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
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Secret Adversary summary
Brief summary
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie is a thrilling detective novel that follows the adventures of Tommy and Tuppence as they set out to uncover the truth behind a mysterious and dangerous conspiracy. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, it's a gripping read from start to finish.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Secret Adversary
Summary of key ideas
The Start of a Thrilling Adventure
In The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to the young and adventurous duo, Tommy Beresford and Tuppence Cowley. The story begins in 1919, post-World War I, where the two friends, now in their twenties, are struggling to find their footing in a world that has been irrevocably changed by the war. They decide to form a partnership, calling themselves the "Young Adventurers" and offering their services to anyone in need of help.
Their first client, a mysterious woman named Jane Finn, approaches them with a request to find her missing cousin. Jane had been a passenger on the Lusitania, a ship that was sunk by a German U-boat during the war. She had survived the disaster and was entrusted with a secret treaty, but due to a head injury, she has no recollection of what happened to the treaty or her cousin. Tommy and Tuppence agree to help her, setting off a thrilling adventure.
A Race Against Time
As Tommy and Tuppence delve into the case, they realize that they are not the only ones searching for Jane's cousin and the missing treaty. They find themselves entangled in a web of espionage, with multiple parties vying for the treaty, including a sinister figure known only as "Mr. Brown." The Young Adventurers must race against time to unravel the mystery and protect Jane from the dangerous forces at play.
Their investigation leads them to a nursing home, where they discover that Jane's cousin, along with the treaty, is hidden in the building. However, before they can retrieve it, the nursing home is set ablaze, and the cousin is killed. The treaty, too, is lost in the fire. Despite this setback, Tommy and Tuppence remain determined to uncover the truth.
Unmasking the Secret Adversary
As the story progresses, Tommy and Tuppence's search for the elusive Mr. Brown intensifies. They encounter a series of dangerous situations, including kidnapping attempts and narrow escapes, all orchestrated by Mr. Brown's henchmen. The duo's resilience and quick thinking are put to the test as they navigate these perilous circumstances.
Finally, in a dramatic turn of events, Tommy and Tuppence manage to unmask Mr. Brown. They discover that he is none other than the seemingly harmless owner of the nursing home, a man named Whittington. It is revealed that he had been using the nursing home as a front for his criminal activities, and had orchestrated the entire plot to obtain the treaty.
A Satisfying Conclusion
In the end, justice prevails as Mr. Brown is apprehended, and the truth behind the missing treaty is revealed. Although the treaty itself is lost, its contents are disclosed, ensuring that its intended purpose is fulfilled. Jane Finn, now safe from harm, regains her memory and is reunited with her family.
As for Tommy and Tuppence, their successful handling of this case marks the beginning of their career as private detectives. They realize their deep affection for each other and decide to get married, cementing their partnership both personally and professionally. In The Secret Adversary, Agatha Christie introduces us to a dynamic duo whose thrilling adventures are only just beginning.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Secret Adversary about?
The Secret Adversary is a thrilling novel by Agatha Christie that follows the adventures of Tommy and Tuppence as they embark on a mission to uncover a mysterious political conspiracy. Filled with suspense, espionage, and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Secret Adversary Review
The Secret Adversary (1922) by Agatha Christie is a thrilling detective novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Featuring a smart and resourceful female protagonist, the story challenges traditional gender roles, adding depth to the narrative.
- With its twists and turns and fast-paced plot, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guessing until the very end.
- The intriguing blend of mystery and espionage elements makes the book a standout in the detective fiction genre, ensuring it is anything but boring.
Who should read The Secret Adversary?
- Readers who enjoy classic mystery novels
- Fans of Agatha Christie's writing and intricate plots
- Those looking for a story with engaging characters and unexpected twists
Categories with The Secret Adversary
Book summaries like The Secret Adversary
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.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Secret Adversary FAQs
What is the main message of The Secret Adversary?
Dive into thrilling espionage with twists and turns as characters uncover hidden secrets.
How long does it take to read The Secret Adversary?
Reading time varies, but it typically takes hours. The Blinkist summary can be finished in minutes.
Is The Secret Adversary a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Secret Adversary is a gripping page-turner, perfect for mystery lovers. Dive into the adventure!
Who is the author of The Secret Adversary?
Agatha Christie is the talented author behind The Secret Adversary.
What to read after The Secret Adversary?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Secret Adversary, 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