It is Christie's best-selling novel with 100 million sales to date, making it the world's best-selling mystery ever, and one of the most-printed books of all time (Publications International lists it as 7th most-printed). It has been adapted into several plays, films, and a video game.

Ten people of different social classes have been invited to a mansion on the fictional Soldier Island ("Nigger Island" in the original 1939 UK publication, "Indian Island" in the 1940 US publication), which is based upon Burgh Island off the coast of Devon. Upon arriving, they are told that their hosts, a Mr. and Mrs. U.N. Owen (Ulick Norman Owen and Una Nancy Owen ), are currently away, but that the guests will be attended to by Thomas and Ethel Rogers. Each guest finds in his or her room an odd bit of bric-a-brac and a framed copy of the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Soldiers" ("Niggers" or "Indians" in respective earlier editions) hanging on the wall.

Ten little Soldier boys went out to dine;One choked his little self and then there were nine.

Nine little Soldier boys sat up very late;One overslept himself and then there were eight.

Eight little Soldier boys traveling in Devon;One said he'd stay there and then there were seven.

Seven little Soldier boys chopping up sticks;One chopped himself in halves and then there were six.

Six little Soldier boys playing with a hive;A bumblebee stung one and then there were five.

Five little Soldier boys going in for law;One got in Chancery and then there were four.

Four little Soldier boys going out to sea;A red herring swallowed one and then there were three.

Three little Soldier boys walking in the zoo;A big bear hugged one and then there were two.