And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
And Then There Were None is a classic for a reason. There’s a reason it’s emulated so frequently in the Mystery genre to this day. It’s not just inspiring and intriguing though, it’s also a hell of a lot of fun.
This is my 2nd-time reading this novel, but the last time I was just a kid. I remember be a little scared by it. The thought of being trapped on island with no escape and there being a killer taking out guests one-by-one. Even the incorporation of the nursery rhyme makes it extra eerie.
The events on Soldier Island that result in the deaths of 10 people are well-plotted and extremely clever. Sure, And Then There Were None-style stories are a dime a dozen nowadays, but at this time, I imagine this stood out as a fresh and clever take on the genre.
I love the final section, The Manuscript Document, which is basically where the magician reveals all of their tricks in case you missed any. It’s here when they mention how the island guests were under prolonged mental strain and fear over the course of this story.
I feel like that description of the guests wellness is so apt. You can feel that mental strain and fear oozing off the page. I absolutely love it. The tension is so real.
I’m so glad I read this again. I can definitely see myself revisiting it again in the future. It’s such a joy of a read for anyone lover of the Mystery genre!