Sunday, April 1, 2012

And Then There Were None

I’ve done it to myself now! In yet another moment of insanity, I signed myself up for Arlee Bird’s Infamous (oops, I meant Famous!) A to Z challenge. It’s not the posting daily which scares me (much), but I’m worried about not keeping up with the commenting on other blogs. So if, I’m not there as often this month, I apologize! Blame Lee and his crew of crazies. (Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m one of them...) :)

As a writer, my A to Z challenge is going to be about books, characters, TV shows and movies that have impacted me somehow. Enjoy!

And Then There Were None.

This is my favourite Agatha Christie book. My mom introduced me to Christie’s mysteries in Grade 6. Thankfully, the library stocked all of her books. I devoured them! I loved this one especially because it really kept me thinking and wondering and guessing. The concept of ten people trapped on an island and being killed off one by one is fabulous. I’ve read this book to every Grade 8 class I’ve had – they love it.

Do you enjoy murder mysteries? Any Agatha Christie fans out there?

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69 comments:

  1. Laura BarnesApril 1, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    So glad you joined! I'm also freaked about keeping up, but I'll do my best. See you throughout the month!

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  2. Arlee BirdApril 1, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    Guilty as charged! No mystery to it. And yes the visiting part is going to be madness. I'm so glad you were nutty enough to join us Jemi. Your theme will be a good one.

    Have fun!


    Lee
    An A to Z Co-Host
    Tossing It Out
    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

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  3. Talli RolandApril 1, 2012 at 2:49 AM

    I must admit I'm not a huge fan - it seemed just a bit too slow - but that was ages ago and I bet I'd appreciate her more now. I should, anyway - she lived on the next street over and I see her former house almost every day when I pass.

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  4. RHYTHM AND RHYMEApril 1, 2012 at 4:58 AM

    I remember this book when I was younger it was originally called Ten Little Niggers, but people thought it an inappropriate title.
    Great story from a great Author.

    Yvonne.

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  5. Yvonne OsborneApril 1, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    The premise is great and so is the title. That alone will sell books but Christie never disappoints.

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  6. Rosalind AdamApril 1, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Rosalind AdamApril 1, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    I loved this book when I read it many years ago. It was called Ten Little N***** Boys but the title is now banned and I can understand why but in those days it wasn't meant to be horrid. I read every one of Agatha Christie's Poirot novels in my teens. My favourite, and the one that had me guessing the most, was Murder on the Orient Express.
    I’m doing the A to Z Challenge too at A to Z of Nostalgia

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  8. AnonymousApril 1, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Hi Jemi! Glad you joined in on the challenge. I've been known to read a murder mystery every now and then. Look forward to seeing what you blog about during the challenge.

    Susanne
    PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER

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  9. JeffOApril 1, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    I read one or two things of hers when I was a young teen and I don't think I really connected with it at the time. It's probably worth going back now (and taking a look at Arthur Conan Doyle, too), I think I'd be able to appreciate it more.

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  10. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    Laura - I'm glad I signed up - just getting over the initial panic!! :)

    Karen - if you like murder mysteries, I think you'll love Christie's books. She's amazing!

    Lee - thanks! I'm really glad I signed up too - just getting used to the fear now! :)

    Talli - that gives me such a thrill! I was reading the Anne of GG series when I started on AC, so the tempo didn't bother me much!

    Yvonne - I thought it was originally 10 Little Indians - because the island looked like an Indian head. Interesting.

    Yvonne O - you're right. I loved every book of hers that I read - and I think I read them all at least once!

    Rosalind - I'm looking forward to your Nostalgia posts! I'm surprised about the title, I'd heard Indians, but not that. Glad they changed it.

    Susanne - glad you joined in too! I started mysteries with Nancy Drew, but my first adult series was Christie - amazing author!

    Jeff - I went back to the Holmes mysteries too - because I'd only thought they were okay as a teen. Sad to say I still thought the same as an adult!

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  11. Deniz BevanApril 1, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    I love Agatha Christie! I reread her books every once in a while - somehow I always forget who the murderer was...

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  12. UnknownApril 1, 2012 at 8:20 AM

    Love the idea for the challenge. And, I love this book. It's one of the best books ever written, plot-wise.

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  13. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 8:22 AM

    Deniz - I've read most of them more than once, so now I tend to remember and that takes the fun out of it. Except for this one and Murder on the OE. :)

    Clarissa - I agree - there are so many times in the book that I was sure I knew the murderer - only to be proven wrong! :)

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  14. Old KittyApril 1, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    I can read and re-read my Agatha Christie's forever! Yay! Take care
    x

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  15. ButtercupApril 1, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    Love mysteries! One of my goals is to write one. Look forward to the rest of the alphabet.

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  16. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    Old Kitty - she is one of those authors that has such great plotting and characters, you just don't get tired of her!

