We’re starting July with a seaside vacation that turns deadly in Agatha Christie’s Evil Under the Sun. I’ve been looking forward to this #ReadChristie2023 pick so much. In 2020, I had foot reconstruction surgery, which confined me to my bed or a wheelchair for 8 months. Since I had to lay with my foot elevated above my heart- I couldn’t watch tv, reading was challenging, I was in immense pain, and I don’t remember large swathes of time from that period…
But I could listen to audiobooks; the first audiobook I listened to was Evil Under the Sun. I listened to it repeatedly, mainly because it was a medicine that made it difficult to stay awake, but also because listening unclouded my brain and made me feel like I was on planet Earth for a little during each day. Eventually, my husband got tired of listening to Evil Under the Sun on constant repeat, so he brought me every Agatha Christie audiobook that the library had during my 18-month recovery. Re-reading Evil Under the Sun was like seeing an old friend, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Evil Under the Sun is a detective novel written by Agatha Christie, featuring her famous detective Hercule Poirot. The story takes place on the picturesque Sandy Cove, where a group of guests is staying at the a luxury hotel.
The novel begins with Hercule Poirot taking a vacation on the English seaside He is enjoying his time at the resort and is lounging on the beach when he encounters a fellow guest named Arlena Stuart Marshall, a beautiful and flirtatious actress who is on holiday with her husband, Captain Kenneth Marshall. Arlena’s behavior has caused quite a stir among the other guests, as she seems to be openly carrying on an affair with a handsome young man named Patrick Redfern.
One day, Arlena is found dead on the beach, strangled. Suspicion immediately falls on Patrick Redfern, as he had a motive and was seen arguing with Arlena shortly before her death. However, it is soon discovered that Patrick has a solid alibi, and Poirot realizes that the case is more complex than it seems.
As Poirot investigates further, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden relationships among the hotel guests. He discovers that Arlena had many enemies, including her stepdaughter Linda Marshall, who resented her for stealing her father’s affection and inheritance. There is also a famous dress designer, Rosamund Darnley, who had a personal grudge against Arlena.
Poirot interviews each suspect, delving into their pasts and examining their alibis. He discovers that each of them had a reason to wish harm upon Arlena. The investigation leads Poirot to uncover a hidden affair, jealousy, and old resentments among the guests.
In the end, Poirot gathers all the suspects together and reveals the truth behind Arlena’s murder. He explains how the murder was executed and reveals the identity of the killer, surprising everyone involved. Poirot’s deductive skills and attention to detail help him solve the case and bring the murderer to justice.
Evil Under the Sun is a classic Agatha Christie mystery filled with twists and turns, showcasing Poirot’s astute observations and meticulous investigation techniques. The novel keeps readers guessing until the very end, as they try to unravel the complex web of motives and clues surrounding Arlena’s murder.
Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie is a classic detective novel that has garnered praise and acclaim from readers and critics alike. Known for her masterful storytelling and intricate plotting, Christie delivers another engrossing mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
One of the strengths of “Evil Under the Sun” is Christie’s ability to create a vivid and atmospheric setting. The story takes place on the picturesque Seadrift Island, and the descriptions of the island and the Jolly Roger Hotel draw readers into the scene, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story. Christie’s attention to detail and her ability to evoke a sense of place contribute to the overall enjoyment of the novel.
The plot of Evil Under the Sun is cleverly crafted, filled with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The murder of Arlena Stuart Marshall on the secluded beach sets the stage for a complex investigation, as Hercule Poirot delves into the lives and motives of the hotel guests. Christie’s signature style of dropping subtle hints and red herrings throughout the narrative adds to the suspense and keeps readers engaged in solving the mystery alongside Poirot.
The characters in the novel are well-drawn and distinct, each with their own secrets and motivations. From the enigmatic Arlena to the various suspects, Christie creates a cast of characters that adds depth and complexity to the story. Poirot’s sharp intellect and attention to detail shine as he uncovers the truth, and readers are kept on their toes as they attempt to piece together the puzzle alongside the detective.
Evil Under the Sun is a highly satisfying read for mystery and crime fiction fans. Agatha Christie’s expert storytelling, well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and exploration of timeless themes make it a standout addition to her extensive body of work. It is a testament to Christie’s skill as a writer and a testament to why she remains one of the most beloved authors in the genre.
Evil Under the Sun is a detective novel written by Agatha Christie, which was first published in the United Kingdom by the Collins Crime Club on June 1941. In the United States, it was published by Dodd, Mead and Company in the same year. The novel was met with positive reviews and is considered one of Christie’s most popular and well-regarded works.
Since its initial publication, Evil Under the Sun has been widely translated and has gained a significant following among fans of mystery and crime fiction. It has been adapted into various forms of media, including a film adaptation released in 1982, starring Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. The novel remains in print to this day and continues to captivate readers with its intricate plot, engaging characters, and the brilliant detective work of Hercule Poirot.
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