Book Details:
Originally written by Agatha Christie as a play in 1954, now rendered as a novel by Charles Osborne, The Unexpected Guest is a compelling tale of murder and deceit sure to entertain and amuse fans of Christie worldwide.
Book Review:
The Unexpected Guest is one of her rare works that was first written as a play, as opposed to many of her stories where the plays were adapted from books or stories. It was very well received, and with good reason.
The family relationships​ are quite intricate, there is conflicting feelings towards the deceased basis self preservation, familial pride, and plain loyalty. There is of course misdirection; it being a Christie novel, this is to be expected. I was quite taken by the narrative, as well as the individualistic characters. And also, what drives them to say and do the things they do.
I also quite liked the inspector and the very poetic Sergeant. It added a light-hearted dimension to the story.
Of all the Christie novels I’ve read, this is the first where the criminal goes unpunished. This​ isn’t really a spoiler because I’m not disclosing anything about the story line or murderer per se, so I think it’s fine to elaborate on this.
I’m sure she had good reason to make that decision, and the more I think about it, the more I find it to be justified. I don’t think, as a reader, I’d have it any other way.
It is not a Poirot or Miss Marple book, but it is still a great story without either of these beloved characters.
A good book for a cozy evening.
