🕵️♂️ Book Review: The Adventure of the Dartmoor Bungalow: A Hercule Poirot Mystery by Agatha Christie (Kindle Edition)
A brisk, atmospheric short story that blends espionage, murder, and deduction—this early Poirot tale offers a glimpse into the larger conspiracy of “The Big Four” with Christie’s signature flair.
🧠 Overview
Originally published in The Sketch magazine in 1924, The Adventure of the Dartmoor Bungalow is part of a serialized arc that later became the novel The Big Four. This 15-page Kindle edition, released by Andura Publishing in 2019, features Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings as they investigate a mysterious death linked to an international criminal organization.
The story is set in Dartmoor, a moody and remote region that adds a gothic touch to the unfolding mystery. Poirot’s methodical brilliance is on full display as he pieces together clues involving secret societies, coded messages, and a murdered seafarer.
🔍 Plot Snapshot
- 📜 Poirot receives a tip from John Ingles, an expert on Chinese secret societies, about a man named Jonathan Whalley who fears for his life
- 🏚️ The trio travels to Dartmoor, only to find Whalley murdered in a secluded bungalow
- 🧠 Poirot deduces that the crime is linked to Li Chang Yen, the shadowy mastermind behind “The Big Four”
- 🕵️♂️ The story sets the stage for a larger battle against a global conspiracy
“Poirot consults an expert on Chinese secret societies for information on the Big Four… They hurry to Dartmoor where the letter-writer lives but are too late.” — Agatha Christie Wiki
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.15/5 from over 250 readers
- 📖 Readers enjoy the story’s tight pacing, classic deduction, and early glimpse into Poirot’s global adversaries
- 🧾 Some note that it’s best appreciated as part of the Big Four arc rather than a standalone mystery
- 💬 “A short but intriguing tale that hints at a much larger game. Poirot is as sharp as ever.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 15 pages, it’s a quick read with limited character development
- 📚 Serialized origin: Originally part of a magazine series, later adapted into chapters of The Big Four
- 🧾 Best read in context: Works well when paired with other stories in the “Big Four” sequence
🏁 Final Verdict
The Adventure of the Dartmoor Bungalow is a compact and compelling mystery that showcases Poirot’s intellect against the backdrop of international intrigue. While brief, it’s a satisfying piece of Christie’s serialized storytelling and a must-read for fans exploring the deeper layers of the Big Four saga.