And Then There Where None By Agatha Christie
First, there were ten—a curious assortment of strangers summoned as
weekend guests to a little private island off the coast of Devon. Their
host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be
found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're
unwilling to reveal—and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has
been marked for murder.
A famous nursery rhyme is framed and hung in every room of the
mansion: "Ten little boys went out to dine; One choked his little self
and then there were nine. Nine little boys sat up very late; One
overslept himself and then there were eight. Eight little boys traveling
in Devon; One said he'd stay there then there were seven. Seven little
boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in half and then there were
six. Six little boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then
there were five. Five little boys going in for law; One got in Chancery
and then there were four. Four little boys going out to sea; A red
herring swallowed one and then there were three. Three little boys
walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two. Two
little boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was
one. One little boy left all alone; He went out and hanged himself and
then there were none."
When they realize that murders are occurring as described in the rhyme,
terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out,
there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who
will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion.