Book Club

Non-Series Novels & Stories

For those of you wanting to discuss Agatha Christie's standalone books, such as And Then There Were None. 

Beware spoilers and remember we'll be able to add the most insightful comments to the stories section. 

If you can't find your favourite one, don't worry, we'll be adding them in the coming weeks.

Warning: These discussions may contain spoilers!

And Then There Were None

Jemma 05 Sep 09 at 12:14 p.m. GMT

Acknowledged as one of Christie's best novels, this complex plot challenges the reader like no other.

Did you, as the reader, pick up on the carefully planted clues or simply guess at the character who was psychologically most likely to be the killer?

Did the outward lack of commonality of the people assembled on Indian Island confuse you as the reader? Is it possible to guess at why they have been singled out for murder?

When the novel was adapted for the screen, critics complained that the film had not stuck to the book. It was soon realised that Christie herself had written this "new" ending. Which is better?

When has a nursery rhyme ever been that sinister?!

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74 replies

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avicker 27 Jan 12 at 4:13 p.m. GMT

This was my first Agatha Christie book.  I loved it way back then and it's still my favorite today. I could read it over and over and over. 

mumbojumbo 24 Jan 12 at 1:33 p.m. GMT

Regarding the movies, I have seen two of them, the 1945 and the one from the 70s where the are in the mountains and I think that they both fail to capture the dark angle of the book partly because of the change in the ending but also because of the general atmosphere.

In my opinion this is one of AC's darkest books, along with Crooked House but for different reasons. In ATTWN all characters are villains, 9 of them have gotten away with murder with most of them feeling no remorse at all, the other one is a sadistic self appointed executioner. The lead female character is a child murderer, the lead male character has killed more than 20 people and feels absolutely no remorse. Yet at times I found myself sympathising with those people. The confession letter at the end is amazing at capturing the reasoning of a twisted mind.

A few years ago in London, they put on a play based on the book where they kept the original ending (unfortunately I did not manage to see it). I hope that they will make a new movie with the original ending, I would love to whatch that.

Swati_GGN_India 20 Jan 12 at 2:19 p.m. GMT

This book was one of the first few Agatha Christie books I read. Although I have read a lot many after that and sometimes not able to recall the stories by name, but this book is one such book that I can visualise the story once I hear or read the nameeven after so many years. Such is the effect of this book. One of Christie's best and a must read and must have for all Agatha Christie fans.

jakat 28 Nov 11 at 5:17 a.m. GMT

this is the 2nd best novel ever i cant belive that the doctor was so stupid to help the killer fake his death 

wsded 26 Nov 11 at 1:16 a.m. GMT

Personally I prefer the ending in the book, however being a motion picture the producers probably believed, as they still seem to, that the public cannot handle the ending as it was written and changed it to smooth our poor nerves.

Epsilon14 08 Nov 11 at 7:35 a.m. GMT

Oh god! I have heard this nursery rhyme but never thought it would be this bad. The ending of the book was too good but the ending letter left me baffled. This is the best book I have ever read. A true masterpiece.

kavya12 27 Oct 11 at 8:15 a.m. GMT

i thought that agatha christies poirot stories were the best but when i read and then there were none my impression changed. i loved the book.

PeterAM 24 Oct 11 at 9:09 a.m. GMT

I just received an e-mail form Harper Collins, informing me that they cancelled the publication of "and then there were none" in the facsimile edition. A lot of people are / were collectioning these volumens in order to acquire the entire collection and are very dissapointed. Is there anything we could do as a group of Agatha Christie fans to make them change their minds?

Would be great though.

murder_is_easy123 16 Oct 11 at 9:55 a.m. GMT

I love And then there were none!  I was in an all-male teenage production of it at my school (I had to become Emily Brent!)

My favourite adaptations have to be the 1965 and 1974 films.  Take my advice and definitely avoid the 1989 film.  Although it's OK, it is not as good as these two!

de_misteri 14 Oct 11 at 8:22 a.m. GMT

Why are all the forums filled with selling stuff!?!?!?

sonia24 26 Sep 11 at 10:03 p.m. GMT

hi every one i have the game AND THEN THERE WERE NONE AND I NEED SOME CLUES CAN SOME BODY HELP ME 

CaTEyeS 23 Sep 11 at 7:04 a.m. GMT

ِAnd There were none !

it's my 2nd Favoraite novel of Agatha..

