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Title: And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Classic, Crime, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Mystery Thriller

Status: Finished

Beginning Date: December 31st, 2022

Ending Date: January 1st, 2023

Rating: 4.25/5

Sypnosis: 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.

Review: I remember reading this book back in high school. I remember hating this book because I was forced to read it and had promised myself that I would never pick up this book again.

That was until I came across the book and thought that it was time to re-read this book and maybe be able to form another opinion. I am glad I did. This book was enjoyable. There were so many twists and turns in this novel that when you think you solved the case, you find how wrong you really are.

"I'm talking to you, young man. The day of judgment is close at hand."

Ah, the joys of foreshadowing. You either love them or you hate them, but you know that these are immensely correct when you get into the novel.

We meet our ten little soldiers/Indians (depending on which version of the novel you are reading). All of these people have been given invitations by various people. Some with promises of a new job and some with promises of meeting old friends. Yet, when all arrive on the island, they realize that their UNKNOWN host there is another sinister reason they are all brought together. As each person finds out the reason behind their visit, it begins their death. As suspicion mounts among the group, they find their numbers dwindling and a race against the clock to find out who our UNKNOWN host really is.

This book will either be a hit or a miss when it comes to its readers. There are tons of red herrings and plenty of plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but remember - this book is not for everyone.