This is Christie’s first novel and it’s so good! Every character is interesting, and Poirot is so fun and unique. I love how much she pokes fun at the narrator - I laughed out loud several times and was reminded of Austen’s subtle humor. Christie definitely had a Hastings in her life, as do we all. 

I have to mention - there are several instances in the dialogue of period-typical racism. Because it’s always in dialogue it’s never clear if the author endorses it, although the (unreliable) narrator doesn’t give it a second thought. It’s possibly a commentary on rich and/or rural British attitudes of the time, but I can’t tell. Mostly antisemitic sentiments, as well as a mention of blackface. 

I’m excited to read more of Christie’s works. She’s definitely one of those authors who deserves the hype!