Evil Under the Sun

First Published: 1941

Setting: Smuggler's Island, Leathercombe Bay, off the coast of Devon

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Arlena Stuart, Kenneth Marshall, Linda Marshall, Rosamund Darnley

Important Other People: Christine and Patrick Redfern, Inspector Colgate, Emily Brewster, The Gardeners, Horace Blatt, Stephen Lane

I have really no insight on this book, other than the fact that it is a well-written mystery with lots of twists and surprises, relies heavily on the element of time (which Agatha writes impeccably), and presents many likable characters. The only thing I would really add is that, although this book was published in 1941, there is virtually no mention of the war that was going on at the time. I find it odd that very few of her books published during the war years mention the war, although many books that were published after this time period deal heavily in issues related to the war. Thankfully, we have Tommy and Tuppence to look forward to next...

Interesting facts: Apparently, many other Christie fans say this is one of their favorite books.

Favorite? It's ok. There's a lot of subterfuge and deception, which I like, but I never like when characters I like turn out to be evil...under the sun (haha).

Death by: strangulation

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 80

The Count: Poirot-20, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-3, Superintendent Battle-4, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 3, Mrs. Oliver-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: There is evil everywhere under the sun. A woman is as old as she looks. It's not beauty that counts in the end- to really count, a woman must have goodness and brains. Men are such fools. Wives have to put up with a lot. Woman can be man's help and inspiration in life- she can also be his downfall. One can't put sorrow behind one.

Up Next: N or M?