cementing it as a masterpiece of crime literature.
Final Thoughts
Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case is a remarkable farewell to Hercule Poirot, showcasing Agatha Christie’s brilliance as a mystery writer. With its clever plot, psychological depth, and shocking finale, this novel stands as one of Christie’s most unforgettable works. If you’re a devoted Agatha Christie fan or a lover of classic crime fiction, Curtain is a must-read.