Book Review- And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Here we are! Reviewing another classic and a mystery of utter master-class beyond all doubt.

‘And Then There Were None’ is a renowned work of mystery fiction and quite possibly the archetype for so many suspense horror media that followed since it was first published with the similar idea of an isolated island and strangers dying one by one.

But the magic of the original hasn’t yet faded away and likely won’t ever. The story is still platinum grade fiction and edge of the seat thriller with each chapter being as much of a reveal as it is a precursor to the impending mystery.

I won’t delve too much into the plot as it is already quite well-known at this time. But to give a framework, it is about ten strangers, each of whom is guilty of a terrible murder and is invited by some mysterious figure to an isolated island or one reason or the other. No person is actually aware of who their host actually is and neither did they know any of the others in the group. It is later found out that what ties them together is that each one of them was involved in a murder in some capacity, if not, directly causing it. They all were guilty but their crimes were such that they could not be punished under the provisions of law and hence a madman had now taken it upon himself to render justice.

One by one, each of the crimes unfold in quite a masterful manner. The group grows suspicious more and more as people reduce. They argue, they fight but cannot prevent the inevitable. And some great theatrical tricks add to the drama and tension like the disappearing china figures and the nursery rhyme in each of their rooms which somewhat dictates how each of them will die.

And the mystery goes on till the very last page of the novel. One keeps on guessing but ends being as confused as the inhabitants of the island. At the end it is extremely satisfying to finally uncover the true culprit and how they managed to do it all. Even the Scotland Yard is baffled!

The best thing about the novel is how it takes the simple premise to its conclusion so eloquently. The idea is original and fantastic but the story is never caught up too much in it. Despite having ten different main characters, the story perfectly manages to let the reader get adequately familiarised with them along the progression of the mystery.

It does start with too many names to remember and too many things to keep track off but soon you’ll find yourself invariably stuck inside the whole plot with as much palpable tension as of each of our diverse characters.

To sum it up, the novel is an exciting read. If you’re a person who wants to derive amusement out of the literary medium, look no further. This is a delight guaranteed!

So anyone looking for a short break from the mundane everyday life and wants to experience what true thrill is and what a book is capable of through the mystery genre, then Agatha Christie is your saviour.