Hercule Poirot s Christmas is a detective novel by Agatha Christie first published in the UK by the Collins Crime Club on 19 December 1938 although the first edition is copyright dated 1939 It retailed at seven shillings and sixpence 7 6 It was published in US by Dodd Mead and Company in February 1939 under the title of Murder for Christmas This edition retailed at 2 00 A paperback edition in the US by Avon books in 1947 changed the title again to A Holiday for Murder The book features the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and is a locked room mystery < span>< p> The premise is a family reuniting for Christmas and they find the host of the gathering murdered in a private room Most reviews at the time of publication were positive referring to the brilliance of the whole conception and remarking that never has his [Poirot s] mighty brain functioned more brilliantly < span>< p> Here is a more detailed summary of the plot:< p> The story opens on Christmas Eve when Hercule Poirot is staying in the village of Styles St Mary He is invited to spend the holiday at Styles Court the home of Simeon Lee a wealthy man who has recently retired Lee is a difficult and unpleasant man and he has invited his four adult children and their spouses to Styles Court for the sole purpose of announcing that he is changing his will < p> The next morning Lee is found dead in his study his throat cut There is no sign of forced entry and no one seems to have a motive for the murder Poirot is called in to investigate and he soon discovers that the Lee family is full of secrets and resentments < p> As Poirot investigates he uncovers a web of lies and deceit He also learns that Lee was not the only person who had a reason to want him dead In the end Poirot is able to solve the mystery and identify the killer < p> Hercule Poirot s Christmas is a classic Agatha Christie mystery It is a well written and suspenseful story with a satisfying ending The book is also notable for its exploration of the themes of family revenge and redemption < p> Here are some additional details about the book:< p>