    Buttercup - I'd love to write a complex mystery like AC, but being a pantster makes it tough! :)

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  17. Heather M. GardnerApril 1, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    I loved this book. Haven't read it in years though.
    Great choice.
    HMG

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  18. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Heather - I haven't read it again since I taught grade 8 a few years back. Great story :)

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  19. Julie DaoApril 1, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    I LOVE Agatha Christie! Hercule Poirot is one of my favorite detectives EVER. Have you seen the BBC series based on those books? They did a really great job, I highly recommend!

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  20. T. Powell ColtrinApril 1, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    Oh my goodness, I love Agatha Christie--who doesn't?

    T

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  21. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    Julie - I adore Poirot too! I have watched that series - it really is so well done! :)

    Theresa - yay! Another fan! She's such a talented author :)

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  22. Glynis Peters April 1, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    Used to love reading Agatha Christie. I must pick up one this summer and revisit, she writes so well.

    Great A post, Jemi!

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  23. nope April 1, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    I like murder mysteries, but I've never read any of Agatha Christie's books. I've been meaning to, but I've never gotten around to it.
    Happy A to Z!

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  24. Tricia J. O'BrienApril 1, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    I consider you all so brave to take this challenge on. I'm sitting out due to needing to concentrate on revisions. but I wish you all a productive month!

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  25. cleemckenzieApril 1, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    I adore Agatha Chrisite. Ten LIttle Indians among my favorite!

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  26. Lola SharpApril 1, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    Love Agatha Christie. When I was young I read them all.

    As for the A-Z, after last year's epic fail, I learned my lesson. I cannot CANNOT post every single day. And, yes, the guilt of not being able to get around to everyone is more than I can handle. But, I wish you well on your April blog journey! :)

    Hugs,
    Lola

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  27. DEZMONDApril 1, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    I read Agatha when I was a kid, and I have a friend who has a website on her :) Arlee really is infamous :)

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  28. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 12:05 PM

    Glynis - thanks! Dame Agatha is always worth a visit! :)

    Mikazuki - thanks! Agatha Christie is such a great author!

    Tricia - thanks! I actually wrote all my posts in advance, so I just get to visit people!

    Lee - yay! I love Murder on the OE as well & Murder of Roget Ackroyd and... :)

    Lola - thanks! I actually already wrote and scheduled all my posts! Hope I can visit enough to not feel guilty!

    Dezzy - That's cool! Yup -- love Arlee, but we'll see how I feel at the end of the month! :)

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  29. A.D. DulingApril 1, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    I admit I have not read any of her books...will have too, I had to jump way down the line (I am #845) to make sure the later guys/gals get visits today too! Thanks for the book share!

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  30. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    AD - I'm going to pop around the list too to try and balance out the comments. Thansk for dropping by! :)

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  31. blissflower1969April 1, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    My mom read Agatha Christie, but I had never really gotten into her. Maybe I'll have to give this one a try.
    Thanks for sharing! Good luck with the challenge!

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  32. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    Bliss Flower - It's my favourite AC book! Thanks for visiting :)

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  33. Theresa MilsteinApril 1, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    I'm an Agatha Christie fan too. I read a bunch of these back in the early 90s.

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  34. Beth ZimmermanApril 1, 2012 at 1:26 PM

    I experienced my own moment of insanity. (Mine came last night just before midnight.) Jumped on the challenge with a commitment to write 26 alphabetical days of fiction. Yikes!

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  35. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Theresa - Yay! Another fan :) I read them almost all in a row too!

    Beth - Yay! So glad you joined up. The challenge should be a giant pick-me-up for you -- it's been rough for you lately and this is pure fun! :)

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  36. Laura S.April 1, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    I really need to re-read Agatha Christie's novels! I really enjoyed them when I was in middle school.

    happy A to Z, Jemi!!

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  37. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    Laura - that's when I was introduced to these books too. They totally absorbed me! It's going to be a fun/crazy month! :)

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  38. SurvivormamaApril 1, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Ooh, can't wait to read that one...thanks for the suggestion. I love a mystery.

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  39. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Shannon - we could sit together on chairs like the one your blog & enjoy the book! :)

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  40. Susan Gourley/KelleyApril 1, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    I love Agatha Christie.

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  41. Precy LarkinsApril 1, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    Oi! I love Agatha Christie but it's been decades since I last read one of her books. Thanks for reminding me! :)

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  42. L. Diane WolfeApril 1, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    I read the book when I was a teen and I remember seeing the movie. I really enjoyed both and I don't often read mysteries.

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  43. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    Susan - me too! :)

    Cherie - she's one of those authors you can go back to again and again!

    Diane - the old black & white movie made in the 30s or early 40s is incredible! :)

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  44. bazzaApril 1, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    Hi Jemi. Following your remark about my comment at 'Klahanie' about blogging without using certain letters of the alphabet, did you know that there have been at least two complete novels written with using the letter 'E'?!
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  45. UnknownApril 1, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    So glad to see you, Jemi! It's been a long time. Love your choice in A. Agatha Christie is a favorite. :)

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  46. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    Bazza - really??? That's wild! Hard to even imagine writing a page without an 'e' never mind a whole book!