Did you, as the reader, pick up on the carefully planted clues or simply guess at the character who was psychologically most likely to be the killer?

Yes I did, and was  almost sure about it!

But I change my mind after some events..

After all, this the most interestig point in agatha's novels..

azumangadaioh 20 Sep 11 at 1:39 p.m. GMT

I heard the plot of this book from a classmate, and I somehow got interested. Then I looked for this book in bookstores, but I couldn't find it. Luckily I was able to buy one from ebay, and after reading it, I can say this is one of Agatha Christie's best mysteries. A very good book with such an unexpected ending--a real twist.

Quension 15 Sep 11 at 10:49 a.m. GMT

My elder brother bought this book in 1999 or 1998. I was 12-13 years old. "Bro, you got to read this novel" he said. I replied, "okay okay". I had started reading the book unwillingly but as soon as I finished the book; she made me her fan. I said to myself "How could a person type these kinds of bad things in a way which is kind of extraordinary" This is the first Agatha book ever I have read. Actually, I can't say that this book's my favourite; because my favourite book is "Death comes as the end" but this is really amazing. I have 2 different editions of the book though :)

Read more about this story: And Then There Were None

ace_of_spades 08 Aug 11 at 2 a.m. GMT

I love watching old black and white movies, so after seeing the dramatic 1945 version of And Then There Were None, I was determined to read Christie's work. The novel itself was much superior, forever mysterious with twists and turns that I hadn't seen coming, and I was spellbound until the end! Over the years I have read most of her novels... Christie still has me under her spell!

MsBuckley 24 Jul 11 at 2:29 p.m. GMT

popbubble

I personally think that Vera was a little bit mad!!! It was a bit weird that I suspected almost everyone to be the killer, except the actual killer!!! The book soooo good. I think that it is one of the BEST books AC ever wrote. I like the way that she uses the rhyme for the story line. The end is quite sad though!!!      

I agree!

MsBuckley 24 Jul 11 at 2:28 p.m. GMT

This was my first book of hers. Completely amazing, by the way! Since the begining I suspected of Judge Wargrave, he was so calm all the time, in such a situation, I don't know if I'd be calm like that, and he knew so much about the happening! Anyways, the plot is fantastic, I almost cried when Vera killed Lombard! If she knew how much he loved her, I bet she did like him too. Incredibly amusing, thrilling and sensational, another of Agatha's masterpiece. And the part where Scotland Yard finds the letter from Lawrence, just amazing. 

agathasgreatestfan 24 Jul 11 at 12:13 p.m. GMT

Although I am a genuine fan - this book is flawed.  How can we continue to suspect Vera, when the judge was left alive downstairs (just before his death).  Vera goes upstairs, screams (seaweed alert) and the others run after her . . . .  she could not have killed the judge

anitneil 24 Jul 11 at 11:53 a.m. GMT

i had a huge respect for poirot and miss marple. but now the person i respect more is Wargrave. can't wait to see the movie

popbubble 15 Jul 11 at 6:05 p.m. GMT

I personally think that Vera was a little bit mad!!! It was a bit weird that I suspected almost everyone to be the killer, except the actual killer!!! The book soooo good. I think that it is one of the BEST books AC ever wrote. I like the way that she uses the rhyme for the story line. The end is quite sad though!!!      

ErkutSoyer 14 Jul 11 at 12:46 p.m. GMT

Nobody estimate the killer in my friends,me too.I think its the best of Agatha Christie.Everybody must read this book.I'm sorry my English not good.I'm a Turkish.

