This is the fifth book Sophie Hannah has written featuring Agatha Christine's Hercule Poirot, although it is the first one I've read. It strikes a good balance of feeling genuinely like a Poirot mystery without trying too hard to recreate Christie's writing style. Poirot himself seems very true to the character, if perhaps a little too prone to endless repeats of his iconic phrase "little grey cells". 

For much of this book, it honestly felt like a five star read. I was hooked early on by the story and found myself not wanting to put the book down, which rarely happens when I'm reading murder mysteries. The writing style worked well for me, and I loved the first person narration by one of the main characters, Inspector Catchpool.  I believe he's an original character created by Hannah and I really liked him - his friendship with Poirot was a particular highlight, not to mention his relationship with his mother.   

The mystery itself is well done, with plenty of clues being laid. I suspected the identity of the murderer from early on but doubted myself constantly. 

My one issue with the book, which stopped it getting the perfect score, came very close to the end, and involved the way a particular character was written; unfortunately I can't really say more without spoilers. 

Overall this was a great book even if I wish the ending had been written a little differently. I will definitely be checking out more of Hannah's Poirot novels, especially if Catchpool is also featured.