A Summary of“Hallowe’en Party” by Agatha Christie

A Haunting in Venice Film

Kortland Book Club
4 min readSep 4, 2023

“Hallowe’en Party” is a classic murder mystery novel written by the renowned author Agatha Christie. First published in 1969, it features her famous detective, Hercule Poirot, who is called upon to solve a perplexing murder that occurs during a Halloween party in the quiet English village of Woodleigh Common. With its intricate plot, a cast of intriguing characters, and Christie’s signature twists and turns, “Hallowe’en Party” is a compelling and suspenseful tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

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The story begins when Poirot receives a letter from a young girl named Joyce Reynolds, who claims to have witnessed a murder. Joyce is attending a Halloween party at the home of Mrs. Ariadne Oliver, a well-known crime novelist and a friend of Poirot. At the party, Joyce boasts about having seen a murder when she was a child, but no one takes her seriously. However, the next day, Joyce is found dead in Mrs. Oliver’s apple-bobbing tub, seemingly drowned. It becomes clear that Joyce was telling the truth, and her death was not an accident.

Poirot arrives in Woodleigh Common to investigate the case. He is accompanied by Mrs. Oliver, who is distressed by Joyce’s death, as she feels responsible for bringing the girl’s story to light during the party. The local police are initially skeptical about Poirot’s involvement, but he quickly proves his expertise by uncovering key details about the murder.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON KINDLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A HARD COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” FROM AMAZON

As Poirot delves into the lives of the villagers and the events leading up to the murder, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives. The suspects include various residents of Woodleigh Common, as well as a few outsiders who attended the Halloween party. Among them are:

1. Mrs. Ariadne Oliver: The hostess of the Halloween party and a famous crime novelist. She is deeply affected by Joyce’s death and becomes emotionally invested in solving the case.

2. Rowena Drake: A close friend of Mrs. Oliver and a fellow party guest. She was the one who found Joyce’s lifeless body in the apple-bobbing tub.

3. Michael Garfield: A local architect who becomes romantically involved with Miranda Butler. He has a mysterious past and seems to have connections to several people in the village.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON KINDLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A HARD COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” FROM AMAZON

4. Miranda Butler: A teenage girl who is at the center of the mystery, as she was the last person to speak to Joyce before her death. Her relationships and secrets play a crucial role in the investigation.

5. Superintendent Spence: The local police officer initially in charge of the case. He is competent but welcomes Poirot’s assistance in solving the murder.

As Poirot investigates, he uncovers various clues, red herrings, and potential motives among the suspects. He also discovers that Joyce had a habit of eavesdropping on conversations, which may have led her to stumble upon a dangerous secret. Poirot’s methodical approach to solving the case involves interviewing witnesses, reconstructing timelines, and analyzing the psychological aspects of the characters’ behavior.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON KINDLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A HARD COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” FROM AMAZON

Throughout the novel, Agatha Christie masterfully weaves a complex tapestry of relationships and motives. Secrets from the past come to light, and Poirot’s keen observation skills allow him to uncover the truth behind Joyce’s murder. The suspense builds steadily as Poirot eliminates suspects one by one, bringing him closer to solving the case.

As the story reaches its climax, Poirot gathers all the suspects and reveals the identity of the murderer in a classic “whodunit” fashion. The resolution is both surprising and satisfying, with Poirot brilliantly connecting the dots and exposing the guilty party.

In addition to the central mystery, “Hallowe’en Party” explores themes of deception, jealousy, and the consequences of past actions. Agatha Christie’s writing is characterized by its wit and sharp observation of human nature, making the characters come alive and the story engaging from start to finish.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON AUDIBLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” ON KINDLE

CLICK HERE TO GRAB A HARD COPY OF “HALLOWE’EN PARTY” FROM AMAZON

In conclusion, “Hallowe’en Party” is a captivating murder mystery that showcases Agatha Christie’s storytelling prowess and her iconic detective, Hercule Poirot. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a touch of Halloween atmosphere, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery alongside Poirot. It is a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction and those who enjoy solving puzzles in the realm of crime fiction.

Disclamer: This page Contains affiliate links and I am an Amazon associate. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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Kortland Book Club
Kortland Book Club

Written by Kortland Book Club

I like books and have a passion for it. I am an Amazon Associate and make commissions from the links in my articles. I thank you for checking out my articles.

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