Poirotmystery 12 May 11 at 4:38 p.m. GMT

I've been looking for this book ever since I'm 10 yr old, and at last I found it. About the story it really has a good plot line, because you will never failed to keep guessing the killer's identity. Every turn of the page  you will keep on thingking some theories and opinion. And then there were none is a great story, because this is a one of a kind perfect crime. (if the wine bottle is never found though) 

DianeMyers 05 May 11 at 8:05 a.m. GMT

This is one of the best and most enduring...none of the movie versions were satisfying.  I think it works best as a book.  I always identified with the characters and then was sorry they all died. 

me_onthenile 02 May 11 at 9:54 a.m. GMT

this was the first agatha christie novel i read, then i was hooked! it took me a little under 2 days to read, and i think the hair on the back of my neck was standing on end the whole time! Such an unexpected ending - so tragic. I really thought agatha was going to bring the last two victims together and end on a light romantic note and they were going to solve the mystery of the murderer together - but no! Agatha...(!)

Twinkletoes822 02 May 11 at 1:42 a.m. GMT

I just finished reading this for the second time, the first time having been a few years ago.  I couldn't remember the ending at all for some reason, so it was almost like a new story to me.  I enjoy it for its (seeming) simplicity, staccato delivery, and puzzle-box presentation style.  I enjoy Marples the most, but this is such a great stand-alone; a true classic!  I've never seen a stage or film version of it so wasn't aware there was an alternate ending, or a cat (reference above).   

NightRayDuck 26 Apr 11 at 10:18 p.m. GMT

aah christiebookaddict, that is a very difficult question.. when all witnesses had died who would testify. hmm..

yikes. I would suggest the character of the cat, which I think only appears in the 1945 movie adaptation directed by Rene Claire. In the adaptation some of the characters / intended victims also survive, so that is a bit like cheating. On the other hand, the surviving human characters are surely even more strongly suspected for the several murders on the island, whereas a cat (in the movie, the cat came on the island at the same time as most of the visitors) would give a report that's not particularly biased towards any of the humans. Also, this cat character was portrayed as loitering around indoors and out and about on the island, and so had more opportunities to witness what's going on.

I hope that's not too confusing.

christiebookaddict 26 Apr 11 at 1:09 a.m. GMT

Hey! I just read this for a report! I LOVED IT! But... I need a character to act as for the report, ( I have to testify) And I have NO idea who to be for this. (considereing everyone dies basically)

Any ideas? Thanks!

Renee

herrmannfan 26 Feb 11 at 3:53 a.m. GMT

I am putting together some fun and educational materials about And Then There Were None for bookdrum.com. I am seeking information about Tony Marston's car, "an enormous Super Sports Dalmain car" (chapter 1, part vi). Is there such a car? I can't find references to such a car on the Internet. Was it a Christie invention? If it was real, can you direct me to more information on it? Thanks in advance for your help!

A_N_Omynous 29 Dec 10 at 6:22 p.m. GMT

I thought this book was chilling to the core. Incredible! But frightening and eerie. I loved the way the book was based on the nursery rhyme, and how even though it is hard to sympathise with murderers AC really makes you sympathise with those 10 people, stuck on the island. I felt jumpy throughout, wondering who would die next. Amazing book. I would say it was one of the best Agatha Christie books I have ever read. I was shocked at the ending, of this book and it left me speechless. Brilliantly thought out.

cohen_class 13 Oct 10 at 5:49 p.m. GMT

Period 7

Agatha Christie has done it again. Creating a vortex of moods, she poses the question: "What is the perfect murder?"  Enter the minds of 10 nervous guests on Indian island, each with an appalling secret. The mysterious past of each guest leads them to an unstable and unsettling future. Prisoners are all strikingly different, but all have one common fear..... With intense conflicts, Christie captures the story of this murder mystery perfectly.  She burrows into her character's essences, point of views and thoroughly captures the madeness of it all.  First there were 10, then 9, then 8 and then as the title ultimately suggests.... and then there were none. 

cohen_class 13 Oct 10 at 3:28 p.m. GMT

Period 5

Imagine yourself stranded on an island with a murderer on the loose.  Now imagine that murderer is an acquaintance of yours and unbeknownst to you.  What would you do to find out who the culprit is?  How far would you go to save yourself?  Christie thrusts you as the reader into the mood of the book, so that you are forced to answer these questions. 10 guests were carefully enticed onto a mysterious island by an unknown host.  Accusations are slung about, and all the guests proclaim their innocence and deny them.  Suspicions arise and advance on each guest as the reader is pulled into the point of view of the character in conflict.  Truly Christie knows the way to make ink run red. . . .

