Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is a classic detective novel by Agatha Christie that was first published in 1938. The story centers around the wealthy Simeon Lee, who invites his four estranged sons and their families to his estate for Christmas. However, what was supposed to be a festive holiday gathering turns into a gruesome murder investigation when Lee is found dead in his locked bedroom. Detective Hercule Poirot is called in to solve the case and unravel the mystery surrounding Lee’s death.

The story begins with Simeon Lee, a wealthy and controlling patriarch who has brought his family back together for Christmas after many years of estrangement. The family includes his three sons and their wives, as well as his granddaughter, Pilar, who has recently arrived from Spain. The family is immediately introduced as dysfunctional and full of tension, with each member having their own secrets and grudges against Simeon.

On Christmas Eve, after the family has gathered for dinner, Simeon is found murdered in his locked bedroom. The room has no other entrances or exits, and the only person with a key is Simeon himself. The family is immediately suspected of the murder, and Poirot is called in to investigate.

The investigation takes Poirot and the police through a complex web of secrets, lies, and motives. Each member of the family has a possible reason for wanting Simeon dead, and it is not clear who had the opportunity to commit the crime. Poirot’s investigation is complicated by the fact that everyone in the family has a different version of what happened on the night of the murder.

As the investigation progresses, Poirot discovers that there is more to the case than just a simple family feud. He finds evidence of a long-ago crime that links the family members together, and he must use all of his skills and ingenuity to solve the case.

One of the things that make this book stand out is the depth of the characters. Each member of the family is given a backstory and a distinct personality, which makes it all the more difficult to determine who the killer might be. Christie does an excellent job of portraying the tensions and conflicts within the family, and the reader is given a clear sense of why each member might have a motive to kill Simeon.

The writing is also excellent, with Christie’s signature style of clear and concise prose. The story is well-plotted and well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The clues are cleverly hidden, and the solution is satisfying and unexpected.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is a classic detective novel that delivers on all fronts. It has a great plot, engaging characters, and excellent writing. It is one of Agatha Christie’s best works, and a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. The book is highly recommended to fans of detective fiction, and it’s also a great introduction to the world of Hercule Poirot for those who are new to the series.