Thirteen at Dinner, by Agatha Christie

Thirteen at Dinner, by Agatha Christie, is a murder mystery surrounding the death of Lord Edgware whose mistress, Jane Wilkinson, wanted him dead in the beginning of the story. The case is covered by detectives Hercule Poirot and Arthur Hastings who also tells the story. It begins with both detectives attending a show by Carlotta Adams, an impressionist, and later on being pulled away by Wilkinson with her bizarre plea for her husbands death. After Poirot unwillingly says yes, he investigates other guests close to Wilkinson and even the Lord himself. Everything seems to be normal until they receive news the next morning that Lord Edgware was found dead in his home. Poirot and Hastings gather suspects and try to link up the murder.

This story was very fun to read in terms of setting and the ridiculous concept of a woman wanting her current husband dead so she can marry a richer man. I loved the setting and aesthetics that Agatha Christie has in her writing. I'll be honest, it was kind of obvious who was the murderer, but it's always the journey thats more important and that speaks more here in this book. The story is easy to follow and a good starter for those barely getting into mystery books.

Reviewed by K.V., Grade 12

Downtown Central Library