The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie is often praised for its classic whodunit suspense and ingenious plot twists, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Critics commend its strong character development and atmospheric settings. However, some note that the pacing can be slow at times, and a few plot elements may feel dated. Overall, it's a thoroughly engaging mystery.

A reader who enjoys classic murder mysteries with clever plot twists and suspenseful atmospheres will find The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie intriguing. Ideal for fans of And Then There Were None or The Hound of the Baskervilles, this play appeals to those who appreciate intricate whodunits and the golden age of detective fiction.

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie is a two-act murder mystery play set in an early 1950s guest house run by Mollie and Giles Ralston. After a radio report mentions a murder, guests arrive at Monkswell Manor and soon find themselves snowed in. Sergeant Trotter arrives to investigate, revealing connections to a past crime involving foster children. Tensions and suspicions build, leading to a dramatic conclusion.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Unnerving / Dark / Challenging

- The Mousetrap holds the record as the world's longest-running play, having premiered in London's West End in 1952 and continuing to captivate audiences for over 70 years.
- The play was originally a radio play titled Three Blind Mice, which was commissioned by the BBC as a birthday gift for Queen Mary in 1947.
- At the end of each performance, audience members are asked to keep the play's twist ending a secret, maintaining the mystery for future theatergoers.

**Mollie Ralston / Mollie Waring**  
Young co-owner of Monkswell Manor, who previously worked as a schoolteacher. She is married to Giles Ralston and is noted for her beauty and ingenuous air.

**Giles Ralston**  
Mollie’s husband and co-owner of Monkswell Manor. Described as attractive and arrogant, he is involved in a series of misunderstandings that cast temporary suspicion on him.

**Christopher Wren**  
A peculiar and youthful guest staying at Monkswell Manor. He is noted for his eccentric behavior and fascination with the macabre.

**Detective Sergeant Trotter / Georgie Corrigan**  
Presents himself as a young police detective investigating events at Monkswell Manor. His youthful appearance and direct manner invite both trust and suspicion.

**Miss Casewell / Katherine (Kathy) Corrigan**  
A young woman who presents herself with masculine traits and keeps much of her personal history private as she visits Monkswell Manor.

**Major Metcalf / Inspector**  
An older gentleman with a military demeanor and a largely undisclosed personal history. He maintains a quiet presence among the guests at Monkswell Manor.

**Mr. Paravicini**  
An elderly man with a foreign appearance who arrives unexpectedly at Monkswell Manor, bringing with him an air of mystery and suspicion.

**Mrs. Boyle**  
A former magistrate and guest at Monkswell Manor, known for her critical nature and imposing presence.

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Before You Read

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The Mousetrap Summary and Study Guide

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Act Summaries & Analyses

Act I, Scene 1

The Mousetrap Act I, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis

Act I, Scene 2

The Mousetrap Act I, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis

Act II-Appendices

The Mousetrap Act II-Appendices Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Mousetrap Character Analysis

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Themes

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The Mousetrap Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Mousetrap Important Quotes

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Introduction

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The Mousetrap Reading Context

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The Mousetrap Reading Questions & Paired Texts

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After Reading

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The Mousetrap Exam Answer Key

The Mousetrap

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