And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None is one of my most favorite novels. I have read it countless times and every time it's like reading it for the first time. Although I haven't read any of Christie's other novels, but I can only imagine they are just as thrilling. For me, this book has everything that a mystery needs.

(Source: Kelsey Darling)

A Dossier of Sorts

Ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island, all under false pretenses: Mr. Justice Wargrave, Vera Claythorne, Captain Phillip Lombard, Emily Brent, General Macarthur, Dr. Armstrong, Tony Marston, and Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. Although they all seem like ordinary people, they aren't a bunch you would normally see together. 

(Source: Google)

On the first night, a record begins to mysteriously play, accusing each of them of murder. Instantly, panic ensues between the group of strangers. The group begins to discuss the reasons they have all come to the island; none of the reasons are the same; however, they are all signed U.N. Owen, or Unknown. They all look at each other accusingly as they plead their innocence of the crimes the voice has accused them of, that is until Marston takes a drink of whiskey and falls to the floor dead.

(Source: Giphy)

Throughout the course of the weekend, slowly but surely, the rest of our party is killed, and all deaths follow the theme of the "Ten Little Soldier Boys" nursery rhyme. They have searched the house and the island; they know that they are the only people on the island. Each person has been searched, along with their rooms. There are absolutely no clues to who is behind these gruesome murders. Sadly, none of them will get any answers, or off the island.

(Source: Google)

How to Get Away With Murder

• In every single mystery/thriller/suspense novel or movie, I have always been able to figure out who the bad guy is. This book keeps you guessing until you read the letter the murderer has written confessing their story and motives.

• The "Ten Little Soldier Boys" poem has totally ruined nursery rhymes for me. 

"Ten little soldier boys went out to dine;

One choked his little self and then there were nine.

Nine little soldier boys sat up very late;

One overslept himself and then there were eight.

Eight little soldier boys travelling in Devon;

One said he'd stay there and then there were seven.

Seven little soldier boys chopping up sticks;

One chopped himself in halves and then there were six.

Six little soldier boys playing with a hive;

A bumblebee stung one and then there were five.

Five little soldier boys going in for law;

One got in Chancery and then there were four.

Four little soldier boys going out to sea;

A red herring swallowed one and then there were three.

Three little soldier boys walking in the Zoo;

A big bear hugged one and then there were two.

Two little soldier boys sitting in the sun;

One got frizzled up and then there were was one.

One little soldier boy left all alone;

He went and hanged himself

And then there were non." (pp. 28-29)

• This book definitely shows you a different side of people. Not only do you learn that all of these people had a hand in someone's death, although of varying degrees, it also shows you how people behave when trapped.
• This book is a total mind-bender. Every time you think you know who it is, they are killed. Every time you think there has to be someone else on the island, they do a search of it and prove you wrong. 

(Source: Giphy)

I've always loved re-reading this book. Other books I re-read for the feelings it gave me; I re-read this book for the mystery. Every time I pick it up, I find a clue I didn't notice last time. My copy of the book is very well loved; the spine torn and cover curling, the pages soften from multiple uses, the smell of a book that has trapped a memory of previous readings. This book is perfect.

Rating: 10/10

Genres: Mystery, Classics, Fiction