Mouse Trap

The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie, 1952

“The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie unfolds in the isolated Monkswell Manor, turned into a guesthouse during a heavy snowstorm in England. As a diverse group of characters takes refuge from the weather, a murder occurs, trapping them in a web of suspicion and intrigue. The plot thickens with unexpected twists and turns, as secrets unravel and tensions escalate. The characters must confront their own pasts and hidden motives, making it a classic Christie whodunit. The story keeps readers guessing until the surprising and dramatic conclusion, showcasing Agatha Christie’s masterful storytelling and suspenseful narrative.

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Book Info

Title: The book is titled “The Mousetrap,” not “Mouse Trap.”

Genre: It falls under the genre of mystery and crime fiction.

Author: The renowned author Agatha Christie wrote “The Mousetrap.”

Publication Year: The book was first published in 1952.

Setting: The story is set in Monkswell Manor, a guesthouse located in England.

Plot: The plot revolves around a group of people who find themselves snowed in at the guesthouse. Tensions rise as a murder occurs, and the characters must work together to unravel the mystery.

Record-Breaking Play: “The Mousetrap” is not just a book but also a play. It holds the record for being the world’s longest-running play, with its debut in London’s West End in 1952.

Twists and Turns: True to Agatha Christie’s style, the book is known for its unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers and audiences on the edge of their seats.

Whodunit Element: The central theme of the story is a classic “whodunit,” where readers are kept guessing about the identity of the murderer until the very end.

Popular Legacy: “The Mousetrap” is one of Agatha Christie’s most famous works and continues to be widely read and performed, maintaining its popularity over the years.

Trivia

  • Record Holder: “The Mousetrap” holds the record for being the world’s longest-running play, with continuous performances in London’s West End since its debut in 1952.

  • Premiere Secrecy: During the play’s premiere, Agatha Christie requested the audience not to reveal the identity of the murderer to maintain the suspense for future viewers.

  • Original Title: The play was initially titled “Three Blind Mice,” taken from the children’s nursery rhyme. It was later changed to “The Mousetrap” for its official publication.

  • Dedication: Agatha Christie dedicated the play to her son, Rosalind Hicks, and her husband, Max Mallowan.

  • Unique Licensing: Due to its enduring popularity, “The Mousetrap” has limited licensing, allowing only amateur productions to be staged. This exclusivity contributes to the play’s mystique.

  • Iconic Setting: The story is set in Monkswell Manor, and the play’s set design is intentionally iconic, emphasizing a traditional English country house to create a timeless atmosphere.

  • Character Names: Some of the characters in the play share names with real people, like Mollie Ralston, named after Christie’s dog.

  • Queen’s Attendance: Queen Elizabeth II attended a performance of “The Mousetrap” on its 50th anniversary in 2002, marking the occasion with a special celebration.

  • Global Productions: Beyond its success in London, “The Mousetrap” has been performed in numerous countries worldwide, attesting to its universal appeal.

  • Closing Night Tradition: The cast and crew traditionally hold a brief ceremony during the closing night of each season, celebrating the play’s continued success and secrecy.

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