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
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Crooked House summary
Brief summary
Crooked House by Agatha Christie is a riveting murder mystery set in an eerie and dysfunctional family. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets and unexpected motives are revealed, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
Table of Contents
Crooked House
Summary of key ideas
Unraveling a Twisted Family Mystery
In Crooked House by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to Charles Hayward, a former intelligence officer who is in love with Sophia Leonides. The Leonides family is a wealthy and eccentric bunch, living in a sprawling mansion. When Sophia's grandfather, Aristide Leonides, is poisoned, Charles is drawn into the investigation, not just because of his love for Sophia, but also because of his professional background.
As Charles delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the Leonides family is a complex web of relationships, each member with their own motives and secrets. The family includes Aristide's much younger wife, Brenda, his two sons, his daughter-in-law, his grandchildren, and a governess. Each of them has a potential motive for the murder, and Charles finds himself unable to trust anyone.
A House Full of Secrets
As Charles continues his investigation, he uncovers a series of secrets that the family has been hiding. He learns that Brenda, the young wife, had been having an affair with a family friend, Laurence Brown. Sophia's mother, Magda, had been a famous actress in her youth, and her brother, Roger, is a scientist with a passion for poisons. These revelations only serve to complicate the case further.
Charles also discovers that the family has been living in a state of constant tension, with each member vying for Aristide's fortune. The patriarch himself was a controlling and manipulative figure, and his death has only intensified the family's internal power struggles. Charles realizes that the motive for the murder could be anything from money to revenge to a desire for freedom.
The Unraveling of the Truth
As the investigation progresses, Charles finds himself falling deeper into the twisted world of the Leonides family. He is unable to trust anyone, not even Sophia, as he considers her a potential suspect. The tension in the household rises, and Charles becomes increasingly paranoid, fearing for his own safety.
In a surprising turn of events, the murderer is revealed to be none other than Charles's beloved Sophia. She confesses to the crime, explaining that she killed her grandfather to free her family from his oppressive influence. She had carefully planned the murder, using her knowledge of poisons to execute the perfect crime.
The Aftermath and the Crooked House
After Sophia's confession, the family is left shattered. Charles, devastated by the revelation, ends his relationship with Sophia and leaves the Leonides mansion. The novel ends with Charles reflecting on the crooked nature of the house, both literal and metaphorical. The crooked house, he realizes, is a symbol of the twisted and corrupt world of the Leonides family.
In conclusion, Crooked House is a classic Agatha Christie mystery that takes us deep into the heart of a dysfunctional family. The novel is a testament to Christie's skill in creating complex characters and intricate plots. It leaves us with a chilling reminder that sometimes, the most dangerous secrets are hidden within the walls of our own homes.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Crooked House about?
Crooked House is a gripping murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set in an eerie, sprawling mansion, it follows the investigation of Charles Hayward as he delves into the complex and twisted family dynamics to uncover the shocking truth behind a series of deaths. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
Crooked House Review
Crooked House (1949) is a captivating murder mystery by Agatha Christie that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- With its twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end, the story's unpredictability is truly engaging.
- The diverse range of complex characters adds depth and intrigue to the plot, making it a thrilling and immersive read.
- Its atmospheric setting of a sinister household full of secrets creates a sense of eerie fascination, ensuring the story is anything but dull.
Who should read Crooked House?
- Fans of mystery and detective novels
- Readers who enjoy intricate plot twists and suspenseful storytelling
- Those interested in exploring the complexities of human behavior and family dynamics
Categories with Crooked House
Book summaries like Crooked House
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.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Crooked House FAQs
What is the main message of Crooked House?
The main message of Crooked House is that family secrets can lead to unexpected consequences.
How long does it take to read Crooked House?
The estimated reading time for Crooked House is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Crooked House a good book? Is it worth reading?
Crooked House is a gripping mystery with an unexpected ending. It's definitely worth reading for its suspense and clever storytelling.
Who is the author of Crooked House?
The author of Crooked House is Agatha Christie.
What to read after Crooked House?
If you're wondering what to read next after Crooked House, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher