Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Evil Under the Sun. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Hercule Poirot reveals that Patrick Redfern and his wife Christine murdered the glamorous Arlena Marshall for her money. Christine posed as Arlena's body on the beach while Arlena was still alive, giving both of them alibis, and Patrick later strangled Arlena in a cove.
Quick facts
– Book: Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie
– First published: 1941
– Type: A Hercule Poirot mystery
– Tone of the ending: Clever and satisfying
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Poirot is on holiday at a hotel on Smugglers' Island off the Devon coast. Arlena Marshall, an actress, flirts openly with Patrick Redfern, while his quiet wife Christine seems hurt. Arlena is found strangled on a secluded beach, and many guests have reasons to dislike her.
What Happens at the End of Evil Under the Sun
Poirot explains that Christine, with her pale skin covered in fake tan, lay on the beach pretending to be Arlena's body while the real Arlena was hiding nearby. Christine fixed her own alibi by secretly changing the time on young Linda's watch. After Christine left, Patrick strangled Arlena. The pair had done the same thing before, killing another woman. Poirot exposes them, and they are arrested. Arlena's stepdaughter Linda is cleared, and Captain Marshall finds happiness with Rosamund Darnley.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- The “body” seen first was Christine.
- Patrick and Christine worked together.
- They had killed before.
- The innocent suspects are freed.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Patrick Redfern | Arrested for murder |
| Christine Redfern | Arrested as his accomplice |
| Arlena Marshall | The victim |
| Linda Marshall | Cleared |
| Kenneth Marshall | Finds love with Rosamund |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows Poirot's ability to see through appearances. The couple who seemed most sympathetic were the killers.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Some readers consider it one of Christie's best plots, while others find the alibi trick complex. The setting adds to its charm.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Appearances. The victim's flirting hides the real danger.
Greed. Money drives the murder.
Deception. Timing is the key to the plot.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Evil Under the Sun as clever and satisfying. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Agatha Christie to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are clever and satisfying will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Agatha Christie closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 1982 film with Peter Ustinov moves the setting to an island in the Adriatic.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Evil Under the Sun with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about appearances, and do you agree with Agatha Christie's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as clever and satisfying, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces appearances and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what Agatha Christie leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Evil Under the Sun often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Evil Under the Sun earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of Evil Under the Sun on Amazon
Books to Read After Evil Under the Sun
- Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
- The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie
Related: Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie: Summary and Key Takeaways · And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Evil Under the Sun?
Hercule Poirot reveals that Patrick Redfern and his wife Christine murdered the glamorous Arlena Marshall for her money. Christine posed as Arlena's body on the beach while Arlena was still alive, giving both of them alibis, and Patrick later strangled Arlena in a cove.
Is the ending of Evil Under the Sun happy or sad?
Most readers call it clever and satisfying.
What does the ending of Evil Under the Sun mean?
The ending shows Poirot's ability to see through appearances.
Is the ending of Evil Under the Sun the same in the adaptation?
The 1982 film with Peter Ustinov moves the setting to an island in the Adriatic.
Who wrote Evil Under the Sun and when was it published?
Evil Under the Sun was written by Agatha Christie and first published in 1941.
Is Evil Under the Sun worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy Hercule Poirot mysterys. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Agatha Christie prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Evil Under the Sun before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.