R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews
One of Agatha Christie's favorite novels, this mystery was published in 1967 when it received a good deal of acclaim. Her 58th detective tale, obviously one of her later books, it's often described as Gothic because of its dark ominous atmosphere. From the book description, "Love turns to terror and terror to murder most foul in a final, monstrous twist that will amaze even the most careful reader."
Michael Rogers who is from the working-class works as a chauffeur takes wealthy individuals on tour in Europe. Then he meets Ellie Guteman, a wealthy American heiress, whom he courts and they marry. Michael knows Rudolph Santonix, an architect, and has dreamed that he will build a house for him. An old estate known as The Towers seems the perfect site. It just so happens that the land on which they want to build seems perfect when a gypsy, Mrs. Lee, warns them against building and living on it. It is cursed, she insists, but they ignore her advice. Residents of the area call it Gipsy's Acre and they believe it cursed, too, because several accidents have occurred on the property.
Then Ellie is injured. Later she fails to appear for lunch and a search finds her dead of no apparent injuries. Ellie had a heart condition. Was this the cause of her death or was it something else? The police believe she died of shock. Mrs. Lee is found dead in a quarry, and Claudia Hardcastle, a friend of Ellie, dies while out riding.
The auther placed this novel among other favorites including The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Pale Horse, and Moving Finger. She felt that it allowed readers to understand a character who chose evil over good. It's a very good read that keeps the reader guessing.
Michael Rogers who is from the working-class works as a chauffeur takes wealthy individuals on tour in Europe. Then he meets Ellie Guteman, a wealthy American heiress, whom he courts and they marry. Michael knows Rudolph Santonix, an architect, and has dreamed that he will build a house for him. An old estate known as The Towers seems the perfect site. It just so happens that the land on which they want to build seems perfect when a gypsy, Mrs. Lee, warns them against building and living on it. It is cursed, she insists, but they ignore her advice. Residents of the area call it Gipsy's Acre and they believe it cursed, too, because several accidents have occurred on the property.
Then Ellie is injured. Later she fails to appear for lunch and a search finds her dead of no apparent injuries. Ellie had a heart condition. Was this the cause of her death or was it something else? The police believe she died of shock. Mrs. Lee is found dead in a quarry, and Claudia Hardcastle, a friend of Ellie, dies while out riding.
The auther placed this novel among other favorites including The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Pale Horse, and Moving Finger. She felt that it allowed readers to understand a character who chose evil over good. It's a very good read that keeps the reader guessing.
