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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
After the Funeral summary
Brief summary
After the Funeral by Agatha Christie is a gripping murder mystery that follows the investigation of Hercule Poirot as he uncovers dark family secrets and exposes the shocking truth behind a wealthy patriarch's death.
Table of Contents
After the Funeral
Summary of key ideas
Unveiling the Mystery
In After the Funeral by Agatha Christie, the story begins with the funeral of Richard Abernethie, a wealthy man who dies of natural causes. His family gathers at the funeral, and during the reading of the will, his sister, Cora Lansquenet, makes a shocking statement. She claims that Richard was murdered and that the murderer is present in the room. Her statement is dismissed as the ramblings of an eccentric old woman.
Shortly after the funeral, Cora is found brutally murdered in her home. The police initially suspect a burglary gone wrong, but the family lawyer, Mr. Entwhistle, is not convinced. He contacts Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, to investigate the case. Poirot agrees and begins his investigation by interviewing the Abernethie family members.
Uncovering Family Secrets
Poirot discovers that the Abernethie family is dysfunctional, with each member having a motive to kill Richard for his inheritance. The family includes Richard's two sisters, Cora and Susannah, his brother Timothy, and their respective spouses and children. Poirot also learns that Richard had changed his will shortly before his death, leaving his entire fortune to his young secretary, Miss Gilchrist.
As Poirot delves deeper into the family's history, he uncovers long-buried secrets. He learns that Richard's first wife, who died under mysterious circumstances, had left behind a son, Eustace. Eustace, now an adult, resurfaces and claims his share of the inheritance. Poirot also discovers that Cora had been investigating Richard's death before her own murder, and her notes lead him to suspect that she was right about Richard's murder.
Revealing the Culprit
As Poirot continues his investigation, another murder occurs. Miss Gilchrist, the heiress, is found dead, apparently from an accidental overdose. Poirot, however, believes it to be murder and connects it to Richard's death and Cora's murder. He gathers the family members and reveals his findings, accusing the real murderer.
Poirot explains that the murderer is none other than the seemingly harmless Timothy Abernethie. Timothy had killed his brother Richard, fearing that Richard would cut him off financially. He then manipulated the will to his advantage. Cora had stumbled upon Timothy's secret, leading him to kill her. Miss Gilchrist, who had accidentally discovered Timothy's guilt, became his next victim.
The Final Twist
As Timothy is arrested, the case seems to be solved. However, Poirot is not satisfied. He feels that something is amiss and continues to ponder over the case. His instincts lead him to a startling revelation. The real murderer is not Timothy but his wife, Maude. She had orchestrated the murders and manipulated her husband into carrying them out, all to secure the family fortune for herself.
In the end, Maude's guilt is exposed, and she is arrested. The Abernethie family is left shocked by the revelation, and Poirot, satisfied with his deduction, leaves them to deal with the aftermath. After the Funeral is a classic Agatha Christie mystery, filled with intricate plot twists and a surprising conclusion.
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What is After the Funeral about?
After the Funeral is a riveting murder mystery by Agatha Christie. When a wealthy patriarch dies, his family gathers for the funeral. But when his sister expresses her suspicion that he was murdered, the investigation takes a surprising turn. With unexpected twists and turns, it keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
After the Funeral Review
After the Funeral (1953) is a captivating detective novel by Agatha Christie that will keep you hooked until the very end. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its intricate plot and unexpected twists, it keeps readers guessing and engaged throughout.
- The well-developed characters and their complex relationships add depth and intrigue to the story.
- Agatha Christie's masterful storytelling and attention to detail create an atmosphere of suspense that will leave you wanting more.
Who should read After the Funeral?
- Readers who enjoy classic murder mysteries with intricate plot twists
- Fans of Agatha Christie's detective Hercule Poirot
- Those who appreciate stories that explore family dynamics and secrets
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Book summaries like After the Funeral
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After the Funeral FAQs
What is the main message of After the Funeral?
The main message of After the Funeral is about uncovering the truth, even when it seems well-hidden.
How long does it take to read After the Funeral?
The reading time for After the Funeral varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is After the Funeral a good book? Is it worth reading?
After the Funeral is a captivating mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of After the Funeral?
The author of After the Funeral is Agatha Christie.
What to read after After the Funeral?
If you're wondering what to read next after After the Funeral, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda