This is the thirteenth Hercule Poirot full length novel first published in 1936. In some way this murder mystery reminded me of "Death in the Clouds" that was published a year earlier. The number of suspects are all known and were in the same room as the murdered victim. This was the same in Death in the Clouds where all the suspects were in the same airplane cabin as the murdered victim. There were not enough clues in this mystery for the reader to arrive at the same conclusion as Poirot. There was no Captain Hastings to help the reader flush out facts from fiction. Nevertheless, the story was entertaining. This mystery introduced Mrs. Oliver and Superintendent Battle, two characters that will in later Agatha Christie novels.

Agatha Christie's "Cards on the Table" centers on a very intriguing and promising plot-line that is consistently entertaining, however the plot-line falters heavily in the third act which leaves the reader with a mixed bag of results in a bitter sweet ending. Getting to know the characters in the book is one of the best parts of the novel as Christie places a very high emphasis on getting to know each of the main suspects in the case. Christie gives the reader ample time with each suspect which greatly helps to flesh out motivations and movements before, during, and after the murder. This entry in the Poirot series is also the first appearance for the hardened sleuth Superintendent Battle who provides a great character contrast and partner for Poirot. Also introduced for the first time is the murder mystery book writer Mrs. Oliver, who Christie uses to poke fun at herself throughout the novel. These characters help bring the plot to great heights in the first and second acts which keeps the pages turning and the reader guessing. However by the third act there is a lot of head scratching moments towards the end that detract from an otherwise highly enjoyable read. Overall "Cards on the Table" is not one of Christie's best works especially when compared to her earlier superior novels in the Poirot series. While this does not represent one of her best showings, this is still an engaging and fun read that will be appreciated by Poirot series fans.

I love Agatha Christie's books. Like my comment if u agree

Agatha Christie never fails to blow my mind. With not one, but two major plot twists occurring in this novel, I was left in a whirlwind as the person I was convinced was the murder got debunked and debunked and further debunked. It was insane, and left me with a feeling of awe as to how it seemingly was easy to string me along and mess with my head. A great murder mystery, with some simple yet complex characters, and our favorite private detective Hercule Poirot leading the charge on solving such an impossible puzzle that begins with no clues whatsoever to go on.
Christie truly is the queen of murder.

Great short story.

It was amazing, she made us think the murderer was one person but it turned out to be the complete opposite. I would totally recommend this book.

The unpleasant and Mephistophelian Mr. Shaitana has invited Hercule Poirot to a dinner for the purpose of showing off his "collection" of four murderers who have committed the perfect crime - they have all gotten away with murder. When Hercule arrives at the dinner party, he finds that Scotland Yard's Superintendent Battle, mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver, and Secret Service agent Colonel Race have also been invited.

During an after dinner game of bridge, Mr. Shaitana is murdered. There are only four others who could have performed the crime. Hercule Poirot uses his wits to discover the murderer - with the help of the bridge score.

This is a typical Agatha Christie. Easy to read, entertaining, and a nice way to fill in some hours.

I just simply adore the Hercule Poirot series!

Another solid, enjoyable Poirot, but the TV Poirot's are more enjoyable.

This is the first Agatha Crhistie novel that I have read that involves a game of bridge and Hercule P. going up against a gorup of suspects - a very good read, took the time to read and totally enjoy the book and the mystery, and yes i did guess the ending and the one who did the murder !