Other editions of book The Big Four: A Hercule Poirot Mystery

The structure of the book is different from that of most Christie novels in that The Big Four is a series of short cases involving the Big Four villains rather than the investigation of a single crime. This is due to the fact that it is derived from a series of linked short stories that first appeared in The Sketch magazine (see First publication of stories below) and which were amalgamated into one narrative.

'Li Chang Yen is the controlling force. I have designated him, therefore, as Number one. 'Number Two is represented by an "S" with two lines through it - the sign for a dollar; also two stripes and a star. 'Number Three is a woman, her nationality French. 'Number Four....." The voice faltered and broke. Some over-mastering terror seemed to be gaining the day; the features were distorted and twisted.... Four ruthless criminals seek world domination. Between them and their goal stands one man - the inimitable Hercule Poirot! The Big Four