As of July 2023, 'Hallowe'en Party' was one of the relatively recent Poirot novels. It features Poirot's brilliant detective skills as he investigates a murder that occurs during a Hallowe'en party. The story is filled with Christie's signature twists and turns, and Poirot has to sift through the various alibis and motives of the characters present at the party.
There's Captain Hastings. He is Poirot's friend and often assists him in his investigations. Hastings is a bit of a bumbling but loyal character. Another is Inspector Japp, a police inspector who sometimes works with Poirot. He represents the more traditional police approach to solving crimes.
That's a tricky one. I don't have an immediate number off the top of my head. It could vary depending on the specific storylines and circumstances in each novel.
The significance of Poirot's first novel lies in introducing the character of Hercule Poirot. It sets the foundation for his unique detective style, with his little grey cells and fastidious mannerisms. This first novel also gives readers a taste of the complex mysteries he will solve in subsequent stories.
The order of Poirot novels can be a bit complex as Agatha Christie wrote many. Some of the early and well - known ones include 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles'. Generally, they were published over a span of several decades, starting from the 1920s. However, different editions and collections may group them in various ways, but a chronological reading can give you a good sense of the development of Poirot as a character.
To be precise, there are around 33 Poirot novels. Agatha Christie's creation of Poirot has left a lasting impression on the literary world with this collection of intriguing tales.
In most cases, it is okay to reference Poirot in novels. It can bring a familiar element to the story and attract readers who are fans of Poirot. Just be careful to use the reference appropriately and not rely on it too heavily to carry the plot.