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Crooked House summary
Brief summary
Crooked House by Agatha Christie is a captivating murder mystery set in a dysfunctional family. As secrets unravel and suspicions arise, the story keeps you guessing until the very end.
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Crooked House
Summary of key ideas
Unsettling Discoveries
In Crooked House by Agatha Christie, the protagonist, Charles Hayward, is a former intelligence officer who finds himself entangled in a murder investigation. Charles, in love with Sophia Leonides, is shocked when she asks him to investigate the murder of her grandfather, Aristide Leonides. Aristide, a wealthy businessman, is poisoned in his own home, and his death is initially ruled as natural causes.
Charles agrees and visits the Leonides family estate, a crooked house with a labyrinthine structure, a metaphor for the family's twisted dynamics. He meets the various members of the Leonides family, each with their own motives and secrets. The matriarch, Lady Edith, is a simple, kind-hearted woman, while Aristide's two sons, Roger and Philip, are both in unhappy marriages. Roger's wife, Clemency, is a failed actress, and Philip's wife, Magda, is a former ballet dancer.
Clues and Suspicions
As Charles investigates, he uncovers numerous clues and suspects. He learns that Aristide was a controlling and manipulative man, and his death leaves the family fortune in a precarious position. The family members are all potential suspects, and Charles finds it increasingly difficult to believe in their innocence. Even Sophia, the love of his life, comes under suspicion when it is revealed that she stood to inherit a significant portion of her grandfather's wealth.
Charles also meets the family's governess, Miss de Haviland, who has been with the family for years. Miss de Haviland, with her keen observations, provides Charles with valuable insights into the family dynamics and the events leading up to Aristide's murder. Charles begins to suspect that the murder was meticulously planned and executed, and the perpetrator is someone close to Aristide.
Twists and Turns
The plot thickens as Charles uncovers a series of shocking revelations. He learns that Roger and Clemency had an affair, and Philip was in love with Magda even before she married his brother. Magda, on the other hand, was having an affair with the family's tutor, Laurence Brown. These intricate relationships further complicate the investigation, and Charles finds himself caught in a web of lies and deceit.
As the investigation progresses, Charles becomes increasingly paranoid, suspecting everyone, including Sophia. He realizes that the murderer is someone he least expected, and the answer has been right in front of him all along. The tension escalates as the truth is unveiled, and the murderer is revealed in a dramatic climax.
A Shocking Revelation
In a surprising turn of events, Charles discovers that the real murderer is none other than the seemingly innocent Miss de Haviland. She had been in love with Aristide for years and killed him out of jealousy when he married the much younger Brenda, who is also a suspect. Miss de Haviland's meticulous planning and execution of the murder had successfully diverted suspicion from her.
In the end, justice is served, and Miss de Haviland is arrested. The Leonides family is left shattered, their lives forever changed by the shocking revelation. Charles, too, is deeply affected by the case, realizing the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary people. The novel ends with a sense of unease, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of human nature and the crookedness of the human heart.
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What is Crooked House about?
Crooked House is a gripping murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When wealthy patriarch Aristide Leonides is poisoned in his own home, his family members become the prime suspects. As detective Charles Hayward delves into the twisted family dynamics, dark secrets and hidden motives are revealed. The novel keeps readers guessing until the very end, with a shocking conclusion that will leave them reeling.
Crooked House Review
Crooked House (1949) explores a mysterious murder within a dysfunctional family, making it a captivating read for mystery enthusiasts. Here's why this book stands out:
- Its intriguing plot twists keep readers guessing until the final reveal, ensuring a thrilling and unpredictable journey.
- The complex characters and their intricate relationships add depth and layers to the storyline, making it a compelling and engaging read.
- With its suspenseful atmosphere and unexpected revelations, the book never fails to keep readers on the edge of their seats, guaranteeing an exciting and satisfying read.
Who should read Crooked House?
Readers who enjoy classic mystery novels with intricate plots and unexpected twists
Agatha Christie fans looking for another captivating whodunit from the "Queen of Crime"
Those who appreciate well-developed characters and atmospheric settings that add depth to the story
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Crooked House FAQs
What is the main message of Crooked House?
The main message of Crooked House revolves around hidden truths, family secrets, and unexpected twists.
How long does it take to read Crooked House?
Reading time for Crooked House varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is Crooked House a good book? Is it worth reading?
Crooked House is a compelling read with intricate plotting and a surprising ending. Definitely worth delving into!
Who is the author of Crooked House?
The author of Crooked House is Agatha Christie.
What to read after Crooked House?
If you're wondering what to read next after Crooked House, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher