Crooked House by Agatha Christie is a masterful example of her prowess in crafting intricate mysteries. The novel, set in post-World War II England, revolves around the wealthy Leonides family. The family resides in a sprawling, somewhat chaotic mansion known as "Three Gables," which mirrors the complexities and secrets harbored by its inhabitants.
The story opens with the sudden and suspicious death of Aristide Leonides, the wealthy patriarch. He is poisoned with his own eye medicine, leading to an investigation that reveals a myriad of potential suspects, all with plausible motives. Aristide had remarried a much younger woman, Brenda, who is immediately under suspicion due to the substantial inheritance she stands to receive. However, suspicion soon spreads to other family members, each with their own grievances and hidden resentments.
Charles Hayward, the story's narrator and fiancé of Aristide’s granddaughter Sophia, takes a personal interest in solving the crime. Through his eyes, readers are introduced to the eccentric and often contentious Leonides family. Sophia’s father, Philip, is a frustrated academic who harbors deep-seated resentment towards his father. Philip’s brother, Roger, who runs the family business, struggles with his own sense of inadequacy. Roger’s wife, Clemency, is a cold and clinical woman, more interested in her scientific pursuits than in family affairs.
Other notable characters include the children, Eustace and Josephine. Josephine, the youngest, is particularly observant and unnervingly astute for her age, keeping a notebook filled with secrets she has uncovered. Her penchant for spying and her sharp intellect play a crucial role in the unraveling of the mystery.
As the investigation deepens, the façade of familial unity begins to crumble, revealing hidden passions, jealousies, and long-held grudges. Charles, with the help of his father, Assistant Commissioner of Scotland Yard, meticulously pieces together the puzzle. The narrative is rife with red herrings and clever misdirections, hallmark traits of Christie’s writing that keep readers guessing until the final, shocking revelation.
The denouement of Crooked House is both surprising and satisfying, adhering to Christie’s talent for subverting expectations. The true murderer is revealed to be none other than Josephine, the seemingly innocent child. Her motive stems from a desire for attention and a twisted sense of superiority, making her one of Christie’s most chilling and memorable villains.
In Crooked House, Christie expertly explores themes of family dynamics, the nature of evil, and the impact of unresolved emotions. The novel is a testament to her skill in blending psychological depth with the classic elements of a whodunit, resulting in a compelling and intellectually engaging read.
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3 июл 2024