cohen_class 13 Oct 10 at 1:42 p.m. GMT

An enticing and thrilling story... and will keep the pages turning!  Action-packed, suspenseful and well written, Christie delivers great plot structure around the eerie nursery rhyme that is certainly not fitting for any nursery.  10 guests invited to an island for a nice relaxing retreat, but that is far from what they receive.  Characters' past experiences seem to come back and haunt them as they are forced to cope with what their conscience will tolerate.  This book is best for readers who enjoy forensics and crime.  Weak stomachs need not apply.  Who will bring Justice to the court? 

missauburn 29 Sep 10 at 4:05 a.m. GMT

This was the first Christie story I read and so began my loyalty to her and her talent. She draws me in and there is the psychology and the the human nature that makes me think. I have enjoyed her books and have re-read them over and over again thru these many years. I recommend this story to anyone as an introduction to her works.

Mr_Graves 26 Sep 10 at 10:19 p.m. GMT

P.S. The final chapter was a hit! Best final chapter I have ever read.

Mr_Graves 26 Sep 10 at 10:18 p.m. GMT

I absolutely loved this book!!! I would definitely give it a 10/10. Full marks, Agatha Christie. Firstly, it was not a typical novel of hers. So its something different, but she did it so well! I think it was the mixture of a nursery-rhyme theme, something she clearly enjoyed, and the unreality of it all, and the thriller story in it, too. It's hard to describe how great it was, but overall it was just incredibly unique, and incredibly original.

tarunp 04 Sep 10 at 6:22 a.m. GMT

There have been many movie versions of this Christie classic but it is a little known fact that probably the best adaptation was a Russian film called "Desyat Negrityat" released in 1987. See: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092879/

There were English subtitles available for this film on the internet, but they were so poorly written (spelling mistakes, bad grammar, wrong name of the chief protagonists, etc) that they distracted from the enjoyment of the movie.

I completely re-wrote the subtitles and hardcoded them onto the movie. If any one of you is interested in downloading this, please let me know and I would be happy to provide a download link for you to do so.

Littlegirl 02 Sep 10 at 3:43 p.m. GMT

Sorry, my point was that I didn't think that it was who it was.

HarleyBarley 02 Sep 10 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

! Spoilers, Littlegirl!

Littlegirl 01 Sep 10 at 6:48 p.m. GMT

I thought that it was one of the ten people, but I didn't expect Judge. I thought that it would be someone who was poisoned or drugged. Personally I think that the ending was a little sad, but I agree that it couldn't have been any other way. I'll have to watch the movie.

japzy1234 29 Aug 10 at 5:40 a.m. GMT

I love this novel. This is one of AC's best novels. I love the whole plot and the setting. My fave character is Lombard and Blore. I hate Vera and Wargrave lol.

cameronjhw 01 Jun 10 at 4:20 p.m. GMT

I know I have mentioned in an earlier reply that I am not too sorry for the ten characters. However, I find that I do have sympathy for General Macarthur because his wife was carrying on with a younger officer in her husband's command. It seems to me that at first he denies what he has don't but later on before he dies he realizes that he did murder Arthur Richmond and waits to die. I feel sorry for him but the others are too cold-hearted, unemotional, and in Wargrave's case sadistic and twisted. Vera Claythorne seems sympathic and innocent but in the epilogue and manuscript we know Vera' true colors and she is a ruthless and cruel murderess who drowned Cyril Hamilton so her lover Hugo could inherit that explains why she felt he no longer cared for her because of her crime. My sympathy for her is gone. This novel to me is almost like the slasher movies we see today like Scream and I Know What you Did Last Summer. Also last summer I saw a show on CBS called Harper's Island which is sort like ATTWN.

greycelluser1 29 May 10 at 3:12 p.m. GMT

And Then There Were None was the first Christie book I read.  I thought it was very well done, and could not imagine a different ending.  I still have yet to see the film.

cameronjhw 28 May 10 at 3:17 p.m. GMT

I have only seen the 1960's version with Fabian, Wilfred-Hyde White and Shirley Eaton first and later I saw the 1945 version with Barry Fitzgerald. I thought the 1945 version was a little bit close to the novel although they changed some of the characters' names, crimes, methods of murder, and the ending. I have often wish someone today would create a new version of this novel and not change the important things especially the ending.

