Title: Ordeal by Innocence
Author: Agatha Christie
First published November 3, 1958
288 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312981624 (ISBN10: 0312981627)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
After a long bout of amnesia, Dr. James Sheppard is finally able to remember the details of a shocking murder trial. The conviction of Jacko Argyle, the victim’s own son, has haunted him for years.
But with newfound clarity, Dr. Sheppard knows that Jacko was innocent all along. The real killer is still out there, hiding in plain sight.
As the doctor delves deeper into the twisted web of secrets surrounding the Argyle family, he realizes that the murderer will stop at nothing to keep their identity a secret. With themes of guilt, revenge, and dark family secrets, this psychological thriller is a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie’s complex mysteries.
About the Author
Did you know that Agatha Christie, the famous author, also wrote romance novels under the name Mary Westmacott? She was also occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Christie is the world’s best-selling author of all time, having written 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six romance novels. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation, and she holds the record for being the most-translated individual author, having been translated into at least 103 languages.
Christie is the creator of two iconic characters in crime literature, Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. Her play, The Mousetrap, is the longest-running play in modern theatre history.
Christie was born as the youngest of three children in Torquay, Devon, England, U.K., and had served as a nurse in a Devon hospital during the First World War. Her experience here and later working as a pharmacy assistant at University College Hospital in London gave her a good knowledge of poisons that she later used in her novels.
Christie’s first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, was published in 1920. During her first marriage, she published six novels, a collection of short stories, and several stories in magazines.
In 1926, her husband revealed that he was in love with another woman and wanted a divorce. That same evening, Christie disappeared from her home, leaving behind a letter for her secretary saying that she was going to Yorkshire.
Despite a massive manhunt, she was not found for eleven days.
Christie married archaeologist Max Mallowan in 1930 after joining him in an archaeological dig. They frequently traveled together, and Christie used these settings as inspiration for her novels.
Abney Hall in Cheshire, owned by her brother-in-law, James Watts, was another significant inspiration for Christie’s country-house plots. Christie was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1956 and became the President of the Detection Club the following year.
In 1976, Christie passed away, leaving behind a legacy of timeless stories that continue to captivate readers to this day.
Editoral Review
Agatha Christie’s Ordeal by Innocence is a captivating and thrilling murder mystery that has stood the test of time, first published in November 1958. Christie is widely regarded as one of the greatest mystery writers of all time, and this novel is no exception.
Ordeal by Innocence is a classic whodunit that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Set in England in the 1950s, the novel takes place in the idyllic village of Sunny Point.
Doctor Calgary, who was on an expedition at the time, comes back to England and arrives at the home of the Argyle family, only to learn that Jacko, one of the sons, was convicted of murder three years ago, and died in prison while serving his sentence. Unfortunately, Dr. Calgary’s investigation leads him to believe that Jacko was innocent, and starts to unravel the truth of what happened on that fateful night.
As the mystery deepens, Dr. Calgary becomes the only hope for the Argyle family to clear their son’s name and reveal the true killer. Christie’s talent for crafting suspenseful plots and intricate characters is on full display in this novel.
She deftly weaves together a complex web of motives and alibis, keeping the reader guessing right up until the final pages. The novel also explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of guilt.
One of the strengths of the novel is Christie’s ability to create a distinct and memorable cast of characters. Each member of the Argyle family is intricately crafted, from the hardened patriarch to the fragile matriarch who struggles to keep her family together.
The characters are flawed, multidimensional, and unpredictable, making them all suspects in the murder investigation. Furthermore, the setting of Ordeal by Innocence adds to the suspenseful atmosphere of the book.
The village of Sunny Point is described in vivid detail, with its quaint cottages, winding country lanes, and sprawling estates. The setting adds to the charm of the book while also creating an ominous atmosphere that contributes to the sense of impending danger that permeates the novel.
In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the pacing of the book to be slow at times, as Christie takes her time building the tension and developing her characters. However, this is likely to be a matter of personal preference, as others may appreciate the slower pace and attention to detail.
Overall, Ordeal by Innocence is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and Agatha Christie’s work. It is a well-crafted, suspenseful, and engaging novel that stands the test of time.
It is perfect for those who enjoy a good whodunit, and who appreciate well-developed characters, intricate plots, and a strong sense of place. For those new to Christie’s work, Ordeal by Innocence is an excellent starting point.
Highly recommended. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
