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Appointment with Death summary
Brief summary
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie is a riveting murder mystery set against the backdrop of an archaeological dig in the Middle East. With her sharp wit and clever storytelling, Christie keeps readers guessing until the very end.
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Appointment with Death
Summary of key ideas
The Setting and the Characters
In Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie, we are transported to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. The story begins with the Boynton family, a group of dysfunctional individuals, who are on a sightseeing tour of the Middle East. The matriarch, Mrs. Boynton, is a tyrannical and manipulative woman who has a hold over her stepchildren and her own daughter. The family consists of Lennox, Raymond, Carol, and Ginevra Boynton, all of whom are adults but still under the oppressive influence of their mother.
Also present in the story are Dr. Gerard, a French psychologist, and Sarah King, a British governess. They are both part of the tour group and are sympathetic to the Boynton family's plight. The last character is Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, who is also vacationing in the area and becomes involved in the case.
The Murder of Mrs. Boynton
Early in the story, we learn that Mrs. Boynton is a sadistic woman who enjoys exerting control over her family. She is particularly cruel to her stepchildren, whom she has psychologically and emotionally manipulated into complete submission. It is clear that the family members are deeply unhappy and fearful of her.
One afternoon, Mrs. Boynton is found dead in a remote part of the ancient city. The cause of death is a lethal injection, and it is quickly established that her death was not accidental. The suspects are her stepchildren, who all had motives to kill her, and the members of the tour group, who were aware of the family's unhappy situation.
The Investigation Begins
Dr. Gerard, who is also a friend of Poirot, approaches the detective and asks for his help in solving the case. Poirot agrees, and the investigation begins. He interviews each member of the tour group and the Boynton family, carefully observing their reactions and analyzing their statements. He also studies the crime scene and the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Boynton's death.
As Poirot delves deeper into the case, he uncovers the extent of Mrs. Boynton's cruelty and the impact it had on her family. He realizes that the motive for her murder is not financial gain or personal vendetta, but rather an act of mercy to free the family from her oppressive influence.
The Revelation
After a series of interviews and careful observations, Poirot gathers all the suspects in one place and reveals the identity of the murderer. He explains how the murder was committed and the motive behind it. The murderer confesses, and the case is solved.
As the story concludes, Poirot reflects on the tragic nature of the case. He acknowledges that while murder is always a crime, there are instances where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred, especially when dealing with extreme cases of cruelty and oppression.
In Conclusion
In Appointment with Death, Agatha Christie presents us with a compelling murder mystery set against the backdrop of a unique and historically rich location. The story is not just about solving a crime, but also about exploring the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas that arise in extreme situations. It is a classic example of Christie's ability to weave intricate plots and create memorable characters, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery genre.
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What is Appointment with Death about?
Appointment with Death is a gripping murder mystery by Agatha Christie. Set against the backdrop of an archaeological expedition in the Middle East, the story follows the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the death of a tyrannical matriarch. With a web of secrets and motives, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking truth is revealed.
Appointment with Death Review
Appointment with Death (1938) by Agatha Christie is a thrilling murder mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Here's why this book is worth diving into:
- With its intriguing plot and clever twists, it keeps readers guessing until the very end, making it impossible to put down.
- The well-developed characters bring the story to life, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
- Agatha Christie's attention to detail and ability to create suspense through subtle clues and misdirection make the story captivating and definitely not boring.
Who should read Appointment with Death?
- Readers who enjoy classic murder mysteries and intricate plot twists
- Agatha Christie fans looking for a captivating and suspenseful story
- Those who appreciate well-developed characters and psychological insights
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Appointment with Death FAQs
What is the main message of Appointment with Death?
In Appointment with Death, justice prevails against a ruthless murderer.
How long does it take to read Appointment with Death?
Reading time for Appointment with Death varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Appointment with Death a good book? Is it worth reading?
Appointment with Death is worth reading for its gripping plot and intriguing characters.
Who is the author of Appointment with Death?
The author of Appointment with Death is Agatha Christie.
What to read after Appointment with Death?
If you're wondering what to read next after Appointment with Death, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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