And Then There Were None
And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
Ten complete strangers are left on a rural island, each invited there by a mysterious benefactor who has yet to make an appearance. After their first night, a recording found on the island reveals each of these individuals is hiding dark secrets from their past. As the record accuses each of them of murder, they begin to suspect one another of having far more sinister motives. These are not the only mysterious occurrences on the island. Ten Little Indians, a seemingly innocent lullaby, has become the only clue to how each member of the party has or will meet their end. The New York Times calls Christie the Grand Dame of Mystery and with good reason. While Christie’s characters are trivial, the plot keeps readers hooked until the final page. As with all of her prior works the conclusion is a surprise.
In, And Then There Were None, Christie questions the judicial system and challenges readers to think of various crimes ordinary people have committed. While maintaining the key element of surprise, the conclusion is sure to leave readers wanting more.