A case of murder most Cork with latest Hercule Poirot set in Clonakilty

English crime writer Sophie Hannah tells Esther McCarthy why she decided to set the latest Hercule Poirot novel in Clonakilty

THE beautiful West Cork town of Clonakilty has long inspired artists and writers, and when Sophie Hannah visited a few years ago, she was hooked by its grand country houses and natural beauty.

The top UK novelist decided to set her current Hercule Poirot novel, Closed Casket, in the town, immortalising Clon in the greatly loved series. She even returned for the book’s launch.