The ABC Murders

In what way is the ABC Murders a story of the search for domestic harmony?

Consider the various women in the novel. How is the character of Megan Barnard distinct from her sister and from Thora Grey?

Consider the role of psychology in the text, and what modern readers would now call criminal profiling. Does Poirot’s resolution of the case depend on psychology or on logic?

How does Poirot’s success in the case vindicate the value of older people in a world that prizes youth?

In what ways is Cust a sympathetic, even pitiable character, even before It is clear to the reader that he is innocent?

Though she is present only briefly, Lady Clarke makes key contributions to the case. What does this suggest about the role of women in society, and Christie’s views on marriage and class?

How are Inspector Crome and Hastings alike in their attitude toward crime even though they have different relationships to Poirot?

How does Franklin Clarke attempt to conceal his complicity from Poirot and the others, beyond the initial effort to frame Cust?