Agatha Christie has given in to conspiracy theories in ‘The Big Four,’ pitting Hercule Poirot against a cabal of four evil geniuses out to control the world. “These four are banded together to destroy the existing social order,” Poirot deduces, “and to replace it with an anarchy in which they would reign as dictators” (160). The brilliant French physicist has developed a world-busting weapon, thanks to the American’s unlimited wealth. The stereotypical “Chinamen” contributes his criminal mind. And Number Four? He is a master of disguises who can be anywhere without anyone noticing. The only obstacle to their world domination is the little Belgian. The first half of the book consists of numerous confusing plots designed to get him out of the way, all of which fail, of course. When Poirot proactively takes matters into his own hands, the book finally comes together. Poor Hastings is always a step behind Poirot’s little grey cells, and he ends up in perils as dire as Pauline’s, from which his partner always rescues him. There are several criminal lairs, many devious Chinese, and one Russian noblewoman duped by the Four. Nevertheless, Hastings remains ever-skeptical of the detective’s abilities: “Poirot’s vanity was of the case-hardened variety that could withstand all attacks,” he observes. “But I might have known it was impossible to diminish Hercule Poirot’s enthusiasm for his own methods” (189). Wade through the first half to get to the more cohesive and fun second half.