And Then There Were None By Agatha Christie

Description

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is largely considered one of the best mystery novels ever written. It is a wonderfully crafted psychological thriller that has kept readers interested for more than eight decades.  Christie’s clever storyline and dark setting make for a disturbing story of justice, guilt, and survival that is just as interesting now as it was when it came out in 1939.

Ten people from all walks of life get unusual invitations to Soldier Island, a private estate off the coast of Devon, England. This is where the narrative starts.  Each attendee has a secret past and doesn’t know anyone else at the party.  The visitors are a retired judge, a doctor, a governess, a military general, a police officer, and others. They were all meticulously chosen by the mysterious host known only as “U.N. Owen.”

When they get there, they can’t find their host, but they do find a phonograph recording that accuses each of them of committing terrible crimes—murders they have gotten away with or avoided punishment for.  As the visitors face their own guilt and start to distrust each other, the mood quickly changes from inquisitive anticipation to anxious paranoia.

Soon after, the guests start to die one by one in ways that are strikingly similar to the creepy nursery rhyme “Ten Little Soldiers” that is presented in every room.  As each person dies, the figure on the rhyme’s plaque fades, making the events seem even more inevitable.  Fear grows, relationships break down, and the survivors conclude that the killer must be among them when they are stuck on the island with no way to get away.

Agatha Christie is a great storyteller because she plots her stories well and keeps readers guessing.  She expertly drops hints, throws in red herrings, and looks at how the characters’ minds break down when they are under a lot of stress.  The book looks into what justice and morality are and asks if the characters deserve their destinies and what happens when the law can’t get to them.

The lonely island becomes a character in its own right, with its dark cliffs and turbulent seas reflecting the growing tension and feeling of being trapped.  Christie’s writing is clear and exciting, and it keeps a steady pace that draws readers further into the mystery while slowly revealing the darkest parts of human nature.

And Then There Were None is known as a classic whodunit, but it is also a deep look at guilt, terror, and revenge.  The stories of each character show how they lied, regretted, and dealt with the effects of their past sins.  As the survivors get fewer, Christie goes into the psychological anguish of knowing that you will be judged, both by others and by yourself.

The surprising and rewarding ending of the book makes it a classic that will never go out of style.  There are many adaptations and works that were inspired by it, so enthusiasts of mystery, suspense, and classic literature must read it.

About the Author

Agatha Christie, known as the “Queen of Crime,” is one of the best-selling authors in history. Creator of iconic detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Christie’s prolific career includes over 60 detective novels, numerous short stories, and plays. Her mastery of plot twists, suspense, and character development has made her works timeless classics worldwide.

Product Details

• Title: And Then There Were None

• Author: Agatha Christie

• ISBN-13: 9780008123208

• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

• Published: 2015 (this edition)

• Pages: 272

• Binding: Paperback