Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death is a classic detective novel that was first published in 1938. This book is part of the Hercule Poirot series and features the famous detective solving yet another intriguing mystery. In this review, I will discuss the plot, characters, writing style, and my overall impression of the book.

Plot

The story is set in the Middle East, where a wealthy American woman, Mrs. Boynton, is traveling with her family. Mrs. Boynton is a manipulative and tyrannical woman who controls her family’s every move. She has three stepchildren, Lennox, Raymond, and Carol, as well as a daughter, Ginevra. All of them are miserable and desperate to escape her clutches. The family meets other travelers, including the famous detective Hercule Poirot, who is also vacationing in the region.

One day, Mrs. Boynton is found dead, and it is revealed that she was poisoned. Everyone in the group is a suspect, and Poirot takes on the case to find the murderer. As he investigates, he uncovers a web of lies and secrets that make the case more complex than he originally thought. Eventually, he discovers the truth and exposes the killer.

Characters

The characters in the book are well-crafted and memorable. Hercule Poirot, as always, is the star of the show. He is a shrewd detective with a sharp mind and attention to detail. The other characters in the book are all suspects in the murder, and they all have their own motives and secrets. Mrs. Boynton is a particularly fascinating character. She is cruel and controlling, and her children are terrified of her. The other members of the family are also interesting, as they are all damaged by their relationship with her.

Writing Style

Agatha Christie’s writing style is straightforward and engaging. She presents the story in a clear and concise manner, and the plot is well-paced. The dialogue is natural and adds depth to the characters. The author also expertly weaves together different threads of the story, creating a complex mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the end.

One of the things I appreciate about Christie’s writing is her attention to detail. She provides the reader with all the necessary clues to solve the mystery, but she does so subtly, so the reveal doesn’t feel predictable or contrived. Additionally, the setting of the story in the Middle East is a refreshing change of pace from the typical English countryside settings of many of her other novels.

My Overall Impression

I thoroughly enjoyed Appointment with Death. The book is a well-crafted mystery that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The characters are memorable, and the plot is complex enough to keep the reader guessing. I also appreciate how Christie’s writing style allows the reader to engage with the story on a deeper level, as the clues are presented in such a way that the reader can attempt to solve the mystery along with Poirot.

One thing to note is that some readers may find the characters and their relationships with each other to be somewhat melodramatic. However, I found this aspect of the book to be fitting for the time period in which it was written and added to the overall enjoyment of the story.

In conclusion, Appointment with Death is a great addition to the Hercule Poirot series and a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie and classic detective novels. The book offers a well-crafted mystery, engaging characters, and expertly executed writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or is looking for a great introduction to the works of Agatha Christie. You can buy a copy of the book from Amazon here.