Book Review: And Then There Were None

Book Name: And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie

Publisher: Harper Collins

Genre: Murder Mystery

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie is a locked room murder mystery with a mix of strangers having diverse intellect and emotional balance to keep them intact as a team until the last soldier dies.

 

Review

The book starts with an epigraph that gives all the hints for readers to find the reasons behind the murders that take place in the book. The story is set on a deserted island called "Soldier Island" where ten strangers from diverse backgrounds, including a lawyer, an ex police officer, and a doctor, are lured to join a party with different reasons to spend leisure time for free in a vast property on this secluded island. Each individual received a letter as an invitation from Ownes, but as they arrived, they found the hosts were missing. It looked a little queer to them initially; later, they understood something was wrong with the place and setting when a gramophone played accusations against each one of them, taking them back to the nostalgic road of the incidents mentioned in that gramophone. They were not ready to take it up, some even did not agree with what was said about them. Will the strangers get along to solve the mystery, or will they be doomed on the secluded island? 

The characters are flawed, relatable, and vulnerable. Their emotions, stress, fear, and worry are well-portrayed, which will sound so real to readers. The acting of the characters who were involved in murder was so apt that readers would only know who the murderer was if they read the manuscript document at the end of the book. The background of the suspects is not in-depth. Readers might feel empathy with the characters who were accused of a crime they did not even commit deliberately or may have committed as part of their duty, yet they are all morally compromised individuals.

The author's writing style is intriguing and full of suspense. A closed circle or locked room mystery like this will allow readers to stay with the book till the end. At times, readers might get confused in their understanding of the characters and what the author is trying to portray as the killer was out on the loose throughout, leading to the murders one after another, without leaving any clues behind. The idea of using a nursery rhyme to give hints about the process of murder appeared interesting and noteworthy. Every time a murder happens, readers can look back and find the reason was the same as in rhyme. Also, to add depth, the clues were placed in every room and on the most commonly used place, the dining table, to allow characters in the book to alert and go into a panic state every time there is a matching hint from those clues.

The author delves into some serious themes while curating this piece of fast-paced murder mystery, more like a psychological thriller, such as condemnation, justice, guilt, and retribution. The vivid picture of the crime scene and setting will allow readers to feel the essence of the island and feel the breeze while reading the book.

This book is going to stay with readers long after they have turned the last page, as it will allow them to be a part of it by being detectives themselves, as the unfolding of the murders and investigation by police happens only after the murders come to an end with the last person ending her life. If you are looking for a cozy murder mystery to solve a puzzle by yourself, don't think twice, just pick this book.

Buy From Here: And Then There Were None

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025.