Ten strangers trapped on an isolated island are systematically murdered by an unseen host who knows their darkest secrets. The protagonist group, a disparate collection of individuals with hidden pasts, must navigate a mounting sense of paranoia as they realize their host, U.N. Owen, is not among them but is instead one of their own. The narrative framework utilizes a third-person perspective that shifts between the internal anxieties of the guests, highlighting the logical breakdown of their social order as the physical constraints of the island prevent escape. Each death follows the grim logic of a nursery rhyme, forcing the survivors to confront their own culpability while the killer remains hidden in plain sight.

This novel is widely regarded as the definitive example of the closed-circle mystery, praised for its structural precision and psychological depth. Readers and critics consistently highlight the ingenuity of the plot, noting how the author maintains tension despite the rapid depletion of the cast. The work is frequently cited for its dark, cynical exploration of guilt and the failure of the legal system to address private crimes. Its enduring popularity stems from the author's ability to manipulate reader expectations while adhering to the strict rules of the genre.