Agathafan100 28 May 10 at 5:16 a.m. GMT

why does there must always be a movie that is not at all like the book. I know that they only get the copyright to get the characters names and what happens, but why with this i mean the plot in the book was perfect besides the fact that mrs. marple or pirot, but other then that they should have made it true to the book. 

go_leafs_nation 26 May 10 at 12:48 p.m. GMT

I was fortunate enough to see a local community theatre put on the play, just weeks after first discovering AC and not long after reading the book itself. It was a very pleasant evening (I still have the program), and the original sense of menace and inevitability was still there- but the excrutiating psychological tension was lost in the process, replaced by bits of comedy (oh, Blore and his biscuits....)

Lola_White 25 May 10 at 9:05 p.m. GMT

Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite Christie book is, even though I can never choose, ATTWN is always a contender. It is so different from her other mysteries, it's actually breathtaking. There is really no optimism (aside from the bleak view that everyone gets what they deserve!) and no one is left standing, which is obviously unusual for her.

But I appreciate this book because it shows a darker side, and it does take your breath away as you're reading it. I actually performed in the play (Ten Little Indians) in high school and got to play Vera, which was great of course, but it would have been much more interesting to have played the Vera from the book, who continues to show very little remorse.

And Nofret, I'm glad to hear that they staged a play with the book's ending. I would have loved to have seen that.

MissQuin 12 May 10 at 8:57 p.m. GMT

It's odd because normally with characters that are hard to like, I don't care what happens to them. Yet somehow Christie made me want to contunue reading, to find out what going to happen to the characters. I think the really tough characters were left until last, their suffering was prolonged. Vera is very had, but eventually she to starts to crack, yet never does she feel remorse at what she has done.

But although all of the people on the island had either killed someone directly or indirectly, the Judge is evil is the fact he kills, not for revenge, or gain but for his own amusement. Very frightening and unusual for a Christie character.

cameronjhw 12 May 10 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

I think that practically all of the characters are unsympathic and not likeable at all. Rogers dominate his wife, Miss Brent is very harsh and strict and unkind to her maid Beatrice Taylor, Lombard is not sorry that 21 natives died and he thinks they don't mind dying. I think everybody from the upper-class to the lower class matter. Tony Marston is very reckless, spoiled, and rotten and is not upset that he ran down two kids. Vera seems sympathic at first but when we find out she did kill Cyril Hamilton she is seen from being sympathic to a cold-blooded killer. Armstrong although he had no reason to kill Louisa Cless he knows better than to get drunk and operate on an innocent person he violated the sacred trust of the medical profession. Blore let an innocent man die in prison all because he was mixed up in a criminal gang. Another person who violates his position as being a member of the law. The General although his wife did have a lover he perfectly knew that the mission he sent Richmond on in WWI was dangerous and could kill even though he did not stab or shoot him but it was murder. Wargrave is probably the most sinister, ugliest, and even demented of all of them. This novel I also think can be class as an early psychological thriller which is good.

lidija_kov 10 May 10 at 7 p.m. GMT

This is the first book ever that I read in one breath. Before, I thought that that was only a myth . I didn't put it down till I finished it. Oh, and it is the first book that gave me a scare ! It is absolutely fantastic, though it is not my favourite.

ilovewalruses2 29 Apr 10 at 5:57 a.m. GMT

I bought this book online a few months ago. The night I got it in the mail, I decided to read the first couple of chapters just to get started. Haha, it did NOT happen like that. I couldn't put the book down and read it all night. At the end, I'm pretty sure my mouth was hanging open in shock. I even re-read it the next day at a slower pace. The whole time I was reading it I was developing wild theories as to who the murderer was. I didn't even consider the idea that a death could've been faked. I love this book!

liz3280 26 Apr 10 at 9:47 p.m. GMT

I really liked the film, avn't seen the play but reading your posts has put me in mind to read the book again, thanks for that

Lone_Wolf 24 Apr 10 at 10:59 a.m. GMT

Despite the 10 stranded characters being rather villainous at best, I held out hope that some will survive 'till the end. That's why the end was so shoking to me.

