Black Coffee Book Summary - Black Coffee Book explained in key points

Black Coffee summary

Agatha Christie Charles Osborne

Brief summary

Black Coffee is a thrilling detective novel by Agatha Christie. Her iconic detective, Hercule Poirot, is called in to solve a murder that occurs during a tense family gathering. With no shortage of suspects, Poirot must use his keen intellect to uncover the truth.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Black Coffee
    Summary of key ideas

    Unveiling a Murder Mystery

    In Black Coffee by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to the renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The story begins with Sir Claud Amory, a brilliant physicist, who has invented a formula with the potential to change the course of the world's energy resources. Fearing that his formula might be stolen, Sir Claud invites Poirot to his country estate to discuss the matter.

    However, before Poirot arrives, Sir Claud is poisoned, and his formula is stolen. The suspects include his family members, his secretary, and his guests. Poirot, with his keen observation and astute reasoning, begins to investigate the murder and the theft of the formula. He soon realizes that the formula is hidden somewhere in the house, and the murderer is among the suspects.

    Unraveling the Clues

    As Poirot delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives. He discovers that each suspect had a strong motive to kill Sir Claud and steal the formula. The suspects include Sir Claud's brother, his son, his secretary, and his guests, all of whom are desperate to get their hands on the formula for their own personal gains.

    With the help of Captain Hastings, Poirot's loyal friend, and Inspector Japp, the local police officer, Poirot meticulously examines the evidence and interviews the suspects. He carefully observes their behavior and statements, trying to catch them in a lie. Poirot's unique approach to solving the case sets him apart from other detectives, and he begins to piece together the puzzle.

    Unmasking the Culprit

    As the investigation progresses, Poirot narrows down the suspects and identifies the murderer. He cleverly orchestrates a plan to reveal the truth. Poirot gathers all the suspects in the same room and dramatically exposes the murderer, much to everyone's shock. The murderer, cornered and desperate, makes a futile attempt to escape but is swiftly apprehended by Inspector Japp.

    With the murderer caught, Poirot turns his attention to the missing formula. Using his deductive skills, he locates the hidden formula, ensuring that Sir Claud's groundbreaking invention is safe. The case is solved, and justice is served. Poirot's brilliant mind and meticulous approach once again triumph over the criminal mind.

    Concluding the Mystery

    In the end, Poirot reveals the intricate details of the murder and the theft, explaining how he arrived at his conclusions. The suspects are left stunned by Poirot's remarkable abilities, and the truth is finally laid bare. The story concludes with Poirot and his companions reflecting on the case, highlighting the importance of observation, logic, and attention to detail in solving a mystery.

    In Black Coffee, Agatha Christie delivers a classic murder mystery filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The novel showcases Poirot's unparalleled detective skills and his unique approach to solving crimes. It is a testament to Christie's mastery in crafting intricate plots and memorable characters, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery genre.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Black Coffee about?

    Black Coffee is a novelization of a play by Agatha Christie, adapted by Charles Osborne. It follows the famous detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that takes place during a family gathering. With his keen powers of deduction, Poirot unravels the mystery and uncovers the truth behind the crime. Filled with suspense and clever plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of classic whodunits.

    Black Coffee Review

    Black Coffee (1998) by Agatha Christie and Charles Osborne is a thrilling murder mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:

    • The intricate plot twists and clever detective work create an exhilarating journey full of suspense and surprises.
    • With complex characters and unexpected revelations, the story keeps you guessing until the very end.
    • Its engaging narrative style and masterful storytelling make it an intriguing and captivating read that is far from mundane.

    Who should read Black Coffee?

    • Readers who enjoy classic murder mysteries
    • Fans of Agatha Christie's writing style and iconic detective, Hercule Poirot
    • Those looking for a captivating and engaging story with a cleverly woven plot

    About the Author

    Agatha Christie is a renowned author in the mystery genre, known for her captivating storytelling and intricate plots. With a career spanning over 50 years, Christie has created some of the most iconic characters in detective fiction, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Her notable works include 'Murder on the Orient Express', 'And Then There Were None', and 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd'. Charles Osborne is a writer and actor who adapted several of Agatha Christie's plays for the stage. He also co-authored the novel 'Black Coffee' based on Christie's original play.

    Categories with Black Coffee

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Black Coffee FAQs 

    What is the main message of Black Coffee?

    The main message of Black Coffee revolves around a classic murder mystery filled with twists and intrigue.

    How long does it take to read Black Coffee?

    Reading Black Coffee takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Black Coffee a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Black Coffee is a captivating read with engaging characters and a clever plot, making it a worthwhile mystery novel.

    Who is the author of Black Coffee?

    The author of Black Coffee is Agatha Christie, with Charles Osborne as the adapter.

    What to read after Black Coffee?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Black Coffee, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Suspense and Sensibility by Carrie Bebris
    • Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron
    • An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan
    • Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange
    • The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne
    • Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge
    • Jane and the Man of the Cloth by Stephanie Barron
    • For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
    • The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds
    • Longbourn by Jo Baker