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Colonel Race #4
Rượu độc lóng lánh
Six people reunite to remember beautiful Rosemary Barton, who died nearly a year before. The loving sister, the long-suffering husband, the devoted secretary, the lovers, the betrayed wife - none of them can forget Rosemary.
But did one of them murder her?
But did one of them murder her?
Unknown Binding
First published February 1, 1945
1853 people are currently reading
18222 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,633 books74.3k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,197 reviews
May 6, 2025
Oh! Good stuff!
Sparkling Cyanide brings to a close the Colonel Race series with a twisty whodunnit told from multiple POVs.
Each person tells their version of the events that led up to the evening of a deadly birthday party, and while all of them have a motive, only one of them is the actual killer.
Colonel Race, who is now a retired MI5 agent, comes into the picture to help out a childhood acquaintance who won't take his solid advice to let things lie. After an attempt to re-create the murder scene goes horribly wrong, Race teams up with the police to eventually help solve the case. <--didn't see it coming!
I love it when Christie give me the clues and it's still a person I'd dismissed.
There are 2 unconventional love stories in this one and I (perhaps shockingly?) really ended up rooting for Stephen and Sandra Farraday the most, despite Stephen having been the bastard who had an affair with Rosemary.
I know, but I'm a sucker for second chance romances.
If you're interested, all 3 of the stories below include Colonel Race, and I enjoyed every one of them.
The Man in the Brown Suit
Cards on the Table
Death on the Nile
This was the first time I've ever read (listened) to this story and I thought it was great.
Recommended for fans of Agatha Christie.
Sparkling Cyanide brings to a close the Colonel Race series with a twisty whodunnit told from multiple POVs.
Each person tells their version of the events that led up to the evening of a deadly birthday party, and while all of them have a motive, only one of them is the actual killer.
Colonel Race, who is now a retired MI5 agent, comes into the picture to help out a childhood acquaintance who won't take his solid advice to let things lie. After an attempt to re-create the murder scene goes horribly wrong, Race teams up with the police to eventually help solve the case. <--didn't see it coming!
I love it when Christie give me the clues and it's still a person I'd dismissed.
There are 2 unconventional love stories in this one and I (perhaps shockingly?) really ended up rooting for Stephen and Sandra Farraday the most, despite Stephen having been the bastard who had an affair with Rosemary.
I know, but I'm a sucker for second chance romances.
If you're interested, all 3 of the stories below include Colonel Race, and I enjoyed every one of them.
The Man in the Brown Suit
Cards on the Table
Death on the Nile
This was the first time I've ever read (listened) to this story and I thought it was great.
Recommended for fans of Agatha Christie.
January 31, 2022
ohhh but love grows where my rosemary goes.........
4,5 ⭐
4,5 ⭐
December 22, 2017
Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie is a 2001 Minotaur publication. (Originally published in 1945)
Classic Agatha Christie- Always a treat!
It has been a long time since I read a book by AC. With a nip in the air and the days getting shorter, I always find myself in the mood for a good old fashioned golden age mystery to curl up with.
This classic whodunit is very cleverly plotted and centers around Rosemary Barton, a beautiful young heiress who suddenly committed suicide.
Now one year after her death, her husband, George, begins receiving anonymous notes suggesting his wife may have been murdered. Thus, unfolds the sordid tale of the events leading up to Rosemary’s untimely death.
George then plans to host a remembrance party for Rosemary, inviting all the people who were present at the dinner when Rosemary decided to end her life. He is determined to discover if his wife was indeed murdered, and if so, by whom.
This classic mystery hit the spot. It was perfect for the mood I was in, plus it is a Christie novel that I had never read.
This book was originally published in 1945, but it has certainly aged well. I thought the dialogue was crisp and sharp, with the entertaining trademark twists Christie was so gifted with.
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick and easy mystery and think I’ll start working more of these titles into my reading schedule more often.
