New ‘Poirot’ novel authorized by Christie estate

FUN FACTS

Years since introduced: Agatha Christie’s first novel with Hercule Poirot was “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” in 1920 — 93 years ago.

Return from the dead: Christie killed off Poirot in 1974 in “Curtain.”

Books sold: Christie, who died in 1976, has sold more than 2 billion books, which have been adapted for stage, television and film.

The novel: Will be the 34th full-length book in the Poirot series, due out next September.

It’s been 39 years since a novel about the fastidious little Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, hit book shelves. But fans can breathe a sigh of relief as he will be back in a new adventure to be written by international bestseller Sophie Hannah. The mystery, authorized by the Agatha Christie estate, will be published by William Morrow, a part of Harper Collins. Christie first introduced the manicured Mssr. Poirot in her novel “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” in 1920. His last hurrah came in “Curtain,” published in 1974.

In the meantime, you can get your Poirot kicks by checking out the newly remastered and restored “Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Series 9,” due on Blu-ray and DVD today, starring the marvelous David Suchet. Suchet has finished filming Series 13 and now has the distinction of starring in all of Christie’s “Poirot” tales. The final series of five episodes will air in the U.S. next year.