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Five little pigs by Agatha Christie
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One of Agatha Christie’s Most Underrated Books: A Review of Five Little Pigs

Dr. Preeti Chauhan By Dr. Preeti Chauhan March 1, 2024 5 min read

Forget the grand country houses and the locked-room mysteries with a murderer on the prowl, “Five Little Pigs” by Agatha Christie is a refreshing twist on her usual formula. Published in 1942, this novel takes you on a fascinating journey through time and memory, leaving you guessing until the very last page.

Why the title ‘Five Little Pigs’?

The moment Hercule Poirot accepts a commission to unravel the truth behind this rather challenging case, he starts analyzing the characters involved and it is during this analysis that he often comes up with lines like “This little pig had roast beef” or ” This little pig had none”. Admittedly enough I had only heard the story of  ” The Three Little Pigs and the Wolf” and knew zilch about the story of “The Five Little Pigs”.Here is what I found online about this children’s nursery rhyme , which involved wiggling and toe counting. – The story of the Five little pigs .

Basically the children’s story talks about various type of personalities- the responsible , the foolish , the mischievous and so on.Everytime Poirot reaches a conclusion about a character he slots them into a category.

Suspenseful Plot:

Now that we have solved the mystery of the title , let us talk about the plot.The story revolves around the infamous case of Caroline Crale, convicted sixteen years ago for the murder of her husband, the flamboyant artist Amyas Crale.When Caroline’s daughter Carla Lemarchant turns twenty one , she receives a letter left by her mother where she confesses to being innocent of killing her husband.

Carla seeks Hercule Poirot’s help to prove her mother’s innocence. The only catch? There are no witnesses, this was sixteen years back, no physical evidence, just whispers and shadows from the past.

Instead of focusing on a traditional investigation, Poirot takes an unconventional approach. He delves into the lives of the five individuals closest to Amyas on the night of his death, and deducts his findings from their testimonies. Through their testimonies, we get a fragmented picture of Amyas, a man shrouded in secrets, charm, and potential enemies.

What Makes it Different:

This is where “Five Little Pigs” truly shines. Unlike Christie’s other works, the focus isn’t on the “whodunnit” aspect alone. It’s about piecing together the puzzle about what could really have happened through unreliable narratives, hidden agendas, and the passage of time. Each character’s recollection paints a different picture of Amyas and the events that took place, raising doubts and shifting suspicions. Poirot, with his masterful mind and unwavering curiosity and his sharp insights into human psychology meticulously examines these conflicting perspectives, building a case not just for who killed Amyas, but also to prove Caroline’s innocence.

The novel beautifully explores the unreliability of memory and the subjectivity of truth. As each year unfolds, we see how time can distort events, motives, and even personalities. This psychological depth adds another layer to the mystery, making it more than just a puzzle to solve. As Hercule Poirot states immodestly :

One does not , you know,employ merely the muscles.I do not need to bend and measure the footprints and pick up the cigarette ends and examine the bent blades of grass. It is enough for me to sit back in my chair and think.

It is this-‘ he tapped his egg-shaped head- ‘this that functions!’

The narration becomes a study of human nature, the art of deception, and the moving power of love and hate.

Why You Should Read it:

Even if you’re not a die-hard Christie fan, “Five Little Pigs” offers a unique and engaging experience.

  • It’s a shorter read compared to her other novels, making it perfect for a quick weekend escape.
  • The writing is crisp and concise, keeping the pacing tight and the suspense building.
  • Poirot, while still retaining his eccentricities, is more introspective here, adding a new dimension to his character.
  • The ending is brilliant , you will not see it coming – at all.

So, if you’re looking for a Christie novel that’s different, intriguing, and surprisingly emotional, “Five Little Pigs” is a delightful treat waiting to be devoured.

Book Specifications:

  • Title: Five Little Pigs
  • Author: Agatha Christie
  • Genre: Detective Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Crime fiction
  • First Published: 1942
  • Average Reading Time: 5-7 hours
  • My Rating : 4/5

Bonus recommendation :

For an even richer experience, listen to the audiobook narrated by David Suchet, who embodies Poirot perfectly. Just be prepared to have your mind blown and  mesmerized by this timeless masterpiece.

Fan of Agatha Christie? Find some more book reviews here

The Mysterious affair at Styles | Agatha Christie | Book Review

The Mirror Cracked from Side to Side | Agatha Christie | Book Review

Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot vs. Miss Marple: Who Is the Better Detective?

