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The Moving Finger summary
Brief summary
The Moving Finger is a gripping mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When Jerry Burton moves to the quiet village of Lymstock, he soon finds himself embroiled in a tangled web of anonymous poison-pen letters and suspicious deaths.
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The Moving Finger
Summary of key ideas
The Start of a Mysterious Series of Letters
In The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to Jerry Burton, a young pilot who has been injured in a plane crash. He moves to the quiet village of Lymstock with his sister, Joanna, to recover. Their peaceful life is soon disrupted when they start receiving anonymous, malicious letters. These letters, filled with false accusations and insinuations, are also being sent to other residents of the village.
As the letters continue to arrive, the village is thrown into a state of paranoia and suspicion. Jerry and Joanna, along with their new friends, the Dane family, decide to investigate the matter themselves. They are determined to uncover the identity of the letter writer and put an end to the malicious campaign.
Uncovering Dark Secrets
As they delve deeper into the mystery, the group discovers that the letters are linked to a series of tragic events in the village. They learn about the suicide of Mrs. Symmington, a woman who had received one of the letters, and the death of her husband, who had been accused of being a German spy during the war. The group also uncovers a web of secrets and hidden relationships among the villagers.
During their investigation, the group encounters a number of suspects, including the local doctor, the vicar, and a wealthy landowner. They also learn about the tragic history of the Dane family, which has been deeply affected by the letters. As the tension in the village rises, the group realizes that they are dealing with a dangerous and cunning adversary.
The Truth Revealed
After a series of twists and turns, the group finally uncovers the identity of the letter writer. The culprit is revealed to be a seemingly innocent young woman, Megan Hunter, who had been living with the vicar and his wife. Megan, who had been nursing a grudge against the villagers, had been using the letters to exact her revenge.
It is also revealed that the vicar's wife, Mrs. Calthrop, had been aware of Megan's actions but had chosen to protect her. The shocking revelation leaves the village in a state of disbelief. The mystery is finally solved, and the letters come to an end, bringing peace back to Lymstock.
A Classic Christie Conclusion
In classic Agatha Christie style, The Moving Finger concludes with a dramatic revelation and a satisfying resolution. The true motives behind the letters are unveiled, and the characters are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. The novel serves as a reminder of the destructive power of rumors and the importance of empathy and understanding in a community.
As the story ends, Jerry and Joanna, along with the Dane family, leave Lymstock, having solved the mystery and restored peace to the village. The Moving Finger is a compelling tale of deception, revenge, and the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing Agatha Christie's unparalleled skill in crafting intricate and captivating mysteries.
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What is The Moving Finger about?
The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie follows the story of Jerry Burton, who moves to a quiet village with his sister after an accident. However, they soon become entangled in a series of poison-pen letters, which lead to unexpected deaths. With the help of the famous detective Miss Marple, they unravel the secrets and uncover the truth behind the mysterious letters.
The Moving Finger Review
The Moving Finger (1942) by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- Featuring intriguing plot twists, it keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a satisfying and thrilling read.
- The well-developed characters add depth to the story, engaging readers in the investigation and making them feel part of the mystery.
- Through its cleverly woven clues and red herrings, the book challenges readers to solve the puzzle alongside the characters, ensuring it's anything but boring.
Who should read The Moving Finger?
- Readers who enjoy classic mystery novels
- Fans of Agatha Christie's intricate and clever plot twists
- People who appreciate a well-crafted narrative with well-developed characters
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The Moving Finger FAQs
What is the main message of The Moving Finger?
The main message of The Moving Finger is the hidden secrets in a quiet village.
How long does it take to read The Moving Finger?
Reading The Moving Finger takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be consumed in minutes.
Is The Moving Finger a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Moving Finger is worth reading for its intricate plot and unexpected twists.
Who is the author of The Moving Finger?
The author of The Moving Finger is Agatha Christie.
What to read after The Moving Finger?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Moving Finger, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Longbourn by Jo Baker