Death in the Clouds is a detective fiction novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1935. It features the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and his friend Captain Arthur Hastings. The novel is a classic example of a "locked room mystery," as the murder takes place on a small airplane flying between London and Paris, with only a handful of passengers and crew on board.

Plot Summary

The story begins as Poirot boards a small airplane for a trip from London to Paris. Among his fellow passengers is a wealthy socialite named Madame Giselle Aubry. Madame Aubry is a loud and obnoxious woman who quickly makes herself unpopular with the other passengers. Shortly after takeoff, Madame Aubry is found dead, stabbed with a poisoned needle.

Poirot, unable to resist a good mystery, decides to investigate the murder. He soon discovers that there is no shortage of suspects. Madame Aubry had a number of enemies, including her estranged husband, her jealous niece, and a down-on-his-luck gambler. As Poirot interviews the passengers and crew, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies.

Why You Should Read It

There are many reasons why Death in the Clouds is considered a classic of detective fiction. Here are a few:

• The ingenious plot: The locked room setting is a classic trope of detective fiction, and Christie does a masterful job of creating a puzzle that is both baffling and satisfying to solve.
• The memorable characters: Poirot is one of the most iconic detectives in all of fiction, and Death in the Clouds is a great showcase for his intelligence and wit. The other characters in the novel are also well-drawn and interesting.
• The suspenseful atmosphere: The setting of the airplane adds a layer of suspense to the story, as the characters are trapped in a confined space with a murderer on the loose.
• The exploration of human nature: Christie's novels are often more than just puzzles; they are also explorations of human nature. Death in the Clouds is no exception, as it looks at the motives that can lead people to commit murder.

If you are a fan of detective fiction, Agatha Christie, or locked room mysteries, then Death in the Clouds is a must-read.