Agatha Christie’s The Clocks toys with your perception of time, truth, and justice. Packed with intrigue, espionage, and a guest appearance by the legendary Hercule Poirot. This 1963 novel is one of Christie’s most intricate puzzles. But does it live up to her stellar reputation? Let us unravel this enigmatic tale.
The Clocks by Agatha Christie: The story and its intrigue
Agatha Christie introduces us to The Clocks through Sheila Webb, a stenographer sent on an assignment to a seemingly ordinary house at 19 Wilbraham Crescent. Ordinary? Not quite. Upon entering, she finds a corpse sprawled across the living room floor. As if this weren’t shocking enough, four clocks in the room all read 4:13, though Sheila recalls hearing a cuckoo clock strike three. Adding to the mystery, only one of the clocks belongs to the homeowner, Miss Pebmarsh—a blind woman who denies requesting Sheila’s services.
The local police, joined by Colin Lamb, a British intelligence operative investigating espionage in the area, are baffled. Enter Hercule Poirot, who is tasked with solving the case without visiting the scene. Poirot’s sharp mind and deductive prowess bring clarity to the convoluted series of events. But was it all worth it? Let us read deeper into the story’s characters, plot intricacies, and key elements.
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Who are the protagonists?
Sheila Webb: The reluctant witness
Sheila Webb serves as the story’s initial lens, unwittingly drawn into a murder mystery. Her character is well-developed, offering readers a mix of vulnerability and resolve. As the plot progresses, Sheila’s reactions and emotions feel authentic, grounding the increasingly complex narrative.
Colin Lamb: The spy-turned-detective
Colin Lamb provides a fresh perspective to Christie’s usual detective formula. As an intelligence operative, his dual focus on espionage and murder adds depth to the story. Colin’s subtle romantic interest in Sheila brings a touch of warmth, balancing the chilling mystery.
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What makes the plot unique?
Christie’s ability to juggle multiple storylines makes The Clocks stand out. The plot is not just about murder—it intertwines espionage, time manipulation, and psychological tension. These layers, while ambitious, occasionally stretch the story too thin, leaving readers grappling with unresolved elements.
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The mystery of the clocks
The titular clocks play a pivotal role, serving as both a literal and symbolic anchor. Their mismatched times—4:13 across four clocks despite Sheila hearing a cuckoo strike at 3 PM—create an unsettling atmosphere. The clocks become a metaphor for the fractured truth of the case, adding a cerebral element to the narrative.
Espionage and murder
The espionage subplot feels almost like a separate story, running parallel to the murder investigation. While it adds intrigue, it sometimes detracts from the central mystery, leaving readers wishing for tighter integration.
How does Poirot make his entrance?
Hercule Poirot appears relatively late in The Clocks. He has a limited role, his presence a request by Lamb, who surprisingly cant solve the mystery himself being a seasoned intelligence man. Tasked with solving the case remotely, Poirot uses his intellectual brilliance to piece together the puzzle. His conclusion is classic Christie—unexpected yet entirely logical.
Poirot’s cameo reminds readers of his unparalleled expertise, but it also highlights the story’s imbalance. Fans who pick up the book expecting a Poirot-centric plot may be left wanting more.
What is with the Clocks?
The clocks are both a red herring and a clue. Their precise placement and timing create an air of deliberate manipulation, yet their true significance isn’t revealed until the very end. This delayed payoff can be both satisfying and frustrating, depending on the reader’s patience.
Christie’s genius and the gaps: Does it work?
Agatha Christie’s ability to misdirect readers is on full display in The Clocks. The plot twists and revelations are well handled. However, the story suffers from an overreliance on coincidences and a somewhat clunky integration of its espionage subplot. Everyone in the end turn out to be related to everybody. Too many coincidences to even sound believable.While these flaws ruin the experience somewhat, they also prevent the book from reaching the heights of Christie’s best work.
What are some famous quotes from the book?
How does this compare to other Poirot stories?
Poirot’s role in The Clocks is atypical. Unlike Murder on the Orient Express or Death on the Nile, where he takes centre stage, here Poirot is more of an intellectual advisor. This shift may intrigue some readers but disappoint those who love his hands-on approach.
Five must-read Christie classics for 2025
For fans looking to explore more of Christie’s brilliance, here are five recommendations:
- The Murder of Roger AckroydA genre-defining classic with a twist that will leave you speechless.
- Murder on the Orient ExpressA snowbound train, a dozen suspects, and Poirot at his analytical best.
- And Then There Were NoneA standalone masterpiece that keeps you guessing until the final page.
- The A.B.C. MurdersA chillingly methodical serial killer pits their wits against Poirot.
- A Murder is AnnouncedMiss Marple investigates a bizarre murder in a quaint English village.
The publisher and other details
- Paperback: 250 pages
- Fiction - Crime
- Publisher: Harper Collins
- Publishing Year: 1963
Where does The Clocks fall short?
Despite its strengths, The Clocks has notable weaknesses. The overuse of coincidences makes parts of the plot feel contrived. The espionage subplot, while intriguing, detracts from the murder mystery, leaving some threads unresolved. Additionally, Poirot’s limited role may disappoint readers seeking his usual prominence.
Should you read The Clocks?
The Clocks is a compelling but flawed novel. Its unique premise and suspenseful narrative make it worth reading, especially for seasoned Christie fans. However, newcomers might be better off starting with her more polished works. If you enjoy intricate puzzles and don’t mind some loose ends, The Clocks will keep you entertained.
Engage with the mystery: A note for readers
Have you read The Clocks? Do you think the clocks were a brilliant clue or an unnecessary distraction? Share your thoughts below and let me know your current reads!
FAQs about The Clocks
- What is the significance of the clocks in the story?The clocks serve as a central clue, symbolising the fragmented truth of the case.
- Is Poirot the main character in The Clocks?No, Poirot has a supporting role, offering his expertise remotely.
- What genre is The Clocks?It’s a blend of crime, mystery, and espionage.
- Is this book suitable for first-time Agatha Christie readers?While intriguing, it’s not her strongest work. New readers might prefer Murder on the Orient Express or The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
- Are there any adaptations of The Clocks?Yes, the book has inspired TV adaptations, including an episode in Agatha Christie’s Poirot series.
Tushar Mangl writes on books, investments, business, mental health, food, Vastu, leisure, and a greener, better society. Speaker, author of Ardika and I Will Do It.
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