I purchased this book for my own collection.
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Published: February 1, 2011 (first published 1949)
Summary:
Described by the queen of mystery herself as one of her favorites of her published work, Crooked House is a classic Agatha Christie thriller revolving around a devastating family mystery.
The Leonides are one big happy family living in a sprawling, ramshackle mansion. That is until the head of the household, Aristide, is murdered with a fatal barbiturate injection.
Suspicion naturally falls on the old man’s young widow, fifty years his junior. But the murderer has reckoned without the tenacity of Charles Hayward, fiancé of the late millionaire’s granddaughter.
My thoughts:
April’s theme for #ReadChristie2026 is Beloved in your Collection and as I have already read the official pick for the month, I decided to go with one of the alternative suggestions, a book I hadn’t yet read but had been meaning to — Crooked House.
I love that this is described by the queen of mystery herself as one of her favorites of her published work…and after now having read it myself, I can see why!
This is a stand-alone and it involves a rather dysfunctional family, always a favorite for me! It sure kept me guessing when it came to suspects and I loved all the shocking twists and turns this one took, especially that final one which really took me by surprise! I can never seem to work out these mysteries before the reveal, no matter how hard I try!!
Another brilliant story that I’m so glad to have checked off my list — though I will definitely be reading this one again at some point!!
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