And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie // BOOK REVIEW

Book: And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: First, there were ten—a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a little private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an 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. A famous nursery rhyme is framed and hung in every room of the mansion:

"Ten little boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine. Nine little boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight. Eight little boys traveling in Devon; One said he'd stay there then there were seven. Seven little boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in half and then there were six. Six little boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then there were five. Five little boys going in for law; One got in Chancery and then there were four. Four little boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three. Three little boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two. Two little boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was one. One little boy left all alone; He went out and hanged himself and then there were none."

When they realize that murders are occurring as described in the rhyme, terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion.

What I think about it…

It was just okay.

I was expecting more from this book because I’ve seen all those five stars and good reviews.

The Characters

I didn’t feel anything for them. I feel like I was not engaged in this book as I thought I would be. They are all detestable in their own ways.

The Story

At first I was trying to look for clues and trying to keep up with the story but then I thought that the author didn’t really drop any clues for the readers to know what’s really happening. The confession in the end - the supposedly surprise ending - didn’t surprise me at all because I was already expecting that that’s gonna happen – that someone, most probably the killer, will act as if he was murdered so as not to raise any suspicions from the other guests. What I didn’t guess is who the killer is. But when the killer’s identity was revealed, I didn’t even raise an eyebrow because I actually didn’t care at all.

My Verdict

Fast-paced and quick read and I kinda liked how it was written. I like quick reads but I think the downside is I was not focused and engaged with fast-paced books like this. I mean, okay, I hate slow books but this one is like mega super fast that I didn’t know it was the end until I’m in the About Agatha Christie part.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