And Then There Were None (1939) by Agatha Christie

And_Then_There_Were_None_US_First_Edition_Cover_1940♦♦♦

Disparate group of ten people are lured to an isolated island and killed off one by one by their mysterious host who, they realize, is one of them.  One of the best-selling books of all time, its genius lies in combining the premise with murders that follow the lyrics of a well-known children’s rhyme.  That, and Christie’s scrupulous integrity.  What it lacks is atmosphere or humor:  it’s clever, but it isn’t emotionally engaging.  Rated as a novel; add an extra star if you’re just interested in the puzzle.

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