Ever read a mystery and thought, 'I could solve that better'? Anthony Berkeley's The Poisoned Chocolates Case is basically that feeling turned into a brilliant novel. Forget a single dogged inspector; here, the investigation is a group project for the most competitive book club imaginable.

The Story

The setup is deceptively simple. Sir William Anstruther receives an anonymous box of luxury chocolates. He and his wife eat a few and die from nicotine poisoning. Scotland Yard hits a dead end. Enter the Crimes Circle, a private club of mystery writers and experts who take on the cold case as a mental exercise. One by one, its six members—including the sharp Roger Sheringham—present their complete solution to the crime. Each theory is smart, seems to fit all the facts, and names a different guilty party. And each time, the next speaker demolishes it before unveiling their own 'correct' answer. It's a dizzying parade of solutions where the truth seems to shift with every new chapter.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a puzzle about a box of candy. It's a masterclass in how stories are built and how easy it is to be fooled by a clever narrative. Berkeley is having a blast showing off, and it's contagious. You'll find yourself nodding along with one theory, only to be completely convinced by the next. The fun is in the debate, the intellectual one-upmanship, and the sheer audacity of having multiple 'final reveals.' The characters in the Circle are a hoot—vain, brilliant, and fiercely proud—and their interactions are as entertaining as the mystery itself. It makes you an active participant, constantly re-evaluating the clues.

Final Verdict

Perfect for mystery fans who are tired of the same old formula and love a good, fair-play brain game. If you enjoy authors like Agatha Christie but wish you could see five alternate endings, this is your book. It's also a fantastic pick for book clubs—imagine the arguments you'll have! A witty, inventive classic that proves the most dangerous poison isn't in the chocolates, but in a perfectly crafted lie.