Pubblicato in Italia con il titolo Verso l’ora zero. Una vacanza al mare prende una drammatica svolta quando, tra gelosie e drammi familiari, qualcuno viene brutalmente ucciso.
Towards Zero is the fifth book in which Superintendent Battle makes an appearance and it is one of Agatha Christie’s own ten favorite novels. And it is also more interesting because he investigates a case together with his nephew, Inspector Leach.
There is a bit of family drama as at Gull’s Point, Lady Tressilian’s seaside home, tennis star Neville Strange and his second wife Kay arrive for a fortnight. Staying there is also Audrey, Neville’s first wife, Thomas Royde, a longtime family friend, while in a nearby hotel are staying Ted Latimer, a childhood’s friend of Kay, and Mr Treves, an elderly former solicitor. The atmosphere in the house is strained and uncomfortable, and things get worse when someone is brutally murdered.
This was such a great read. Agatha Christie masterfully creates a complex plot of secrets, deceit, murder, and mystery that kept me glued to the pages. Highly recommended!