This is not the first time that Hercule Poirot has received a letter from a woman who fears that her life is in danger, but what makes it strange is that the letter was written some two months before it was sent! The mystery deepens when Poirot goes to see the lady, and finds out that she died one month after the letter was written, and one month before it was sent. It seems that Emily Arundell was a rich lady, who was surrounding by greedy, grasping relatives who wanted her money. Finally, she disinherited the lot, and left her fortune to her companion Miss Lawson. Just who wanted Emily Arundell dead? It is up to the great detective to unravel this mystery!

This wonderful little book was first published in the United Kingdom in 1937 under the title, Dumb Witness - later that same year it was published in the United States it was published under the title, Poirot Loses a Client - I don't know why. As with all of the Dame Christie's Hercule Poirot stories, this one is excellent. I enjoyed the deep mystery - I must admit that I did not get who did it until the end of the book, although I did pick up on the one clue (no spoiler here!).

So, let me just say that if you like a good mystery, then you will love this book. It really shows off why Agatha Christie is considered to be the queen of the murder mystery!

If you are a dog lover, you will especially enjoy this novel, which features the canine "Bob" (the dumb witness?). I guessed certain aspects of the mystery but not the murderer. Having said that, I've only ever guessed whodunit in one of Christie's novels so far, that being "A Murder is Announced." "Dumb Witness" is really quite humorous, with Hastings playing the admiring Watson and Hercule Poirot at his most colorful. If you are a Christie fan, "Dumb Witness" will not disappoint.

The 'silent witness' in this case is Miss Emily, not Bob; he couldn't speak in court. Agatha Christie dedicated this book to her most faithful friend and dearest companion. This book was also titled "Poirot Loses a Client", misleading since Emily did not personally talk to Poirot.
The death of Miss Emily Arundell was not a surprise, she had been in delicate health. Chapter 1 tells of the events in the preceding weeks. Emily's nieces and nephew came for a visit. One asked for a loan, but Emily refused. Do old people know what it is to live? These young ones have run through their inheritance. [Why do those who squander money think they know better than those who save money? Is it just a psychological problem?] Charles shows his personality at the bureau drawer (Chapter 2). The children of the wealthy are unhappy in their work. What if they inherited a large sum of money? [Does an elderly relative with money attract relations like chum attracts sharks?] At night Emily stumbled and fell down the staircase (Chapter 3). How could this happen? A few days later Emily wrote a letter to Hercule Poirot (Chapter 4). Emily asked Poirot for his counsel on her condition. But it didn't go out until 2 months after Emily's death (Chapter 5)!

Poirot and Hastings visit and learn of Emily's will: her companion Miss Lawson inherited the house and the fortune. Nothing for her relatives! Posing as a buyer, Poirot pumps the servant to learn all about Miss Emily's last years and the people who visited her (Chapter 8). Poirot learns something about the stairs where Emily fell (Chapter 9). [Note the cover stories used by Poirot to gather information.] The interview with Miss Peabody provides background information on the Arundell family (Chapter 10). Poirot believes nothing unless it can be corroborated (Chapter 12). Poirot interviews Theresa and Charles (Chapters 13, 14). In Chapter 15 Poirot speaks with Miss Lawson. Poirot interviews Bella and her husband Dr. Tanios (Chapters 16, 17). Then Poirot reviews the statements (Chapter 18).

Poirot visits the lawyer (Chapter 19), then revisits the Littlegreen House. Poirot learns something from the gardener (Chapter 20). In spite of the medical opinion Poirot is sure Emily was murdered (Chapter 22). There is a crisis in Chapter 23. [Did you catch the clue in Chapter 24?] Can a person die of a genuine disease that was artificially induced (Chapter 25)? The pace and drama speed up in Chapter 26. A telephone call brings surprising bad news (Chapter 28). All the people involved in the case were assembled at Littlegreen House (Chapter 29). Poirot goes over the events and eliminates the suspects until the guilty is named. People who always want what they can't get are miserable.
The idea of receiving a message from the dead was used in John Le Carre's first novels.

I am a Poirot fan, so I enjoyed this mystery as I expected. The little dog in the story is precious and adds a new element to the plot. I don't remember an animal being featured this way in another Christie book. While I was reading, I kept thinking that the plot reminded me of another Christie book but couldn't remember which one. I thought I had guessed the killer but I was wrong. Which makes me like it more!

Typical Agatha Christie novel. "Typical" here meaning classic. This book is definitely a page-turner, with many great characters as well as great clues and a great setting. Highly recommended. Mysteries don't get much better than this.

More tripe from the queen of tripe.