And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

A few weeks ago some students in grade 7 were trying to decide on books to use for novel studies. Several groups wanted to use this book, based on its description as one of the best mystery stories of all time. So many wanted to read it that we didn't have enough copies at our school and we needed to borrow some from other schools. They were so excited about it, that I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

You see, I'd never actually read an Agatha Christie book before. I don't often read mysteries, because I when I can't solve them I stay up all night reading them and I'm far too old for that sort of thing now.

And this one sucked me right in. This is the story of 10 strangers who are all, through various means, invited to stay at a mysterious island. Once they arrive it is discovered that each person has at some point in their life been responsible for the death of another person (or people) in a way that the law can't possibly get involved. Has the time finally come for them to pay the ultimate price for their actions?

Suddenly, one by one, they start dying. Who is killing them? Who brought them all there? Will anyone survive?

It's no surprise this is considered to be one of the best mystery stories of all time. Agatha Christie's storytelling is superb, the elements of the mystery are fun and engaging. You will be wondering "whodunnit" the whole time and still turning some questions over in your mind once you are done.

One caution I will make is that this book was originally published in 1939, so some racial/cultural terms are used that are no longer appropriate.

If summer ever comes, this would be a fun beach/vacation read. If it doesn't come, it sure helped me get through a cold rainy weekend. It's a fun read that you will not want to put down until you're done.