MissQuin 23 Apr 10 at 4:03 p.m. GMT

General Macarthur again, I have sympathy for him. But he's the one that seems to actually felt the most remorse. he's so accepting of his fate.

I think that Miss Blunt had no guilt, she acted in a way that was heartless and unchristian. She was too blind and had such a closed mind.

Vera had acted terribly and never had guilt over the boys death. Phillip was completely callous. Those tow are the toughest on the island and I think that's why they were left until last.

Yet the character I find the most utterly unredeamble is Judge Wargrave.

Nofret 23 Apr 10 at 9:07 a.m. GMT

Now that's a very interesting thought, Number3. Christie used the concept of differing degrees of guilt in this novel, and I think she showed herself to be more than usually enlightened for her times when she singles out Philip for prolonged suffering, as he had caused the death of 12 men, although Vera, echoing the social values of the time, says that they were "only natives".

Of cours, Vera, as a child murderer, would have been condemned in both eras (although I'd always thought he sounded a miserable little brat!)

If Marsden had been a drink-driver, then he would have been much more condemned in the present day.

I agree with a previous poster that General Macarthur had extreme provocation and perhaps would be looked upon with more sympathy.

Poor Mrs Rogers seemed to be relatively innocent, acting under the direction of her husband.

Personally, I've always found the doctor to be the most repellent character in the novel.

What do other people think about the difference in values from when this novel was written?

(By the way, to answer an earlier comment re the ending, I saw the most recent London production of the play a couple of years ago. and it ended with Vera hanging herself very convincingly centre stage!)

Number3 29 Mar 10 at 10:38 p.m. GMT

I enjoyed both the novel and the play.  Something I haven't seen mentioned is that readers and audiences of the time it was written had a different set of social values.  So, something that was shocking at the time has a whole different context in the 21st century.

Jane101 27 Mar 10 at 11:50 a.m. GMT

I think I will read it again to see if there are any clues I missed as to the murderers identity.

MissQuin 21 Mar 10 at 12:30 p.m. GMT

The nursery rhyme is very disturbing. I'm glad I never read that one as a child.

I also thought there could be someone on the island, but I was left guessing until the last page. I put the book down in a state of shock!

Jane101 21 Mar 10 at 12:15 p.m. GMT

I finished reading this yesterday and I am exhausted! So many characters, so many guilty secrets and so many possibilities for the outcome. I was convinced there was somone else on the island.(I didn't guess who did it!)

I thought the little soldier boys nursery rhym and Vera hanging herself at the end were horrible, but saying that I wouldn't have wanted it to end another way. After all real life doesn't always have a happy ending.

Lone_Wolf 15 Mar 10 at 7:28 p.m. GMT

There are already some movies based on ATTWN, afaik.

HeiseiHolmes 15 Mar 10 at 6:23 p.m. GMT

If done right, I think this could become a good movie- but only if done right. No added lesbians or nuns.

Lone_Wolf 15 Mar 10 at 5:11 p.m. GMT

The thing with Judge Wargrave... despite the majority of his victims being pretty outright villainous creeps, most of them are far more likeable them him.

monkeyjess1999 13 Mar 10 at 3:54 a.m. GMT

im reading this book right now it is great so far i like the whole concept of the story

MissQuin 10 Mar 10 at 3:19 p.m. GMT

Welcome huntgoddess. I know exactly what you mean, I just wanted to finnish and find out what happens in the end. The pace is really breathtaking and the suspense is electric.

Huntgoddess 07 Mar 10 at 7:13 p.m. GMT

I read this book back in the early '70's. I was in a big hurry to get to the end, to find out what happened. DOH!!

I'll have to read it again, and give myself time to enjoy it, this time.

MissQuin 26 Feb 10 at 3:43 p.m. GMT

I knew this one was going to be different, but I didnt realise how I would be on the edge of my seat. I was racing towards the end, trying to take in everything. I knew I couldn't read it before I went to sleep, my mind would be still focused on the book.

I kept wondering, was there someone else in the house or island that was killing people, or was it one their number? I even wondered if there was a supernatural element involved. Then the last page you find out..

