Published in 1939, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie follows eight strangers invited to a mysterious island by a Mr. Owen. Greeted by the housekeepers, they soon discover a chilling gramophone recording accusing each of them of murder. As the guests begin to die one by one in accordance with the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Soldier Boys," they realize the murderer is among them, leading to suspicion, fear, and ultimately, a fight for survival.

Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None is widely praised for its intricate plotting, masterful suspense, and unexpected twists, solidifying it as a classic in the mystery genre. However, some readers find character development lacking and the writing style dated. Overall, it remains a compelling and engrossing read that captivates from beginning to end.

Readers who relish intricate mysteries and psychological suspense will find Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None compelling. Perfect for fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles or Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, it captivates with its masterful plotting and engaging whodunit suspense.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Challenging

**Justice Lawrence Wargrave**  
Justice Wargrave is a recently retired judge known for his authority and logical reasoning. He takes a leadership role among the group on Soldier Island, initially suggesting the existence of a killer among them. Described with reptilian imagery, Wargrave's reputation as a professional man of law makes him seem a trustworthy figure.

**Vera Claythorne**  
Vera is a former games mistress now employed as a secretary on Soldier Island. Intelligent and observant, she is the only one to draw connections with the "Ten Little Soldier Boys" nursery rhyme. Despite her sharp mind, Vera is haunted by her past actions and is prone to hysteria.

**Captain Philip Lombard**  
Lombard is a charismatic, skilled man with a mysterious past and a strong instinct for self-preservation. He is often described with wolf-like features, giving him a dangerous and predatory edge. Known for carrying a revolver, he is clever and resourceful.

**William Henry Blore**  
Blore is a former corrupt police officer and private investigator. He is self-serving and suspects various guests throughout the novel. Though physically strong, his clumsy nature and frequent change of opinions about who the murderer might be are notable.

**Dr. Armstrong**  
Dr. Armstrong is a successful doctor and recovering alcoholic. His past mistake of operating while drunk haunts him, but he holds a certain naïveté, making him trust those he shouldn't. His disappearance significantly heightens the suspense in the narrative.

**Miss Emily Brent**  
Emily Brent is a rigid, self-righteous woman who intensely adheres to her religious beliefs to justify her actions. She is described as having an unyielding sense of morality and lacks remorse for past actions, despite signs that they linger in her conscience.

**Mr. Rogers**  
Mr. Rogers is a professional and competent butler hired to work on Soldier Island. Along with his wife, he is implicated in a former crime involving the death of an elderly woman. He appears respectable but holds darker secrets regarding his past actions.

**General Macarthur**  
General Macarthur is an elderly soldier haunted by his conscience over sending his wife’s lover to his death. He lives with intense paranoia and guilt, resigning himself to isolation on the island, experiencing peace with the idea of death.

**Mrs. Rogers**  
Mrs. Rogers works as a housekeeper on the island alongside her husband. Her demeanor is described as ghost-like and fearful, likely due to a guilty conscience related to her involvement in a past crime. Her presence contributes to recurring themes of gender bias in the narrative.

**Anthony Marston**  
Anthony Marston is the youngest guest on Soldier Island, characterized by his carefree, amoral nature. His lack of concern for others is noted, especially after a fatal accident he was involved in. He plays a key role in initiating the story's conflict.

- And Then There Were None was originally published in 1939 and has since gone on to be one of Agatha Christie's best-selling novels, with over 100 million copies sold worldwide.
- The story was initially inspired by a nursery rhyme, which plays a significant role in the plot and title of the original UK edition.
- Agatha Christie wrote the novel during a particularly productive year, which also saw the publication of two other books, showcasing her versatility and prolific nature as a writer.

Agatha Christie

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore And Then There Were None reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read And Then There Were None | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore And Then There Were None and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

And Then There Were None Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

And Then There Were None Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

And Then There Were None Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-10

And Then There Were None Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

And Then There Were None Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 14-Manuscript

And Then There Were None Chapter 14-Manuscript Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

And Then There Were None Character Analysis

theme

Themes

And Then There Were None Themes

Symbols & Motifs

And Then There Were None Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

And Then There Were None Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

And Then There Were None Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

And Then There Were None Book Club Questions

And Then There Were None Teaching Unit

Introduction

And Then There Were None Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

And Then There Were None Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

And Then There Were None Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

And Then There Were None Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

And Then There Were None Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

And Then There Were None Activities

Essay Questions

And Then There Were None Essay Questions

Exam Questions

And Then There Were None Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

And Then There Were None Exam Answer Key

And Then There Were None

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read And Then There Were None?

Reading Age

Book Details