Cards on the Table

"Cards on the Table" is a detective novel written by Agatha Christie and first published in 1936. The story is part of Christie's Hercule Poirot series, featuring the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as the central character.

The plot revolves around an unusual gathering hosted by the wealthy and enigmatic Mr. Shaitana, known for his interest in crime. He invites eight guests to his home for a bridge party, dividing them into two groups: four sleuths who have successfully solved crimes, and four individuals who have committed crimes but have remained undetected. Shaitana's fascination lies in observing the contrast between these two groups.

However, the evening takes a sinister turn when Mr. Shaitana is found murdered while the bridge game is in progress. With the murder taking place in a room filled with people, each guest becomes a suspect. Hercule Poirot, present at the event, teams up with Scotland Yard's Superintendent Battle and a crime novelist named Ariadne Oliver to investigate the perplexing case.

The narrative unfolds as Poirot interviews each of the eight guests, delving into their pasts and examining their personalities, motives, and alibis. The plot is intricately woven, revealing hidden connections, secrets, and a complex web of relationships among the suspects.

Agatha Christie's trademark ingenuity shines through as the investigation progresses, leading to a surprising and unexpected conclusion. The novel showcases Christie's mastery in creating an intricate puzzle of clues, red herrings, and psychological insights into the characters' behavior, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the final revelation.

"Cards on the Table" is celebrated for its clever plotting, compelling characters, and the intricate interplay of motives and suspicions, making it a classic example of Agatha Christie's brilliance in crafting intricate and compelling detective mysteries.