4 stars
January 8, 2022
Agatha Christie Book Reading Challenge
BOOK 23 :- OCT 2020
3.25 STARS
BOOK 23 :- OCT 2020
3.25 STARS
September 6, 2025
This is one of the most enjoyable murder mysteries by our queen of crimes. It is well written. From the very first chapter, the story held my interest with its mystic atmosphere and curious characters. The fact that the first murder was committed at the very beginning helped the story to get moving quickly and to create the surrounding mysterious ambiance.
I liked how the story flowed, beginning as reminiscences of six people who witnessed the death of Rosemary Barton. By devoting separate chapters to each reminiscence, Christie gives us a good understanding of the characters who could be the possible suspects. A second death occurs opening up a police investigation, and through this investigation, both mysteries are solved. The second crime plot I found to be quite ingenious. Only a clever crime author can come up with such imaginative ideas.
The story was methodically constructed. It reminded me of Christie's early novels that I've liked. The clues were obscurely but surely set throughout the story giving the observant reader a fair opportunity to pick them up and work their case. Although I consider myself an observant reader and did manage to come near the truth, Christie still confused me from time to time through her twists and turns.
This Colonel Race mystery is the best of the series. In all others, Colonel Race plays an obscure secondary role, but in Sparkling Cyanide his role is prominent and dominant. I always enjoy a story best when the protagonist plays a prominent part. It was quite satisfying here. Out of the four books in the Colonel Race series, this is my favourite.
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
I liked how the story flowed, beginning as reminiscences of six people who witnessed the death of Rosemary Barton. By devoting separate chapters to each reminiscence, Christie gives us a good understanding of the characters who could be the possible suspects. A second death occurs opening up a police investigation, and through this investigation, both mysteries are solved. The second crime plot I found to be quite ingenious. Only a clever crime author can come up with such imaginative ideas.
The story was methodically constructed. It reminded me of Christie's early novels that I've liked. The clues were obscurely but surely set throughout the story giving the observant reader a fair opportunity to pick them up and work their case. Although I consider myself an observant reader and did manage to come near the truth, Christie still confused me from time to time through her twists and turns.
This Colonel Race mystery is the best of the series. In all others, Colonel Race plays an obscure secondary role, but in Sparkling Cyanide his role is prominent and dominant. I always enjoy a story best when the protagonist plays a prominent part. It was quite satisfying here. Out of the four books in the Colonel Race series, this is my favourite.
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
May 1, 2023
¡DRAMA!
No hay nada más interesante que un buen conflicto familiar, sospechas de asesinato, romance, infidelidades y herencias. Pero Agatha, de alguna forma, sabe hacer que todo eso se vuelva más relevante que el caso mismo.
Me encantó adentrarme en la historia de los personajes. Cada uno convirtiéndose en sospechoso hasta tal punto que mi cerebro ya no sabía ni qué pensar. Cualquiera puede ser el asesino.
Sin duda alguna se confirma la habilidad de la autora para hacer una historia tan ligera y fluida de leer, con tantos personajes y situaciones. Genuinamente es un goce leerla.
Mi único malestar fue el desenlace que sentí muy abrupto. Además de que algunas escenas las noté poco orgánicas, pareciendo que las incluyó para darle sentido a la historia y no tanto porque funcionaran.
Pero aún así, se vuelve otro misterio que no pude resolver 🤡
No hay nada más interesante que un buen conflicto familiar, sospechas de asesinato, romance, infidelidades y herencias. Pero Agatha, de alguna forma, sabe hacer que todo eso se vuelva más relevante que el caso mismo.
Me encantó adentrarme en la historia de los personajes. Cada uno convirtiéndose en sospechoso hasta tal punto que mi cerebro ya no sabía ni qué pensar. Cualquiera puede ser el asesino.
Sin duda alguna se confirma la habilidad de la autora para hacer una historia tan ligera y fluida de leer, con tantos personajes y situaciones. Genuinamente es un goce leerla.
Mi único malestar fue el desenlace que sentí muy abrupto. Además de que algunas escenas las noté poco orgánicas, pareciendo que las incluyó para darle sentido a la historia y no tanto porque funcionaran.
