UK Features
Hercule Poirot's Sidekicks
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a sidekick as 'A person's assistant or close associate, especially one who has less authority than that person.' Hercule Poirot's sidekicks are legendary, occupying a special place in reader's hearts from 1920 up until the present day. We explore some of Poirot's best-known sidekicks from TV and literature, and recommend books to discover their unique personalities.
Captain Hastings
Hercule Poirot’s first, and most famous sidekick, Captain Hastings is a lifelong friend, confidant, chronicler and room mate throughout their lives. His lack of common sense compliments Poirot’s precision perfectly, and their friendship is a highlight for Christie fans.
Features in 8 Poirot novels, 21 short stories and 1 play
Read The Mysterious Affair at Styles
I admit, I said, that a second murder in a book often cheers things up.
Miss Lemon
Efficient, disciplined and direct, Miss Felicity Lemon is Poirot’s no-nonsense secretary. She dreams of one day creating the perfect filing system. She has no interest in crime fiction, preferring facts and order over frivolity.
Features in 4 Poirot novels and 4 short stories
Read Hickory Dickory Dock
Difficulties are made to be overcome
Ariadne Oliver
Christie’s opportunity for self satire, celebrated crime writer Ariadne Oliver uses her female intuition to assist Poirot. Prone to experimenting with her appearance, she is an impulsive character, and a disruptive force who helps the detective to reach a conclusion.
Features in 5 Poirot novels, and 1 standalone novel
Read Dead Man’s Folly
She was a lucky woman who had established a happy knack of writing what quite a lot of people wanted to read. Wonderful luck that was, Mrs. Oliver thought to herself.
Chief Inspector Japp
A diligent police officer with a grudging respect for Poirot’s superiority, Chief Inspector Japp appears in a variety of intriguing cases. He knows how to appeal to the Belgian Detective’s ego to ensure help with an important case.
Features in 8 novels and 7 short stories
Read Lord Edgware Dies
There was a moment’s stupefied silence. Japp, who was the least surprised of any of us, was the first to speak.
Edward Catchpool
The latest addition to Poirot’s side, a conscientious policeman who has plenty to learn from the great Detective. His mother is determined to marry him off, but he’s more interested in getting to the bottom of the latest mystery.
Features in 3 Sophie Hannah continuation novels
Read The Mystery of Three Quarters
I was touched by the Super’s quite unjustifiable confidence in my ability to alter the behaviour of my Belgian friend, and so, I sat quietly and nodded sympathetically as he gave vent to his dismay.
