Crime fiction is one of my favorite genres. Dame Agatha Christie is my joint favorite author in the genre, along with another legend, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. When I decided to write about the books I love for #AtoZChallenge 2019, the first book that came to mind for the letter A was this one. To be frank, it came as no surprise to me. And I’m sure to those who know my favorite reads, this choice would be no surprise either.
It is my belief that a good crime fiction is based around three or four key aspects: the detective, the motive, the victim and the pace of the book.
In this novel, there is no detective per se. This is a locked room mystery no doubt. The murderer and the victim(s) are in the same room. As a reader, you know who might be killed, but the curiosity to know who actually is killed is what keeps the pages turning. With multiple victims chosen for some “crime” of theirs, it makes me wonder who might have a grudge against all victims. The book keeps the reader engaged from first to last, without giving any hint of who the killer is. And that is top notch writing from the Queen of Crime.
What makes this book even more interesting is that it is based around a poem. This might be one of the top two novels written by Agatha Christie. I’m a big fan of the author, so this might be a tad biased. But if someone were to ask me for a recommendation among the author’s works, this would be the one I would suggest!
This is the 10th year of the #AtoZChallenge and my tenth year attempting it. My theme this year is Books – Read and Loved. As evident by the theme, I am going to write on books I’ve read and loved.
Liked this? Read some of my earlier posts written about Books.
Vinay Leo R.
01. 04. 2019
Vinay Leo R.
Poetry & writing are to me, a breath of fresh air in a life that is sometimes covered by the smoke of sorrow or self doubt. They also become the sweets I share to celebrate when life offers me a reason to. But most of all, they are to me, my life. For each word I write is a piece of my heart, a thought that just had to find its way into the world.
Ah, this is one of my favorite Agatha Christie books too! Cheers for the similar theme. I know I’d be taking home some beautiful book recommendations from you 🙂
(Shalini R recently posted… Why Anna Karenina has my Heart)
Cheers, T! 🙂 I hope you do take home some good recos.
I read the book so long ago I remmeebr very little of it… though I do remember the final twist 😉
I started to read Christie again recently and I’ve really enjoyed her, better than i rememebred.
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – Berliner Cabaret
(JazzFeathers recently posted… GHOSTS THROUGH THE CRACKS – A 1920s novella (Cover Reveal))
I think Christie books, and this one in particular, are worth reading again. Do reread if you can, JazzFeathers!
I’m fond of Agatha Christie, but this is one I haven’t read yet. I am currently listening to the audiobook of Murder On The Orient Express read by David Suchet. I’ve read the book many times, I just enjoy hearing the voice of an actor interpreting a book I’ve enjoyed.
Looking forward to your future posts on this theme. A good idea! Mine is on SF and fantasy. I’ve posted now.
(Sue Bursztynski recently posted… #A-Z Challenge 2019: A Is For Australian SF Publishing)
I’ve read Murder on the Orient Express already, but yet to try Agatha Christie in audiobook format. That’s something I hope to do in 2019, Sue. 🙂 Thank you. SF is not my genre though. 🙁
You know, I live watching crime on the telly but interestingly I haven’t read a lot. Agatha Christie was a big favourite of my ex-mother-in-law too and still I only read one book of hers. I’ve now added this to TBR list as the next one! Thanks!
(Andrea recently posted… Alter ego vs authencity)
I hope you enjoy the read. While I do enjoy watching crime on the telly, I spend more time reading it, so have read a lot of Agatha Christie books already! 😉 Thank you, Andrea.
And I wonder, when will I get to read this !
Looking forward to your posts this month 🙂
A little birdie told me you’ve got a library card now, Pratsie. So hope you get to read this soon! 😀
Hey, it’s nice to meet a fellow book blogger. I am in the April AtoZ 2019 Challenge as well. I can’t say I’ve read any Agatha Christie’s books but I do like crime fiction once in a while. Cormoran Strike in J.K Rowling’s book series and Jo Nesbo novels are up my alley. Have fun and good luck!
(Jackie recently posted… A is for All Men Die in A Song of Ice and Fire)
I suppose it depends on the genre, Jackie 🙂 I hope you try this and enjoy the read.
Good theme for this year. Didn’t know you’ve participated every year! :O
I’m not doing a theme this year btw. I have a fixed meme/tag for each day of the week. Like today is #mindfulmonday. So going ahead with this same schedule.
See you around.
(Kaddu recently posted… Acceptance Is The Key to Happiness ~ #MindfulMonday #atozchallenge @AprilA2Z)
Oh yes. I have been taking part ever since Lee started it in 2010. It’s a fun challenge! 🙂 I hope you enjoy your themeless April, Kaddu! 😀
I’m a booky person – yet I haven’t read this one yet. You have sold it to me, great start to the challenge! I’ll be back.
(A.J. Sefton recently posted… A to Z Challenge)
I hope you enjoy your read, A.J. Sefton! 🙂 Welcome back any time.
This is a book that even I’d suggest anyone who would ask me for crime fiction suggestion. This is one of my favourites too! I was mindblown when I read this. Love your theme.
(Reema D’souza recently posted… Abendot)
Glad that you love the book too, Reema! 🙂 Yes, definitely worth the reco, I feel!
A perfect author and book to set us on our way! I can’t get enough of Agatha Christie, preferably in written form rather than on the large or small screen. Great to catch up with you again on our annual pilgrimage!
(Keith’s Ramblings recently posted… A-Z Challenge day 1)
I’ve not watched an Agatha Christie movie, Keith. Maybe I should. 🙂 I prefer the written form too.
Glad to be on this annual alphabetical pilgrimage again. I will drop by your ramblings soon 😀
Unable to go wrong with this Agatha Christie mystery. Great example of good writing. Looking forward to you list of choices in April.
(Gail Baugniet recently posted… Absorbing an Ancient Scene #AtoZChallenge)
I agree with you. 🙂 Thanks, Gail.
I love love Agatha Christie!!
My favourite are her Poirot Series!!
Mine too, The Dream Girl.
I love books, so I’ll enjoy following this A-to-Z.
(Liam Sullivan recently posted… A Song and a Story: Backseat Songs #AtoZChallenge)
Thanks! I hope you do, Liam! 🙂
One of my favourite books from my favourite author. I always recommend this one to people who are unfamiliar with her work.
Going to check out your other posts, to see if we have more in common!
http://www.nooranandchawla.com
Feel free to drop by through the rest of the challenge. Glad to meet a fellow Christie fan and thanks for liking my post.