Ordeal by Innocence – Agatha Christie

According to the courts, Jacko Argyle bludgeoned his mother to death  with a poker. The sentence was life imprisonment. 

But when Dr Aurthur Calgary arrives with the proof that confirms Jacko's innocence, it is too late - Jacko died behind bars following a bout of pneumonia. Worse still, the doctor's revelations re-open old wounds in the family, increasing the likelihood that the real murderer could strike again.......

Genre: Fiction, Crime, Mystery
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 1958
Rating: 4/5

Like all Agatha Christie novels I have read, this novel was full of mystery, intrigue and suspense. Although formulaic, you know what to expect from an Agatha Christie and that is why I read these novels.  They are great for those times when you want a light, fun and interesting read. 

Christie's murder mysteries are not gruesome like some of the newer novels in the crime genre, but well thought out, formulated and executed. Christie was sure good at what she did. Which is why I am glad she wrote so many novels, so there are lots more for me to read. 

This particular novel was pretty darn good. The ultimate 'who-dun-it'! I for one did not guess this one, and was surprised with who the big bad was. 

I also liked how this novel explored the impact the unexpected proof of innocence would have on a family.... I mean, your brother has been gaoled for murdering your mother and you have finally come to terms with that. In the meantime, he has died. Then you find out that he did not in fact commit this murder, which instead of being a relief, brings a whole new world of pain. This means that someone else did it. Someone else in your family! ..... but who? Talk about scary!

I would recommend this novel to Agatha Christie fans and it would also be a great introductory novel for those wishing to get into Christie's writing. Give it a go!