When the estranged wife of Lord Edgware is seen at a dinner party at the exact moment her husband is murdered, Hercule Poirot must untangle a seemingly impossible alibi. Jane Wilkinson, a glamorous actress, openly expressed her desire to be rid of her husband, making her the primary suspect when he is found dead in his library. Poirot is tasked with navigating a web of social deception, conflicting witness testimonies, and the cold logic of a calculated crime. The narrative unfolds through the observant lens of Captain Hastings, who documents Poirot's methodical interrogation of the suspects and his relentless pursuit of the truth behind the alibi.

This novel is widely regarded as a quintessential example of Christie's ability to construct complex, logic-driven puzzles that challenge the reader's perception of time and place. Critics often highlight the cleverness of the alibi mechanism, which serves as the structural backbone of the entire mystery. The interplay between the flamboyant personality of Jane Wilkinson and the methodical, understated brilliance of Poirot provides a compelling contrast that drives the narrative forward. Readers frequently note that the book maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that the investigation remains engaging from the initial discovery of the crime to the final resolution. The work remains a staple of the genre, demonstrating the author's mastery of the classic whodunit format.