This is an absolutely magnificent story. The characterization is excellent and the mysteries are perfectly Christie-like. I even had similar experiences with them as I did when reading the books, where with all my efforts at trying to think through every sentence, even whenever I'd spotted a thread leading to the correct resolution of the mystery, Poirot's explanation of everything would still leave me stumped at all these details that I'd never guessed.

You certainly interwove these different chapters into an overarching tale very well (and although I admit that I enjoyed the initial, one-chapter mysteries slightly better than the multi-chapter resolution, that was great too). And your afterword, as the story itself does, shows how great your knowledge of Poirot canon in all its shapes and forms is, and how this story fits into the life of the great detective as a very logical backstory. Well done.

Intriguing work, reminds me less of classic Agatha Christie, than of her "thriller"-style books. Despite the presence of Poirot and Hastings, this has a "They Came to Baghdad"-like feel (no wonder it was inspired by The Big Four, seeming almost parodic at times).

A simple but brilliant storyline that neatly captures everything that makes Poirot such a fascinating detective; excellent work.
With some fanfics not paying full attention to the deductive reasoning that made these characters so fascinating in the first place, it’s always refreshing to see someone put time and effort into writing a truly engaging storyline. While I slightly question the circumstances under which Poirot became aware of the Syndicate, you always came up with some fascinating cases for him to solve that nevertheless always managed to come across as very ‘Poirot-esque’ rather than just some other detective. I particularly admired your twist with the kidnapping case, giving Hastings a rare chance to shine under circumstances that managed to keep him in character while giving him a clue only he could crack with his unique knowledge of Poirot.
I was a bit uncertain about your choice of a ‘traitor’ in the Syndicate, but Poirot’s explanation of the reasoning behind that twist made sense, and you go on to explore a very neat method of defeating the organisation that expertly explores Poirot’s use of psychology to identify his enemies and undermine the suspects’ attempts to conceal the truth from him.
Plus, on a metafictional note, there’s something fundamentally chilling in reading about Poirot’s speculations about how he might one day be pushed to murder in the name of protecting the innocent, even as Hastings denies that Poirot would ever drug a man and shoot him while he’s unconscious, considering how ‘Curtain’ played out (albeit under vastly different circumstances than the situation that played out here).

I just read this story again and I wanted to say how much I enjoy it still. There are a bunch of books on my shelves (including one glaring ‘The Big Four’) that are upset with me for ditching papaerbacks for fan fiction. But your twisting plots and motivations never fail to delight so I’m back at it again. Thanks again for writing!

This is my favorite chapter so far. One thing that annoys me about Agatha Christie is how she appears to make Hastings repeatedly dumb and clueless; I like how here he’s smart enough to figure things out. Not alone, to be sure, but he is certainly essential in the rescue of his little friend.
C’est tres magnifique.

Veri n1c3vdkst0riW5

What a good story!Please write more.

Magnificent! Exactly the same can't-put-down-ness of the original stories.

After so much intrigue and danger, I wish that in your next story (hint-hint!) You place the little Belgian in a nice sunny park and with a basket full of delicious food by his side, if only before solving some bloody crime. He deserves it (While our good Hastings throws his beloved boats into the waters of a nearby lake ...)

Possible Spoiler
Not to mention the final chapters, with the house of Sergeant Landsdow and the decadent West Lodge Café. The oppressive and dirty environment can easily feel and contribute to our anxiety near the end.

In the case of chapter 3 "Absent Without Leave" the outside atmosphere is very vivid, with its noises (I would almost say with its beats of despair and haste), the commotion provoked by the passers-by and the proximity of the sea ... That chapter especially struck me, with its Trepidating outcome.

First: The Places: I was surprised with the episodes that take place around the house of Poirot. I think it had not been explored much earlier. The streets (lit or not), the parks, even some very sordid buildings. They "got me" in the "clima" immediately, because the descriptions were very good.

Susana-Susigolfin
Possible SPOILER!
Well, now it's time for a global analysis (maybe a vestige of my past profession as a language teacher ...): Places, Time, the Characters present (and absent), the similarities and the differences with the original of Agatha Christie ...

Sentences:
"Poirot cast a piteous look at me that was clearly meant to convey the most blameless of intentions" ji ji ji
"any natural desire to fly off the handle at him was abated" I don't blame you
"Answers would be helpful, if you do not mind!" Brevo Japp (poor chap!)
"Hercule Poirot, you see, thinks of everything." ... and you, my dear, too!
"Hercule Poirot carries on with his mustache and his radiators and his patent leather shoes" This is the best final sentence in any Poirot's story, really.

Soon I will try (humbly) to analyze this splendid fic in its general ideas ... (and I remind you that I hope you never stop write works like this)

Well, where do I start ?
I Dedicate the day of yesterday to read the outcome of this magnificent story. Great day for me I should not have been surprised by the quality, but it surprised me. You surpassed yourself.
The outcome is not only absolutely plausible in a work by Christie, but contains a lot of genuine emotion. All the questions are answered, although some make the poor Hastings!
* The dialogue between Poirot and Japp is brilliant, absolutely in character
* Do not shake your pen to describe very violent actions. Very good!
* It is always good to see working at Poirot Match-Maker (Casamentero) - "Celestino" we would say in Spanish.
* The farewell of the strong woman, who dares to start a new life and dreams of being happy. This is very canonical.