Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie, first published in June 1941, is the twenty-fourth book to feature Hercule Poirot. Set at a hotel on an island just off the coast of England, Poirot is on vacation when an unfortunate event happens-the murder of a fellow guest.
Synopsis from the Official Agatha Christie Site
It was not unusual to find the beautiful bronzed body of the sun-loving Arlena Stuart stretched out on a beach, face down. Only, on this occasion, there was no sun… she had been strangled. Ever since Arlena’s arrival at the resort, Hercule Poirot had detected sexual tension in the seaside air. But could this apparent ‘crime of passion’ have been something more evil and premeditated altogether?
Positives
Hercule Poirot is at his general magnificence in this book.
Agatha Christie wrote her mysteries in such a twisted way that you can’t figure out who the guilty party is. If you can, please let me know how you do it. I seem to find myself falling for the red herring the majority of the time.
Negatives
I really don’t have any issues with this book.
My Opinions
I read this book as part of the Read Christie 2021 challenge. The theme for August is a story set at the seaside. You can’t get more seaside than on an island just off the coast. All but one chapter of the book is set at the resort Jolly Roger, which is located on an island just off the coast of Devon.
The edition of the book I read, published in 1967, has a list of the main cast of characters. That is one thing that I love about the really old editions. While it is possible to read this book in one day, I’m not one to do that. Why? Because I like having the chance to absorb the details and try to solve the crime. I’m never successful, but I do try.
I say this is possibly one of the better books I’ve read from Agatha Christie. Then again, I like all of the books by her that I’ve read. What I’m saying is, give it a read!
Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other book reviews and my monthly reading wrap-ups.
Great review. I don’t think I’ve read an Agatha Christie book, but I’d like to. I like that you don’t read them too fast and take time to absorb the writing.
Wendy, you should really give Agatha Christie a try. She has so many books to choose from! Even better is that they can be read in any order.