Part of Hercule Poirot, book 40
First published 2012
A fierce snowstorm cuts off all escape routes from an isolated country estate. The small group of friends gathered there believes they have found shelter from the weather. Instead, they discover they are trapped with a homicidal maniac who stalks them through the house. This deadly setup forms the centerpiece of Christie's collection, where the author weaves her most cunning puzzle. The title story became the foundation for The Mousetrap, which holds the record as the longest running stage play ever produced. Beyond this chilling tale, the volume presents additional mysteries that showcase Christie's deceptive brilliance. Hercule Poirot applies his methodical genius to unravel seemingly impossible crimes, while Miss Jane Marple uses her sharp village wisdom to expose killers hiding in plain sight. Each story demonstrates Christie's talent for misdirection and surprise.
Genres: short-stories, 20th-century, mystery, agatha-christie
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: locked-room-mystery, misdirection
Setting: Isolated Country Estate
Period: 20th Century
235 pages · Paperback · William Morrow Paperbacks
Content warnings: murder