Taken at the Flood by Agatha Christie is a gripping mystery novel that revolves around the murder of a wealthy businessman named Gordon Cloade. The novel was first published in 1948 as has been published in the United States under the title There is a Tide… and has since then been a popular classic in the genre of crime fiction.

The novel starts with the introduction of Rosaleen Cloade, the young and beautiful widow of Gordon Cloade, who has inherited his considerable fortune. The other members of the Cloade family, including Gordon’s siblings and their spouses, are left disappointed with the will as they were expecting to inherit a share of his wealth.

Soon after Gordon’s death, his brother-in-law, David Hunter, begins to investigate his sudden demise. He finds out that Gordon was planning to marry Rosaleen, and this news leaves him and the other family members shocked. David is determined to uncover the truth behind Gordon’s death and protect the family’s interests.

As the investigation progresses, the story takes several twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. The novel is a classic example of Agatha Christie’s mastery in crafting a complex and intriguing plot that keeps the reader engaged until the very last page.

One of the most impressive aspects of Taken at the Flood is the way Christie portrays the complex relationships and dynamics between the characters. The Cloade family is dysfunctional and has its share of secrets and conflicts. Christie masterfully weaves these elements into the plot, adding to the intrigue and suspense of the story.

The character of Rosaleen is also very well written, and the reader can sense her vulnerability and uncertainty throughout the novel. Her character is pivotal to the plot, and the reader is left wondering whether she is involved in Gordon’s murder or merely a victim of circumstance.

David Hunter, the main protagonist, is also an interesting character. He is a lawyer by profession and is appointed as the executor of Gordon’s will. He is determined to uncover the truth behind Gordon’s death and is not afraid to take risks to achieve his goal. He is also portrayed as a rational and logical thinker, which makes him a compelling and relatable character.

The pacing of the novel is also excellent, and the story moves at a steady pace, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The plot twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the very end, and the resolution of the mystery is both satisfying and unexpected.

One of the central themes of the novel is the idea of inheritance and how it affects people’s lives. The novel explores the different motivations behind people’s desire for wealth and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve it. The characters in the novel are all motivated by their desire for money, and this leads them to make questionable decisions and engage in unethical behavior.

Another theme explored in the novel is the idea of justice and how it can be subjective. The novel questions the idea of what constitutes justice and whether it is always fair and just. The resolution of the mystery raises some ethical questions, and the reader is left wondering whether justice has truly been served.

In conclusion, Taken at the Flood is a gripping and well-crafted mystery novel that showcases Agatha Christie’s mastery in the genre of crime fiction. The complex plot, well-developed characters, and intriguing themes make it a must-read for anyone interested in the genre. The novel is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among readers today. You can buy a copy of Taken at the Flood from Amazon here.