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3.68 AVERAGE

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot

This was an enjoyable book! I wasn’t sure at all who had committed the murder until just before it was revealed. The most surprising thing, though, was what happens at the very end, after the murderer is confronted. 

This book introduced a really interesting facet of the murder mystery book genre to me. I never would have pointed out that the key tenet to a good mystery is a character-first approach, but after reading this book. it certainly makes sense. Christie weaves such a complex and compelling dynamic between each members of the Argyle clan - I would almost argue it’s a family drama first, murder mystery second. The premise is incredibly gripping and the overall theme of justice and innocence was really fascinating. What is the good of truth and justice if it comes at the expense of the innocent? I think the story would have benefited from a further exploration into this moral quandry from the Doctor’s point of view - I certainly didn’t expect for most of the body of the novel to follow the individual Argyle family members as intricately as it did.

I dont know how I feel about the reveal. The set up to it was exciting though, I must admit. And the reveal did make sense, but somehow I felt like it fell a little flat, especially with all that build up. I am also baffled by Agatha Christie’s adamance to wrap everything up in a neat little bow and subscribe to as best as “happily ever after” her story can afford, in an abrupt and yet tiresomely predictable manner. The ending did feel a little hasty, but overall the rich character studies and underlying ethical dilemma carry the story to a 3 star read.
challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
mysterious

Many ideas in this book are kinda ridiculous for today’s standards, but the story is still very gripping, despite being one of her more predictable ones.

I've also watched the 2018 movie version and it was widely different. Both the book and the movie are thoroughly enjoyable, but they're significantly different.

Oh my goodness! This may be my favorite Christie and I am glad I have never read it before so got to enjoy it. Suspense galore. (Bonus: the BBC adaptation is awesome as well.)
dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated