First published: November 6, 1939
Category: Mystery, Classics
This was my first Agatha Christie read for book club this month. Not sure why I waited this long to read a Christie novel; she is quite the storyteller.
The mystery on Solider Island eerily follows the following poem:
Ten little Soldier Boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine.
Nine little Soldier Boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight.
Eight little Soldier Boys travelling in Devon; One said he’d stay there and then there were seven.
Seven little Soldier Boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in halves and then there were six.
Six little Soldier Boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then there were five.
Five little Soldier Boys going in for law; One got in Chancery and then there were four.
Four little Soldier Boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three.
Three little Soldier Boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two.
Two little Soldier Boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was one.
One little Soldier Boy left all alone; He went out and hanged himself and then there were none.
I think the poem says it all: its all the info you need to know before venturing into this mystery. While reading you will play detective to see if you can solve the crime before it is revealed in the end.
It was a quick read at 264 pages. I didn’t know how Agatha was going to pull it off: I was surprised, but then mad that I didn’t figure it out because it was right in front of my face! Have you read this one and did you know who it was in the end?! (no details, as we don’t want to spoil it for the others)
Are you a fan of cozy mysteries?
UPDATE, February 22, 2019: I did not know there was controversy around an original racist title of this book that correlated with the original subject of this poem. I probably would not have read it if I had known. I know it was 1939, but this was not an author who was writing on such subjects calling out racism ahead of her time: it was more than likely just what she knew. Its not sitting well with me currently.
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Saturday Nite Reader 
I STILL have to read a Christie and a Sheldon.
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this one went real quick if you want to give it a go! Detective Saturday Nite Reader failed at solving the crime, but it was fun nonetheless…haha
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Great review. One of my faves by her.
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This was my first Christie read and I loved it – I didn’t figure it out either. I’ve been meaning to read more of her novels but haven’t gotten round to it yet.
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I will certainly read her again!
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I have quiet a few Agatha Christie books but I haven’t read any. I don’t like historical fiction unless it is written around the era that it is set so many of her books do appeal to me. I should pick this one up as it sounds like a good puzzler.
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it does suck you in after the intro of the characters, like what is Agatha going to do with all of this…
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she was a marvel in her day and time, and still a force in ours
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I’ve never read one of her books!
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its okay, this was my first too. I recommend giving it a go if you like mysteries.
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I haven’t read anything by her yet!
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I still haven’t read a Christie either! Seems more common than I realized based on these comments. Might make this my first one!
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I have never read an Agatha Christie novel! I really need to change that.
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I’ve never read an Agatha Christie book. I really should as they always look so good.
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that surprises me as you do enjoy suspense! I guess she is more cozy mystery, I often consider them the same but know they aren’t. 😉
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Great review. This has been in my TBR as a reread for a while now.
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LOVE your book photo! I’ve never read any of her work. I NEED to change that this year!!
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why thank you! 😉
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