Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Agatha Christie Challenge --- And Then There Were None


First there were ten-a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island of the coast of Devon. Their host, and eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal-and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. And only the dead are above suspicion.

This has always been my favorite Agatha Christie mystery for as long as I can remember and this time was no exception. It has everything a mystery should have, a complex plot that is almost impossible to figure out until the end, characters that you can never decided if you like them or not, and a brilliant concept that is expertly executed.

The only other thing I want to say about the book, other than it's brilliant, it that despite myself I found myself rooting for two of the characters, Lombard and Vera. I want them to have a happy ending regardless of what actually happens in the book.

I know this one is not in publishing order and it will be the only one I read out of order. It really doesn't matter because it is a stand alone novel that features none of the reoccurring characters. We read it for the Barnes & Noble Bookclub Literature by Women and it was nice to hear what others thought of the book.

6 comments:

Krista said...

Thanks for recommending this book to me 'cause I loved it! Great review, Ryan!!

Anonymous said...

I love this one, too.

Tracy Letts said...

I have never read this, and have had Agatha Christie suggested, since I don't usually read mysteries. Your review has me wanting to read this, especially since you said it has a complex plot that is hard to figure out. I'll be adding this to my TBR pile!

Beth said...

Ooh! This is one of my favs! I must relisten to it as it has been a couple years.

Thanks for the great review!

The Cozy Mystery Journal said...

I love love this one. I think I've re-read this one the most, and its definitely in my top five :)

Great review :)

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

I am still Agatha Christie free... I really need to read something of hers and this one looks fantastic!