Reviewed by Leigha on
Finally read my first Christie novel (and one of the titles on this year’s Beat the Backlist). Yay, me! I’m happy to report this classic lives up to the test of time. It’s a quick, short read focused on the slow psychological unraveling of ten strangers as their past transgressions come to life. With a haunting and atmospheric setting, it kept me on the edge of seat until the very end.
The point-of-view jumps between all the characters, but I’d say the most time is spent in Vera Claythorne’s head. It was fascinating watching each of the characters coming to terms with their fate (as well as the past that lead them to this point). I do think the ending could have been handled differently. The 2015 mini-series adaptation’s ending is impactful in a way the book’s ending is not.
tl;dr A classic mystery thriller living up to the test of time with memorable characters and a surprising plot twist.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 11 August, 2019: Finished reading
- 11 August, 2019: Reviewed