The ABC Murders

"The ABC Murders" is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1936. The story follows the famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, as he tries to solve a series of murders committed by an unknown killer who signs their letters as "ABC". The novel is considered one of Christie's greatest works and has been adapted for film, television, and stage.

The story begins with Poirot receiving a letter from a murderer who claims to be planning to kill someone whose name begins with the letter "A". Soon after, a woman named Alice Ascher is found murdered in her tobacco shop in Andover. Poirot is called in to investigate and discovers that Ascher was not the only victim of the killer.

As the investigation progresses, Poirot receives more letters from the killer, each one announcing the murder of another victim with a name starting with the next letter of the alphabet. The police are baffled by the seemingly random choice of victims and lack of motive, but Poirot is convinced that the killer is following a deliberate plan.

With the help of his friend and narrator of the story, Captain Hastings, Poirot travels to different locations around England to gather clues and interview suspects. The investigation leads them to a diverse group of characters, including a doctor, a governess, a retired businessman, and a wealthy widow.

As the body count rises and the letters continue, Poirot begins to piece together the clues and suspects the killer may be closer than anyone imagined. The final twist comes when Poirot reveals the true identity of the killer and their motive for committing the murders.

Overall, "The ABC Murders" is a classic Agatha Christie mystery with a complex plot, a large cast of suspects, and a surprising twist ending. Christie's masterful storytelling and intricate puzzle-solving make this book a must-read for any mystery lover.