By the Pricking of My Thumbs Book Summary - By the Pricking of My Thumbs Book explained in key points

By the Pricking of My Thumbs summary

Brief summary

By the Pricking of My Thumbs is a captivating mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Join Tommy and Tuppence as they unravel a web of secrets and danger, leading them to a startling and deadly truth.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    By the Pricking of My Thumbs
    Summary of key ideas

    Unsettling Beginnings

    In By the Pricking of My Thumbs by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to the elderly couple Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. They are visiting Tommy's Aunt Ada in a nursing home. The home, Sunny Ridge, is a gloomy place, and Aunt Ada seems to be frightened of something. She mentions a child's rhyme, 'By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes', which adds to the eerie atmosphere.

    As the couple explores the nursing home, they meet a variety of residents, each with their own peculiarities. One of them, Mrs. Lancaster, seems to be suffering from dementia, but she keeps mentioning a child named Gregory. This piques Tuppence's curiosity, and she starts to investigate the mysterious boy.

    Uncovering Dark Secrets

    As Tuppence delves deeper into the history of Sunny Ridge, she discovers that a child named Gregory was murdered in the house many years ago. She also learns about a painting of a house with a chimney that Mrs. Lancaster is obsessed with. Tuppence becomes convinced that the key to the mystery lies in the painting.

    Meanwhile, Tommy is preoccupied with Aunt Ada's strange behavior. He finds out that she has been sending large sums of money to a man named Celia de Haviland. When they confront Celia, she claims to be a psychic and insists that Aunt Ada is in grave danger. This revelation adds another layer of mystery to the already puzzling situation.

    A Race Against Time

    As the plot thickens, Tuppence and Tommy realize that the nursing home is not what it seems. They uncover a sinister plot involving a missing child, a long-lost painting, and a series of murders. They also learn that the seemingly harmless residents of Sunny Ridge are involved in the conspiracy.

    With time running out, Tuppence and Tommy race against the clock to unravel the truth. They eventually discover that the painting holds the key to the mystery. It is a map that leads to a hidden treasure, and the murders were committed to keep the secret safe. The couple must now find the treasure and expose the culprits before it's too late.

    The Final Revelation

    In a thrilling climax, Tuppence and Tommy manage to locate the treasure, but not before a deadly confrontation with the mastermind behind the scheme. They also uncover the shocking truth about Aunt Ada's involvement in the conspiracy. The story ends with the mystery solved, the criminals apprehended, and the couple safe.

    In conclusion, By the Pricking of My Thumbs is a classic Agatha Christie mystery filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The novel showcases the enduring appeal of Christie's storytelling and her ability to keep readers guessing until the very end.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is By the Pricking of My Thumbs about?

    By the Pricking of My Thumbs is a gripping mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When Tommy and Tuppence visit an old aunt in a nursing home, they stumble upon a series of strange events and a sense of impending danger. As they dig deeper, they uncover a dark secret that leads them to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion. Filled with suspense and clever twists, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

    By the Pricking of My Thumbs Review

    By the Pricking of My Thumbs (1968) delves into a mysterious journey as mismatched partners investigate dark family secrets. Here's why this Agatha Christie classic is worth your time:

    • Infused with suspenseful twists, unexpected turns, and a perplexing plot, the book keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
    • Through its intriguing characters and complex relationships, the story unravels layers of deceit, suspicion, and hidden motives.
    • The blend of murder, suspense, and clever puzzles ensures that boredom is nowhere in sight, guaranteeing an engaging and absorbing read.

    Who should read By the Pricking of My Thumbs?

    • Readers who enjoy classic mystery novels
    • Fans of Agatha Christie’s writing style and intricate plots
    • Those interested in psychological suspense and unexpected twists

    About the Author

    Agatha Christie was a renowned English writer known for her detective novels. With a career spanning over 50 years, she created iconic characters such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Christie's works have sold over 2 billion copies worldwide, making her one of the best-selling authors in history. Some of her notable books include 'Murder on the Orient Express', 'And Then There Were None', and 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd'. Her captivating storytelling and clever plot twists continue to captivate readers to this day.

    Categories with By the Pricking of My Thumbs

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    By the Pricking of My Thumbs FAQs 

    What is the main message of By the Pricking of My Thumbs?

    The main message of By the Pricking of My Thumbs revolves around uncovering dark family secrets and solving mysterious deaths.

    How long does it take to read By the Pricking of My Thumbs?

    Reading By the Pricking of My Thumbs typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is By the Pricking of My Thumbs a good book? Is it worth reading?

    By the Pricking of My Thumbs is a captivating mystery worth reading for its intricate plot and unexpected twists.

    Who is the author of By the Pricking of My Thumbs?

    The author of By the Pricking of My Thumbs is Agatha Christie.

    What to read after By the Pricking of My Thumbs?

    If you're wondering what to read next after By the Pricking of My Thumbs, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Suspense and Sensibility by Carrie Bebris
    • Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron
    • An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan
    • Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange
    • The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne
    • Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge
    • Jane and the Man of the Cloth by Stephanie Barron
    • For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
    • The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds
    • Longbourn by Jo Baker