Pero aún así, se vuelve otro misterio que no pude resolver 🤡
February 20, 2020
Sparkling Cyanide is the 4th book in the Colonel Race series by Agatha Christie. Published in 1944, it is one of the stories more represented in tv shows or movies, but the sleuth isn't either of the popular Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot characters. Race is a bit bland by their standards, and he doesn't figure in until the latter portion of the book. Overall, it's a good story, but it lacked something for me to really recommend it as a clever mystery.
The premise: Rosemary committed suicide a year ago, or did she? Her husband begins to wonder if she might've been killed. Then he gets notes and realizes she had been having an affair. Which of the two men at their dinner table that night had killed her? Or was it her sister? His secretary? One of the men's wives? Someone else? The book is divided into 3 parts. We hear from each of the major characters, then a second dinner scene is reenacted to catch the killer, only someone else dies again. Whodunit?
I enjoyed the structure a lot. By giving us a chapter or two on each character, we learned the backstory and decided which ones we liked and disliked. We hardly get to see Rosemary except for a few memories, but we do meet some of her relatives who might've had an interest in her death. There are a lot of characters to track in the beginning, but it gets easier. I liked the staging and dynamics between everyone too. For these reasons, it's easily a four-star read.
Then we get to the mystery. Clever, but not strong enough. It all comes down to trickery, which is Christie's major prowess at work. While I found the reasons believable, I struggled with how someone could possibly come up with the solution, and how the killer was not recognized. It's the kind of story where readers could never solve it, yet they will find the answers interesting... yet ask more questions. For those reasons, it was just an average book. Given it's Christie, and I love her writing style, I still think it's worth a solid read.
For those who have not read her before, this shouldn't be your first book. It's not strong enough. Onward I go... I've finished about 50% of her books, and soon there will be another.
The premise: Rosemary committed suicide a year ago, or did she? Her husband begins to wonder if she might've been killed. Then he gets notes and realizes she had been having an affair. Which of the two men at their dinner table that night had killed her? Or was it her sister? His secretary? One of the men's wives? Someone else? The book is divided into 3 parts. We hear from each of the major characters, then a second dinner scene is reenacted to catch the killer, only someone else dies again. Whodunit?
I enjoyed the structure a lot. By giving us a chapter or two on each character, we learned the backstory and decided which ones we liked and disliked. We hardly get to see Rosemary except for a few memories, but we do meet some of her relatives who might've had an interest in her death. There are a lot of characters to track in the beginning, but it gets easier. I liked the staging and dynamics between everyone too. For these reasons, it's easily a four-star read.
Then we get to the mystery. Clever, but not strong enough. It all comes down to trickery, which is Christie's major prowess at work. While I found the reasons believable, I struggled with how someone could possibly come up with the solution, and how the killer was not recognized. It's the kind of story where readers could never solve it, yet they will find the answers interesting... yet ask more questions. For those reasons, it was just an average book. Given it's Christie, and I love her writing style, I still think it's worth a solid read.
For those who have not read her before, this shouldn't be your first book. It's not strong enough. Onward I go... I've finished about 50% of her books, and soon there will be another.
December 28, 2020
Qué bueno que no escribo esto justo cuando terminé el libro, de ser así, hubiera dado una opinión pesimista tirando a negativa.
Y me refiero al final en sí, que no es la gran sorpresa. De hecho, después de pensarlo bien, diré que el final, o la inesperada revelación, no es lo más importante. Lo más importante en esta historia es... ¿cómo fue asesinadx la segunda persona? Ese es el verdadero misterio.
Al principio parece un asunto más por resolver, pero, con el pasar de las páginas, uno se da cuenta que esta duda se vuelve imposible de solucionar. El ¿quién fue? va tomando mucha menos relevancia, ya no siendo lo que más curiosidad debe causarnos.
Lo que realmente queremos saber es ¡¿CÓMO... CÓMO PASÓ?!
Algo que diferencia este libro del resto que he leído de Agatha son sus personajes, que sí, que son casi los mismos; pero en esta ocasión ella va un poco más allá, se toma el tiempo para meternos en la cabeza de cada uno y mostrarnos sus intenciones.
Y me refiero al final en sí, que no es la gran sorpresa. De hecho, después de pensarlo bien, diré que el final, o la inesperada revelación, no es lo más importante. Lo más importante en esta historia es... ¿cómo fue asesinadx la segunda persona? Ese es el verdadero misterio.
