Title: Taken at the Flood
Author: Agatha Christie
First published January 1, 1948
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780007121014 (ISBN10: 0007121016)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
In Agatha Christie’s Taken at the Flood, the sudden death of Gordon Cloade in the London blitz has left his young widow with a vast fortune. But when Hercule Poirot is approached by the dead man’s sister-in-law, who claims that the first husband of the wealthy widow is still alive, he begins to suspect foul play.
Tasked with finding a missing person guided only by the spirit world, Poirot is determined to unravel the mystery of the widow’s true intentions. With twists and turns at every corner, Taken at the Flood will keep you guessing until the very end.
About the Author
Agatha Christie, the renowned British author, was not only a master of crime fiction but also a prolific writer of romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. She even published some of her works under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Christie’s literary career spans 66 crime novels, 14 plays, and six romance novels under her pseudonym. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and another billion in translations.
She holds the record for being the most translated individual author, with her works available in at least 103 languages. Her two famous characters, Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple, remain iconic figures in crime literature.
Christie’s play, The Mousetrap, holds the distinction of being the longest-running play in modern theatre history.
Born in Torquay, Devon, England, Christie was the youngest of three siblings. She served as a nurse during World War I before marrying and starting a family in London.
During the war, she worked in a hospital where she gained knowledge of poisons, which she used in her books to describe many of the murders.
Christie’s first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, was published in 1920, and during her first marriage, she wrote six novels, a collection of short stories, and several stories for magazines. In 1926, her husband revealed that he was in love with another woman, and the couple divorced.
Christie married archaeologist Max Mallowan in 1930, and their early years of marriage were happy. They traveled extensively, which provided the background for many of her novels set in the Middle East.
Christie also used familiar settings for her stories, such as Torquay, where she was born, and Abney Hall in Cheshire, owned by her brother-in-law, James Watts.
In recognition of her literary achievements, Christie was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1956 New Year Honours. The following year, she became the President of the Detection Club.
Christie’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers worldwide.
Editoral Review
Agatha Christie is a renowned author in the mystery genre, and her novel “Taken at the Flood” showcases her mastery of suspenseful storytelling. First published on January 1, 1948, the book takes readers on a journey through the aftermath of World War II, exploring themes of family, greed, and the consequences of one’s choices.
The story is set in the small English town of Warmsley Vale, where a family is left reeling after the sudden death of its patriarch, Gordon Cloade. His young widow, Rosaleen, is the sole inheritor of his vast fortune, much to the surprise and chagrin of his remaining relatives.
However, when a stranger arrives in town claiming to have information that could change everything, the family is plunged into a web of lies and deceit, and the truth about Gordon’s death is slowly revealed.
Christie’s writing style is elegant and concise, and she expertly weaves together multiple plot threads to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, each with their own flaws and motivations that drive the story forward.
The small town setting adds to the overall sense of tension and unease, as the characters are forced to confront their secrets and past mistakes.
One of the strengths of “Taken at the Flood” is the way in which Christie explores the aftermath of World War II and its impact on society. The characters are all grappling with the changes and uncertainties of the post-war era, and their struggles feel relevant even today.
Additionally, the book offers a commentary on the dangers of greed and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect their own interests.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times, and the ending may feel somewhat rushed or unsatisfying.
Additionally, some of the characters may come across as one-dimensional or stereotypical.
Overall, “Taken at the Flood” is a well-crafted mystery novel that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Christie’s writing is masterful, and her exploration of post-war England is both insightful and thought-provoking.
Fans of the mystery genre and historical fiction will surely enjoy this book.
Rating: 4/5 stars. While the book has its limitations, it is ultimately a satisfying and entertaining read.
