When I say classic crime, what book comes to mind? Something by Stephen King or Arthur Conan Doyle? Maybe even Agatha Christie..?

Agatha Christie is always my first thought. My life goal is to read all of her novels one day (there are over 60). As I’m making my way through the list I find I like certain books more than others. Today I’m talking about the book that got me hooked, “And Then There Were None”, originally published in 1939. 

The modern book I’m talking about is the edition sold beginning in 2011. The cover illustrates the haunted image of a lone mansion on an isolated island. When you throw in the eerily still water and fog, it’s a classic recipe for an element of spook. I enjoy this edition’s cover because of the image it helps the reader build. 

Although, it is not my favorite copy of the book that I own. I have another version that you can only find at a certain mass-chain bookstore. 

It’s just so pretty! The hardcover makes it stand out perfectly on a bookshelf. While the design isn’t as favored compared to the paperback version, it is great for a collector.

Now onto the actual content of the novel… there’s a reason this is practically her most famous novel. If you haven’t read the book, chances are you’ve seen the movie or the mini-series. Note: I’ll do my best to remain as spoiler-free as possible here.

As the story opens up, ten people receive letters from various “old friends” and are invited to ‘Indian Island’ for the weekend. The island is known for being mysterious and attractive at the same time. The grand house is eye-catching yet ominous. 

As the guests arrive and the letters differ, they realize they’ve been tricked into gathering on the island. Their so-called “old friends” never wrote to them, but a mysterious Mr. Owen. The thing is… no one knows a Mr. Owen. 

*spooky*

Basically, Christie is one of the original whodunnit authors. This trope was highly popularized and featured in almost (if not all) her mystery novels. This is why many refer to her as the queen of mystery and how she became one of the most prolific authors out there. This specific novel is a class Whodunnit?

One by one the guests are each murdered and they have to defend themselves against accusations and the unknown murderer. Each person appears to have a motive in one way or another. But who is behind it all, Mr. Owen who no one has heard of before? Who is murdering each character? Why have they lured these 10 strangers to the island?

All these questions slowly unfold as the reader delves further into the story. It leaves you questioning everything each character says and does. The most fascinating element of the story is the way the mansion functions on the island. The mysterious Mr. Owen seems to have orchestrated every room, every meal, and every action out perfectly.

I read this book for the first time a few years ago, sitting at the beach, roasting in the sun, and eating grapes. After a few hours of alternating between too much sand and the ocean, the book was done. It was the first book I ever read by her and wouldn’t be the last. She captivated me through her classic mystery ways.

The novel is a classic for a reason. If you’re new to mysteries, it’s a great one to begin with… and if you’re not, well chances are you’re very familiar with it.