Can anything be said about this book that hasn't already been said a thousand times?  It's a classic and it's been given every accolade possible for a mystery novel.  It set standards that are almost impossible for other mystery writers to reach.  But those kinds of comments can make it seem stuffy and inaccessible.  The exact opposite would be true. It's extremely readable, pulls you into it's world immediately and is hugely satisfying in it's conclusion.

In case anyone has somehow missed the plot of this book, it's set on a island off the coast of Devon.  10 strangers are invited or hired to be there and when they arrive, their mysterious host in nowhere to be found.  Weather prevents them from returning to the mainland and one by one they are murdered until there is no one left.  Since everyone is dead, who can possibly be the murderer? 

This was my first introduction to Agatha Christie. I read it when I was in 5th grade.  I bought it through the Scholastic Book program and it is still on my shelf to this day 40 years later.  It's the scariest Agatha Christie and it left me scared to walk down the hall in my house when I first read it.  I remember my mom calling me to supper when I was in the middle of reading this book and running down the hall to get to the dinner table because I was so spooked by what I had been reading. I've read it at least 10 times since then and I still find myself looking over my shoulder when I do even though I know whodunnit!

Whether you're a mystery lover or just a lover of good writing, you have to give this one a try.  In my world, it truly is the standard by which all other mysteries are judged.