Al principio parece un asunto más por resolver, pero, con el pasar de las páginas, uno se da cuenta que esta duda se vuelve imposible de solucionar. El ¿quién fue? va tomando mucha menos relevancia, ya no siendo lo que más curiosidad debe causarnos.
Lo que realmente queremos saber es ¡¿CÓMO... CÓMO PASÓ?!
Algo que diferencia este libro del resto que he leído de Agatha son sus personajes, que sí, que son casi los mismos; pero en esta ocasión ella va un poco más allá, se toma el tiempo para meternos en la cabeza de cada uno y mostrarnos sus intenciones.
October 15, 2020
Character driven mystery with lots of suspects
Agatha Christie is so good at character development, she makes you really hope that who you think is the murderer isn't really, because you like them too much. All of the people involved in the death of the beautiful Rosemary are the ones seated around the table at her birthday celebration. Rosemary is gorgeous, but foolish and indiscreet. She has fallen for her lover and wants him to leave his wife, but he doesn't want that. When she is poisoned at her birthday party, the police think it was suicide, now a year has passed and her widowed husband wants to find the truth.
I really enjoyed the build up to the final reveal, but thought one part of the solution was a bit unbelievable. Oh well, it was a jolly good ride though!
Agatha Christie is so good at character development, she makes you really hope that who you think is the murderer isn't really, because you like them too much. All of the people involved in the death of the beautiful Rosemary are the ones seated around the table at her birthday celebration. Rosemary is gorgeous, but foolish and indiscreet. She has fallen for her lover and wants him to leave his wife, but he doesn't want that. When she is poisoned at her birthday party, the police think it was suicide, now a year has passed and her widowed husband wants to find the truth.
I really enjoyed the build up to the final reveal, but thought one part of the solution was a bit unbelievable. Oh well, it was a jolly good ride though!
June 22, 2019
me: i've definitely got the murderer right, there's no way i got this wrong
agatha christie: you're the stupidest bitch alive
agatha christie: you're the stupidest bitch alive
February 26, 2022
Para mí Agatha es la reina del crimen y releer sus novelas es volver a mis lecturas de primera juventud, cuando me encantaba con sus personajes - tan British y tan disfuncionales, cada uno a su manera - y me sorprendía con sus ingeniosos finales, como en un puzzle donde al final todas las piezas encajan.
Tengo la ventaja de que mi mala memoria me permite releer sus novelas como si fuera la primera vez y en general no recuerdo la trama, aunque - a diferencia de lo que me sucedía antes - al tener ya el colmillo retorcido me lo veo venir... Pero el encanto que desprende el conjunto permanece intacto.
Tengo la ventaja de que mi mala memoria me permite releer sus novelas como si fuera la primera vez y en general no recuerdo la trama, aunque - a diferencia de lo que me sucedía antes - al tener ya el colmillo retorcido me lo veo venir... Pero el encanto que desprende el conjunto permanece intacto.
August 26, 2019
Just like Colonel Race himself, this lesser known Christie novel is a real gem.
Yet again Dame Agatha proves that she’s the queen of crime, as I was fooled again!
As the one year anniversary of Rosemary Barton’s death, husband George arrangers a gathering at the same venue ‘The Luxembourg’ where his wife died.
George believes that her death which was ruled as suicide was in fact murder, he hopes to prove his beliefs with a reenactments by inviting the same guests.
The result might just surprise him!
Just like her best closed circle mysteries, it’s the assembled cast of characters that really stand out in this story.
Whilst the plot was strong it’s the glitzy London setting that really appealed.
Constantly trying to spot the clues, only to be kicking myself that it was so obvious during the reveal...
They’re the best types of Christie mysteries!
Yet again Dame Agatha proves that she’s the queen of crime, as I was fooled again!
As the one year anniversary of Rosemary Barton’s death, husband George arrangers a gathering at the same venue ‘The Luxembourg’ where his wife died.
George believes that her death which was ruled as suicide was in fact murder, he hopes to prove his beliefs with a reenactments by inviting the same guests.
