And Then There Were None
aka
Ten Little Indians

Agatha Christie

Ten people are brought out to an isolated island mansion. Some are brought to work, others to join olds friends or a party. Except for the married couple who are the butler and cook, none of them know each other. Their ferry returns to the mainland. They gather for drinks. Then they hear The Voice. The Voice accuses each of them of killing or contributing to the death of another person.

They share their stories. The deaths discussed were accidents, the carriage of justice, suicides, or natural causes. Each claim innocence or justification. None are murderers. Yet The Voice (later discovered to be U.N. Owen, or Unknown) believes each of them are guilty. They just cannot be proven guilty in any court of law.

Then the first man dies by poisoning. Then the cook dies in her sleep. Another realizes none will leave the island alive, then is killed by a blow to the head. The remaining seven now also understand. They are each being killed off for their "crime". Although they search the whole island closely, there isn't anyone on the island but them. As more people die, the list of possible killers grows shorter - it has to be one of the survivors...

And Then There Were None is one of the novels that reminds us why Agatha Christie's mysteries are still popular today. The characters are well defined for the short scenario given. We don't need their complete histories, just how they act when under threat of being killed or of being a murderer. As the number of living dwindle, their suspicion and reactions are realistic and expected. Christie handles them well.

Since this book was written in the 1930's, there is little gore and no on scene violence. This is a psychological story more than a thriller novel. At the end, when the police discover the bodies, the mystery remains.

Who done it??? Read this excellent novel and find out for yourself. And Then There Were None is a classic mystery that stands the test of time.

Notice:  Non-graphic violence

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