It's the Judge who scares me. He was a sadist who chose his occupation just to punnish others. His memoir at the end was so twisted. I think AC really got into his character, which must have been disturbing. The idea of people's behaviour during childhood, shaping them as adults reoccurs in several books.

cameronjhw 25 Feb 10 at 10:22 p.m. GMT

This was the first Christie novel I read and I loved it. This was terrifying, clever, ingenious, and amazing. I did not have much sympathy for the ten characters. However, I did feel a little bit sorry for General Macarthur. I can see how he would want to kill his wife's lover. But the others were only asking for their punishment. Wargrave I thought was a frightening, warped, and sinister man. Emily Brent disturbed me because she was suppose to be a decent Christian lady and yet she kicked Beatrice Taylor out and was not sorry she killed herself. My sympathy tends toward her maid. Lombard, Blore, and Marston are also very rotten. This novel is a perfect combination of how people can escape their past for a while but then it will come back to them and there will be retribution.

HeiseiHolmes 25 Jan 10 at 6:08 p.m. GMT

I'll never forget how I found this book...

I was in my favourite ever bookshop- (now sadly closed a few weeks ago)

and a complete stranger handed me this. All she said was: "If you're looking for Agatha Christie... This is the best one." And then she disappeared like smoke on the breeze! (Well, not really. I'm being poetic again- she just walked away.) But it was a great book, and I wholeheartedly agree with you, Mysterious Stranger Lady.

Read more about this story: And Then There Were None

bombarded 02 Nov 09 at 8:36 p.m. GMT

in the original ending vera kills phillip like in the ten little indians poem and then she hangs herself.  the police find the ten bodies in the afterward.

Lone_Wolf 28 Sep 09 at 3:02 p.m. GMT

Despite the villain's plan being a sort of a Xanatos Roulette, that book is one of the AC books that impressed me much. The theme of morality of blind justice is an interesting one - despite technically being an agent of justice, Wargrave is one of the least sympathetic characters in the novel - most of his victims are more sympathetic then him.

asmikhushi 28 Sep 09 at 8:11 a.m. GMT

what exactly happens in the original ending i kno only the edited one

Julie27 19 Sep 09 at 7:23 p.m. GMT

I have not yet read the novel but a few months ago I saw the old b/w film one saturday afternoon on BBC 2. I watched it with my Mother who is also a huge Christie fan. However, when the film ended my Mother was surprised and told me that the novel does not end the way the film did. However, just now reading these posts regarding these endings I phoned my Mum and told her that the ending in the film was supposed to be that way - so, mystery solved.

aurorajayne 18 Sep 09 at 11:53 p.m. GMT

Having grown up watching the early film adaptation starring June Duprez, I was rather astonished when I first read the novel.  However, I think that both are in and of themselves excellent.  I don't think the novel could possibly be any better and is in fact one of my favorite Christie novels.  Realistically, at the time that the novel was adapted, you'd be hard pressed to find a movie studio willing to make a film that ended in such a way.  When Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca was adapted, several key plot points were altered to make one of the characters and the ending a bit more palatable for audiences.  Yet I love both the novel and the film.  All things considered, the adaptations of this terrific novel could be a lot worse, in my opinion.

go_leafs_nation 17 Sep 09 at 9:52 a.m. GMT

True, but remember that one of Christie's main reasons for writing that alternate ending is because hanging wouldn't have worked too well onstage.

The original ending is the best, IMO. Christie's words succeed in building tension and conveying a sense of guilt and apprehension throughout, and it reaches its climax when it comes to her ending. It's also unexpected, which is always nice. ;)

Personally, I think the killer's identity in ATTWN is far less well "clued" than Christie's other "controversial" novels (most famous being Roger Ackroyd and Orient Express). It still plays fair, but it is a lot harder to spot the killer than you'd think.

I was quite shocked when I first read the ending. I've reread the book many times since.

betty_barnard 17 Sep 09 at 8:22 a.m. GMT

I don't think Christie should have written a different ending at all.  If you don't know the other ending don't read any further.  Christie gave the play a happy ending - if you can have a happy ending after eight people have been murdered!  And the films have followed this ending.  To me the book is just perfect as the wheels of justice have turned full circle.  Perhaps one day another film version will be made with the book ending and if so it will be interesting to see what people make of it.