In this article, we will explore the Appointment With Death Book Review with book details and a plot summary. Appointment with Death is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie, which was originally published in 1938. This story follows the legendary detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder while traveling to the Middle East. Mrs. Boynton, the victim, is a brutal, dominant matriarch who enjoys hurting her family. When she is discovered dead in Petra, other suspects surface, each with a strong motive. Poirot must find out the facts before the criminal runs away. This book is filled with suspense, psychological tension, and Christie’s signature twists.
Book Details
- Publisher : William Morrow Paperbacks; Reissue edition (September 27, 2011)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062073923
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062073921
- Lexile measure : 680L
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 0.7 x 5.3 x 7.9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #97,891 in Books (Amazon)
- #935 in Traditional Detective Mysteries (Books)
- #3,400 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- #8,848 in Suspense Thrillers
- Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Chapters
The novel Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie is divided into three parts, with multiple chapters in each part. Below is the chapter breakdown:
Part One: Introduction
- “You do see, don’t you, that she’s got to be killed?”
- The Journey Begins
- The Boynton Family
- The Scene is Set
- Psychological Torture
- More New Faces
- A Closer Look
- The Warning
- Secret Discussions
- Arriving in Petra
- A Silent Figure
Part Two: The Murder
- The Discovery
- The Investigation Begins
- Poirot Enters the Case
- Questioning the Suspects
- A Different Perspective
- Miss Pierce’s Story
- More Clues
- Sarah’s Thoughts
- A Lawyer’s View
Part Three: The Solution
- Poirot’s Observations
- The Grand Reveal
- The Truth Unfolds
Appointment With Death Book Review
Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death is a gripping murder mystery featuring detective Hercule Poirot. Set in Petra, Jordan, the story follows the cruel Mrs. Boynton, a controlling and abusive matriarch who dominates her stepchildren with fear. When she is found dead, Poirot investigates, uncovering secrets, hidden motives, and unexpected twists. As usual, his sharp intellect and methodical approach make for an engaging read.
One of the book’s main strengths is its well-developed characters. Mrs. Boynton is a memorable villain, and her stepchildren’s suffering adds emotional depth to the story. The setting in Petra enhances the sense of mystery, with its exotic and isolated location adding to the suspense. The novel also explores psychological themes, showing how control and fear can destroy lives.
The book has a slow start. The first part focuses heavily on character interactions, which some readers may find tedious. Unlike some of Christie’s other works, this novel leans more on psychological tension than fast-paced action. Still, the buildup pays off in the end, as Poirot delivers a satisfying resolution with his signature dramatic reveal.
Appointment with Death is a well-plotted and intriguing mystery. While it may not be as fast-moving as some of Christie’s best-known works, its strong characters, exotic setting, and psychological depth make it a worthwhile read. Fans of classic detective fiction and slow-burning mysteries will appreciate this novel.
Summary
Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death is a thrilling murder mystery featuring the famous detective Hercule Poirot. The story takes place in the Middle East, where a group of travelers is on a sightseeing tour near Petra. Among them is the cruel and controlling Mrs. Boynton, who enjoys making her stepchildren miserable. Her family lives in fear, and even other travelers notice how much they suffer under her rule. When she is found dead with a needle mark on her wrist, it becomes clear that someone wanted to escape her grip forever.
Poirot, who happens to be nearby, is asked to solve the case. As he investigates, he discovers that almost everyone in the group had a reason to want Mrs. Boynton dead. Her stepchildren wished for freedom, and other travelers disliked her for her cruel ways. Poirot carefully studies each person’s behavior and words, knowing that the smallest clue can reveal the truth. He uses his sharp mind and famous method of psychology to find out what really happened.
In the end, Poirot gathers everyone together and explains his findings. The murderer turns out to be someone who wants to protect the innocent from more suffering. As always, Poirot’s brilliant deduction skills bring justice, and the case is solved. Appointment with Death is a gripping story that keeps readers guessing until the final moment, making it a must-read for mystery lovers.
What is the book Appointment with Death about?
Agatha Christie’s murder mystery Appointment with Death follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the death of Mrs. Boynton, a cruel and controlling woman, during a journey to the Middle East. As he uncovers truths, he realizes that many individuals had a reason to wish her dead.
What is considered Agatha Christie’s best book?
Agatha Christie’s best book is often considered And Then There Were None, known for its clever plot and suspenseful ending.
What is the plot of Appointment with Death spoilers?
In Appointment with Death, Mrs. Boynton, a cruel woman, is discovered dead during a trip to the Middle East. Detective Hercule Poirot investigates and discovers that many people, including her stepchildren, had motives for wanting her dead. He realizes that Mrs. Boynton’s cruel rule over her household led to a murder. The killer is discovered to be her stepdaughter, who took action to protect her brothers from further abuse.
