Ordeal By Innocence

Agatha Christie’s Ordeal By Innocence is a murder mystery novel, first published in 1958. The story begins with Dr. Calgary, a scientist who returns to England after having spent two years in the Arctic. He brings with him a piece of evidence that could prove the innocence of a man, Jacko Argyle, who was convicted and hanged for the murder of his adoptive mother, Rachel Argyle. When Dr. Calgary arrives at the Argyle family home, he discovers that the family has already gone through the ordeal of Rachel’s murder and Jacko’s execution. But he feels it is his duty to exonerate the wrongly accused man by bringing the new evidence to the attention of the family.

As Dr. Calgary proceeds to interview the remaining family members, he discovers that all of them have a motive for killing Rachel. They were all dependent on her wealth, and many of them felt slighted or wronged by her actions. Among the suspects are her husband Leo Argyle, her sons Mickey and Hester, her daughter-in-law Kirsten, and her adopted son Jacko. Everyone seems to have a motive, but no one seems to have a clear opportunity to have committed the murder.

As Dr. Calgary continues to investigate, he uncovers more secrets and hidden relationships within the family. He also discovers that some of the family members are not who they seem to be, and that the murder may be linked to events that happened many years ago. He realizes that he must solve the mystery quickly, as the killer may still be on the loose and may strike again.

Ordeal By Innocence is a classic whodunit, full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Christie skillfully weaves together the various threads of the story, creating a complex and intricate plot that engages the reader’s attention throughout. The novel also delves into the theme of guilt and innocence, and the impact that a wrongful conviction can have on a family. Overall, Ordeal By Innocence is a gripping and suspenseful novel that showcases Christie’s talent for crafting a compelling mystery.