After the Funeral Audiobook by Agatha Christie - A Hercule Poirot Mystery, Book 29

Summary

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of this captivating audiobook. Whether you’re an avid reader or a newcomer to the world of audiobooks, this unique listening experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and skilled narration, this audiobook transports you into a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seamlessly blur.

Audiobook Info

Author: Agatha Christie
Narrator: Stephen Thorne
Duration: 6 hours and 45 minutes
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: 2003-01-01

Review

When it comes to classic detective fiction, few names inspire such universal admiration as Agatha Christie – and “After the Funeral” is one of her most cunningly devised mysteries. From its very first moments, what sets this audiobook apart is not just Christie’s ingenious plotting but also Stephen Thorne’s commanding narration, which breathes atmospheric life into every suspenseful twist.

Let’s begin with Thorne’s performance: his delivery is nothing short of masterful. He captures Poirot’s Belgian precision with crisp articulation while offering distinct voices for each member of the suspicious Abernethie clan. The nuances he brings – whether channeling Cora Lansquenet’s nervous urgency or Mr. Entwhistle’s composed professionalism – ensure listeners never lose track in Christie’s notoriously intricate family dramas. His subtle shifts in tone draw out both tension and humor from Christie’s dialogue, making it easy for even newcomers to follow the labyrinthine web she weaves.

Turning our attention to the story itself: after Richard Abernethie’s death, what should have been a routine funeral quickly becomes mired in suspicion when his sister Cora shocks everyone by suggesting Richard was murdered – a suggestion that proves eerily prophetic when she herself falls victim soon after. Herein lies Christie at her best: she populates her narrative with possible motives galore and a cast so vividly drawn that everyone seems equally plausible as culprit or red herring.

The pacing offers time for careful reflection without ever stagnating; as Poirot methodically sifts through secrets old and new, listeners are given room to savor every clue – and misdirection – that makes guessing ahead such delicious fun. For those who worry about getting lost amidst too many characters (a common concern in large-family whodunits), rest assured: Thorne keeps personalities clear throughout his nuanced reading.

What truly elevates “After the Funeral” in audio form is how fully immersive it becomes – the brooding English manor setting feels tangible thanks to evocative descriptions paired with well-chosen intonation by Thorne at every ominous revelation or fleeting moment of levity.

Though some may find sections measured rather than brisk (as often found in Golden Age mysteries), patient listeners will be rewarded with one of Christie’s most rewarding denouements – a solution that lands perfectly between surprise and inevitability.

In sum: whether you’re revisiting Hercule Poirot or experiencing him for the first time, this production promises an absorbing ride full of clever puzzles and charismatic performances.

Download & Listen

If you crave tightly plotted mysteries brought vividly alive by outstanding narration, don’t miss “After the Funeral” on KTAudiobooks.com! Dive into Agatha Christie’s shrewd game of murder amid inheritance squabbles – with Stephen Thorne guiding your every step through shadowy motives and dazzling deductions. Download now for an unforgettable audio sleuthing adventure!

Status: Completed Version: Unabridged Genre: Historical Fiction, Literature & Fiction Author: Agatha Christie Narrator: Hugh Fraser Updated: 08/09/2025 Series: A Hercule Poirot Mystery Listening Time: 6 hrs and 55 mins