Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

Please find the discussion questions for our June 2023 pick, Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie below! I’d love to hear what you thought of the book.

• You can the ongoing book club discussions in the Facebook group here.
• You can order your copy of the book here or you can buy all three of our quarter 2 book club picks (at a discounted rate!) here.

QUESTION 1

Was this your first Agatha Christie? For those of you who’ve read a number of her books, do you have a favourite? Do you prefer Poirot or Miss Marple?

QUESTION 2

The character of Hercule Poirot has appeared in 33 novels, 2 plays and 55 short stories and appeared on radio, tv, and in film. What do you think of the character? Why do you think he has become such a well-known and popular literary figure?

QUESTION 3

When reading a whodunnit, do you find yourself trying to guess what is going on or do you prefer just to sit back and watch the story unfold?

QUESTION 4

This book has quite a large cast of characters. Why do you think that is? Did you ever struggle to keep them all straight?

QUESTION 5

Did you correctly deduce anything alongside Poirot? Did you pick up on any of the clues?

QUESTION 6

Did you guess the killer? Do you think Agatha Christie was more interested in concealing their identity and motive or their method?

QUESTION 7

What did you think of the ending of the novel? Were you satisfied with how everything was wrapped up? Was there anything you wish had been handled differently?

QUESTION 8

Death on the Nile was first published in 1937. What do you think it is about Agatha Christie’s novels that have made them so enduringly popular and beloved?

QUESTION 9

There have been a number of adaptions made of the Death of the Nile, including series 9 of the television series Agatha Christie’s Poirot (with David Suchet as Poirot), a 1978 film (starring Peter Ustinov) and the more recent 2022 film (starring Kenneth Branagh). Have you seen any of them? Which do you think is the best adaptation of the book and who do you think makes the best Poirot?

QUESTION 10

Many crime authors list Agatha Christie as a source of inspiration. Can you think of any authors or books that particularly remind you of her works or style?