other critics laud the use of plot twists and surprise endings. maurice richardson wrote a rhapsodic review in "the observer" issue of 5 november 1939 which began, "no wonder agatha christie's latest has sent her publishers into a vatic trance. we will refrain, however, from any invidious comparisons with "roger ackroyd" and be content with saying that "ten little niggers" is one of the very best, most genuinely bewildering christies yet written. we will also have to refrain from reviewing it thoroughly, as it is so full of shocks that even the mildest revelation would spoil some surprise from somebody, and i am sure that you would rather have your entertainment kept fresh than criticism pure." after stating the set-up of the plot, richardson concluded, "story telling and characterisation are right at the top of mrs christie's baleful form. her plot may be highly artificial, but it is neat, brilliantly cunning, soundly constructed, and free from any of those red-herring false trails which sometimes disfigure her work."