The only thing better than Masterpiece Classic is Masterpiece Mystery.

And this year has not disappointed.

David Suchet wowed with his final performances as Agatha Christie’s beloved Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot. He has played the role for the past twenty-five years, and has now starred in a television adaptation of every single Poirot case.

One can only hope that if there is ever an adaptation of The Monogram Murders, that he will once more don the iconic mustache and Poirot will live and breathe before us once more.

The Monogram Murders is the new Poirot mystery by Sophie Hannah. It’s on my Good Lord I Must Read This List, and I urge you all to pick up a copy at your local bookstore, but this summer I chose another Poirot tale for my perusal:

Death in the Clouds. This is the tale of a seemingly impossible murder that takes place midair during a routine Channel crossing. A woman is found dead in her seat, and everyone in the plane’s cabin is a suspect, except for dear Poirot of course. The only problem is, our beloved Belgian was asleep when the crime was committed! Poirot must put the pieces together without the aid of his own incomparable memory, and play a bit of match maker on the side, because he really can’t help himself.

I chose this book in particular because I recently rewatched the episode of “Doctor Who” called “The Unicorn and the Wasp,” where the Doctor and Donna help Agatha Christie solve a murder mystery. This book is featured at the end of the episode, when the Doctor explains to Donna that nothing is ever really forgotten, and that Dame Agatha certainly remembered their adventure, at least in her subconscious mind.

Masterpiece Mystery also recently concluded its mini-series “Breathless,” starring Jack Davenport. It was certainly well-acted, but rather too bleak for my tastes. Also on deck this fall season is another series of Inspector Lewis! It promises to be a good one.

Next time: Plans for the Return of the Halloween Blog! Have some fun ideas for this year.