    Shannon - Great to see you too! Agatha Christie rocks - she such agreat writer! :)

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  47. Golden EagleApril 1, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    I've never read a book by Agatha Christie. *ducks* I keep meaning to get around to it!


    The Golden Eagle
    The Eagle's Aerial Perspective

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  48. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Golden Eagle - AAAAAHHHH! I'll keep tossing her books at you until you pick one up!!! :) Kidding - but you'd love them!

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  49. Patricia StolteyApril 1, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    I'm an Agatha Christie fan too, and like you, I inherited my love of great crime fiction from my mom. This is an excellent A to Z theme, Jemi. I hope you don't get too overwhelmed with blog-hopping. I'm actually giving up some favorite TV programs this month so I can get the job done right.

    Patricia Stoltey

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  50. Jemi FraserApril 1, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Pat - I'm looking forward to it - but I'm definitely overwhelmed at the same time. I hope I can keep up too!

    And Yay for moms who introduce us to great authors!! :)

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  51. Jean OramApril 1, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    Oh my goodness, you brave lady!

    I know I've read an Agatha, but I can't recall which one... obviously it was ages ago. Must be time for another.

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  52. AnonymousApril 1, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    I can't remember if I read this one. In high school and college I read quite a few of her books, but my memory isn't good with novels from long ago. I love mysteries and enjoy her writing.

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  53. UnknownApril 1, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    I was an AC fan through all my teenage years :) Look forward to your challenge posts!

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

    ---Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012

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  54. UnknownApril 1, 2012 at 11:41 PM

    What a great theme! I love Agatha Christie and my fave story from her is Death on the Nile. I love her archaeology themed mysteries most. I'm scared about keeping up with comments myself. :)

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  55. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comApril 2, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    I wish I wasn't such a wimp. I can't handle murder mysteries. Even a short Poe poem scares me. But I appreciate this post. Good luck with the Challenge! You'll be fine. (To save you time, don't bother to visit me. I've opted out this year in favor of being a spectator.)

    Cheers,
    xoRobyn

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  56. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyApril 2, 2012 at 3:36 AM

    I don't think I've ever actually read an Agatha Christie. Is that bad? Hmm, don't answer that ;)

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  57. Masquerade CrewApril 2, 2012 at 3:56 AM

    I don't know if it's because of A to Z or just because you already have a lot of followers, but there are so many comments. Way to go!

    I've never read a A.C. mystery, but I think I would like them. I like most mysteries I read. Oh, too many books, too little time.

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  58. Ellen BrickleyApril 2, 2012 at 4:50 AM

    I haven't read any Agatha Christie but my godmother is a huge fan so she's been recommending them for years! I may start with this one :)

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  59. Jemi FraserApril 2, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    Jean - Agatha's style is very different from today's mysteries - but I think she's been the role model for many!

    Medeia - and she wrote so many! I know a lot of them blur together for me because it's been so long, but several of them stand out!

    Damyanti - nice to meet you! I read and reread AC for years! :)

    Melissa - it's going to be tough keeping up! I like Death on the Nile too - awesome story!

    Robyn - I've been a cheerleader for the past 2 years - but I got sucked in this year! Hoping I can keep up :)

    Lynda - okay - I won't answer that - but you might want to try this one!!! :)

    Masquerade - thanks! I do enjoy murder mysteries - they're such fun! Too little time indeed :)

    Ellen - they are awesome! This is definitely my fave!

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  60. AmyApril 2, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    Great post Jemi and I love your theme! :)

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  61. Jemi FraserApril 2, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Amy - thanks! It's fun to look back at what has influenced us as we write! :)

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  62. Leslie S. RoseApril 3, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    I'm a fellow A to Z-er. I haven't decided if I'm nuts or adventurous. Great theme choice.

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  63. Jemi FraserApril 3, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    Leslie - I think we're all a little bit of both! :)

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  64. NatashaApril 4, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    One of my favourite books- only, I know it by the other name- the politically not-sensitive one :-)

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  65. Jemi FraserApril 4, 2012 at 7:24 AM

    Rayna - yes - I've heard of another name through this post. I hadn't realized... But it is a great book!

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  66. Suzanne PayneApril 8, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    I've never read any Agatha, but we were taken to see this play when I was in about 6th grade. It REALLY left an impression on me. LOVE your posts, by the way. Since I'm a teacher, I feel like I need to read all of the books on here you've mentioned so far. ;)

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  67. Jemi FraserApril 8, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    Suzanne - I love AC - such great stories :) This would be an awesome play! I'm so glad I'm adding to TBR pile - classroom libraries can never be too full! :)

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  68. AfsanehApril 18, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Definitely my favourite of Agatha's novels! I was reading this when I was in year 9 and was near the ending when the electricity suddenly went! My timing . . . And of course, there was no one else in the house!
    Really is a gripping story!

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  69. Jemi FraserApril 18, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Afsaneh - Yikes!!! I can't even imagine how spooky that must have been. One of the best books for giving me tingles!! :)

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