Five Little Pigs

In the world of mysteries and detective stories, few figures are as enduring or as beloved as Hercule Poirot, the masterful Belgian sleuth who’s consistently charmed readers and listeners worldwide with his wit, eccentricity, and shrewd deductions. In “Five Little Pigs”, we journey back into a 16-year-old murder case, all seen through Poirot’s astute perspective, with the exceptional narrative talent of Hugh Fraser adding an extra layer of allure to this classic detective tale.

This enigmatic tale kicks off when Poirot is approached by a young woman named Carla Lemarchant, who is desperate for him to revisit an old case involving her mother, Caroline Crale, who had been convicted for poisoning her husband, Amyas Crale, a famous painter. Caroline passed away in prison, and now, 16 years later, her daughter begs Poirot to uncover the truth she believes was buried all those years ago.

No written record, no living witnesses, no crime scene; Poirot must rely on the testimonies and memories of five individuals who were present on the day of the murder. As he delves into the depths of the past, these five little pigs, as Poirot dubs them, paint a complex and shadowed picture of the events leading up to Amyas’s untimely death.

First, we meet Elsa Greer, the fiery young woman who was sitting for a portrait and had, unrequitedly, fallen for Amyas. Then there’s Angela Warren, Caroline’s half-sister, who held a grudge over a childhood disfigurement caused by Caroline. Next is Philip Blake, a friend to Amyas who had always harbored a secret affection for Caroline. His brother, Meredith Blake, a quiet recluse and amateur chemist, also becomes one of the five, along with Cecilia Williams, the governess who was devoted to Angela.

Each one presents their version of events, each one casting a different shade on the canvas of the past, adding more complexity to Poirot’s task. But with his extraordinary knack for observation and deduction, Poirot begins to piece together a picture that had lain hidden for over a decade.

Hugh Fraser’s compelling voice takes us through this journey into the past, giving each character a unique flavor and persona. His delivery is engaging, drawing listeners into the story, guiding them through the labyrinth of secrets, lies, and emotions. Through his rich and varied tones, he gives each of the five individuals a distinct personality, reflecting their intricate involvement in the case. And Then There Were None and The Mysterious Affair at Styles also come back to the memory here because of the scenery.

“Five Little Pigs” is an enticing walk down the memory lane of crime, seen through the eyes of those who lived it. Poirot’s task is not an easy one; the truth is a slippery thing, easily lost amidst the passing of time. As listeners, we are privileged to witness the brilliance of one of the greatest fictional detectives as he navigates this complex case.