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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Sleeping Murder summary
Brief summary
Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie is a gripping mystery novel that follows a young couple, Giles and Gwenda, as they move into a new home in England. Gwenda begins to experience disturbingly vivid 'memories' of a murder that she couldn't possibly have witnessed, leading her to uncover a dark secret.
Table of Contents
Sleeping Murder
Summary of key ideas
Unsettling Beginnings
In Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to Gwenda Reed, a young woman who has recently returned to England after living in New Zealand. She is looking for a house to buy and, by chance, comes across a beautiful Victorian house in Dillmouth. The moment she steps into the house, she is overwhelmed by a sense of familiarity and an inexplicable feeling of dread.
Despite the unsettling feeling, Gwenda decides to buy the house and move in with her husband, Giles. As they start to settle in, Gwenda begins to experience vivid and disturbing visions of a woman being murdered in the house. She is convinced that these are not just nightmares but memories of a real event.
Miss Marple's Intervention
Disturbed by her experiences, Gwenda confides in her new friend, Miss Marple, a shrewd and observant elderly woman. Miss Marple listens to Gwenda's story and, despite the lack of concrete evidence, believes her. She suggests that Gwenda's visions might be connected to a real murder that took place in the house many years ago.
Together, Gwenda and Miss Marple start to investigate the history of the house and its previous owners. They discover that the house was previously owned by a woman named Helen Halliday, who was murdered by her husband, Dr. Halliday. The couple had a maid, who was the only witness to the murder, but she disappeared soon after the crime.
Unraveling the Past
As Gwenda and Miss Marple delve deeper into the past, they uncover a web of lies, deceit, and hidden identities. They learn that the maid, who was believed to have disappeared, was actually sent away by Dr. Halliday to an asylum, where she died. They also discover that Gwenda herself was the little girl of the Hallidays, who witnessed the murder but repressed the memory due to the trauma.
It becomes clear that Gwenda's visions were actually repressed memories resurfacing. The house, its rooms, and its surroundings were all triggers that brought back the traumatic event. Gwenda's husband, Giles, also plays a crucial role in helping her piece together the puzzle, despite his initial skepticism.
The Final Revelation
As the investigation progresses, Gwenda and Miss Marple realize that Dr. Halliday is still alive and living under a new identity. They track him down and confront him with their findings. Dr. Halliday, now known as Raymond West, confesses to the murder of his first wife but claims it was an accident. He also reveals that he had been planning to kill Gwenda, fearing that she might remember the past.
In a dramatic turn of events, Raymond attempts to kill Gwenda, but Giles intervenes and saves her. The police arrive just in time to arrest Raymond, and Gwenda is finally able to put her past to rest. The house, which had been the source of her nightmares, is sold, and she and Giles move on with their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sleeping Murder is a gripping tale of repressed memories, murder, and the power of the human mind. Agatha Christie masterfully weaves a complex plot, keeping the readers guessing until the very end. The book also showcases the enduring friendship between Gwenda and Miss Marple, who together solve the mystery and bring closure to a long-buried crime.
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What is Sleeping Murder about?
Sleeping Murder is a gripping mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a young woman named Gwenda moves into a new home, she starts experiencing strange visions and feelings of unease. With the help of the famous detective Miss Marple, Gwenda delves into her own past to uncover a long-buried secret and solve a decades-old murder.
Sleeping Murder Review
Sleeping Murder (1976) is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie that follows a young woman's investigation into her own past to solve a murder mystery. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- Packed with suspenseful twists and unexpected turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- The intricate plot intricacies and cleverly interwoven clues challenge readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the protagonist.
- Christie's masterful storytelling and ability to craft intricate mysteries ensure that the book is a gripping and thrilling read that is anything but predictable.
Who should read Sleeping Murder?
- Readers who enjoy mystery novels, particularly those featuring amateur sleuths
- Fans of Agatha Christie or classic crime fiction
- Those who appreciate clever plot twists and intricate puzzles
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Sleeping Murder FAQs
What is the main message of Sleeping Murder?
The main message of Sleeping Murder revolves around uncovering long-buried secrets to solve a haunting crime.
How long does it take to read Sleeping Murder?
The estimated reading time for Sleeping Murder is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Sleeping Murder a good book? Is it worth reading?
Sleeping Murder is a captivating mystery well worth the read. It keeps you engaged with twists and suspense in a classic Agatha Christie style.
Who is the author of Sleeping Murder?
The author of Sleeping Murder is Agatha Christie.
What to read after Sleeping Murder?
If you're wondering what to read next after Sleeping Murder, 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