More detective stories for you

Traitors Gate by Jeffrey Archer- The William Warwick series | Book Review

Book Review : Good Girl Bad Girl by Ann Girdharry

Hot Stage | Anita Nair | Book Review

A Few Right Thinking Men | Sulari Gentill | Book Review

Book Review : Sherlock Holmes : Playing the Game

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.

Do you think our memory of past events remains unchanged throughout the years?

Are you a fan of whodunnit?

Dr. Preeti Chauhan

Homeopath & Lifestyle Blogger

Sharing honest, warm stories about health, homeopathy, food, parenting, and beauty. Based in India, writing from the heart since 2013.

21 responses to “One of Agatha Christie’s Most Underrated Books: A Review of Five Little Pigs”

  1. The title is interesting Preeti and I didn’t know such a book by Agatha Christie existed… not that I am a big fan but I used to read her once in a while back in the days. I also didn’t know that each pig in the three little pigs signified a characteristic… or maybe I’ve forgotten it over the years… but that’s quite interesting.

    To answer your ques… if I have a vivid memory of something… it doesn’t change… I remember it the same way all the time, otherwise it is not memory at all. However, it may have gotten embedded somewhere n if I have to surface it with some retrospection, chances are what i remember is still the same.

  2. I feel so guilty that I don’t remember any of Agatha Christie’s book. When I read Noor’s post, then I reprimanded myself. Now, your post brings the same reprimand. My revisit list is as long as my TBR List. But this goes on priority now. Considering my love for thrillers, I should have all the detectives in my head, but it isn’t so in reality.

  3. The review effectively captures the suspenseful nature of the plot, focusing on the unconventional approach Poirot takes to unraveling the truth behind the murder case. THANKS FOR SHARING THIS BOOK

  4. I’m intrigued by your take on “Five Little Pigs” and appreciate the blend of psychology and detective work in the story. As someone who also values the subtle intricacies of memory and truth, this novel seems like a perfect read. Your recommendation has certainly piqued my interest!

  5. You had me at, “Unlike Christie’s other works, the focus isn’t on the “whodunnit” aspect alone. It’s about piecing together the puzzle about what could really have happened through unreliable narratives, hidden agendas, and the passage of time.” In normal life too we all have such unique perspectives of looking at the same experience which I think must be wonderfully done in this book. As a thriller lover you have my vote of confidence with this wonderful review of the book and I’ll surely be checking this one out 

  6. I love reading good mystery & thriller books. Your detailed analysis of the plot, characters, and thematic depth has sparked my curiosity. I ‘m intrigued to pick this book now. Thanks for the insightful review!

  7. The plot of the book sounds extremely intriguing. I agree when you say it is underrated. I love suspense and would like to read this for sure. Thanks for such a wonderful review.

  8. Having read ‘And Then There Were None,’ I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of ‘Five Little Pigs’ as a refreshing twist on Christie’s usual formula. Your review beautifully captures the essence of ‘Five Little Pigs’ and why it stands out among Christie’s works. The exploration of memory, truth, and human nature adds such depth to the story, making it more than just a typical whodunnit.

  9. That is an interesting take on Five Little Pigs. It used to be one of my favorite rhymes, particularly the wee wee wee wee bit. I have the book on my audiobook bookshelf. After reading your review, I am going to give it a read for sure.

  10. What an intriguing review! “Five Little Pigs” seems like a unique Agatha Christie gem. I’ve read many of her books, but I’ve never heard of this one. Your insights into the unconventional approach and the connection to the nursery rhyme make me eager to explore this hidden treasure in her collection. Adding it to my must-read list.

  11. According to me our memory about past event not changed bas frequency getting little low.
    Regarding this Agusta book. I love to read her. I like all kinds of mystery and suspense book. Title is attractive and so it will be on my list

  12. This review adeptly encapsulates the gripping suspense of the plot, emphasizing Poirot’s unorthodox methods in uncovering the truth behind the murder case. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book. But when I read the name of the book something else came in my mind and that is really hilarious. These days my son is fond of a rhyme song ” 5 little monkey dancing on the bed” and the moment I read the title that song came to my mind 🙂

  13. How did I miss this one.. I now have FOMO. The plot is so intriguing and I love the way you’ve explained. Thanks for the audiobooks recommendation

  14. ohh, this one sounds interesting… i dont remember the last time i read an agatha christie… i think it is time to get back and start with this book.

  15. I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie and have almost read many of her books. Frankly speaking, I never heard about the book called ” Five Little Pigs,” and the name is very interesting. I would definitely check this out. Thanks for such a wonderful review.

  16. Another one I can recommend along these lines is “Cards on the Table”. I didn’t know David Suchet reads out the audiobooks – that’s definitely a big reason to try them out!

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