The result might just surprise him!
Just like her best closed circle mysteries, it’s the assembled cast of characters that really stand out in this story.
Whilst the plot was strong it’s the glitzy London setting that really appealed.
Constantly trying to spot the clues, only to be kicking myself that it was so obvious during the reveal...
They’re the best types of Christie mysteries!
December 8, 2022
معظم الناجحون تعساء؛بل لهذا السبب يحققون النجاحات فهم عليهم أن يطمئنوا أنفسهم بشأن أنفسهم دوماَ من خلال تحقيق شيء سيشغل العالم؛ اما السعداء ففاشلون لأنهم على علاقة جيدة مع أنفسهم لدرجة أنهم لا يأبهون للعالم بأسره
للسموم سحرها الخاص لنا نحن الأشرار من عشاق البوليسيات.. و ستظل اجاثا ملكة السموم عبر الزمن
رواية الكأس الاخيرة؛ او السيانيد الساطع يتصادف انها التجربة الاجاثية الاولي في حياة كثير من القراء و انا منهم.. و هي خير مدخل لعالمها حقاً
طبعا قرأتها بالترجمة الخايبة المختصرة القديمة
ذات النهاية المختلفة عن نسخة جرير الكاملة؛ للاسف هذا ما وجدنا عليه ابائنا؛ 😂 او هذه هي نسخ والدتي التي نشات بينها في البيت
ثم اطلعت علي التطور الذي نال النسخ الاخيرة و لكني فعلا لا احب الكتابة باسهاب عن البوليسي؛ فقط حبيت اسجل هنا اول ما قرات لاجاثا
هي مغامرة بايتة؛ او سر رحيل روزماري من ٦ شهور
و هي من روايات لم الشمل و انا احب هذه التيمة
و هي الرواية ٤ و الاخيرة للمحقق كولينيل رايس
و هي من الروايات النفسية المطولة قليلا لاجاثا
رغم عدم شعبية رايس و قلة حيويته و سنه المتقدم الا ان تيمة لم الشمل َكانت السبب في ان الرواية تحظي بعدة افلام عبر السنين؛ بفضل حبكتها القوية المعتمدة علي ثنائية المال و العشق التي لا تفني و لا تخيب ابدا
للسموم سحرها الخاص لنا نحن الأشرار من عشاق البوليسيات.. و ستظل اجاثا ملكة السموم عبر الزمن
رواية الكأس الاخيرة؛ او السيانيد الساطع يتصادف انها التجربة الاجاثية الاولي في حياة كثير من القراء و انا منهم.. و هي خير مدخل لعالمها حقاً
طبعا قرأتها بالترجمة الخايبة المختصرة القديمة
ذات النهاية المختلفة عن نسخة جرير الكاملة؛ للاسف هذا ما وجدنا عليه ابائنا؛ 😂 او هذه هي نسخ والدتي التي نشات بينها في البيت
ثم اطلعت علي التطور الذي نال النسخ الاخيرة و لكني فعلا لا احب الكتابة باسهاب عن البوليسي؛ فقط حبيت اسجل هنا اول ما قرات لاجاثا
هي مغامرة بايتة؛ او سر رحيل روزماري من ٦ شهور
و هي من روايات لم الشمل و انا احب هذه التيمة
و هي الرواية ٤ و الاخيرة للمحقق كولينيل رايس
و هي من الروايات النفسية المطولة قليلا لاجاثا
رغم عدم شعبية رايس و قلة حيويته و سنه المتقدم الا ان تيمة لم الشمل َكانت السبب في ان الرواية تحظي بعدة افلام عبر السنين؛ بفضل حبكتها القوية المعتمدة علي ثنائية المال و العشق التي لا تفني و لا تخيب ابدا
May 17, 2011
In 1939, Agatha Christie published a short story featuring Hercule Poirot, entitled "Yellow Iris." A few years later, she expanded the story into this excellent novel, changing the detective to Colonel Race. Having read the story before the novel, I immediately recognized the similarity of the setup (right down to the name Iris). I assumed, therefore, that I knew how the murder was done, and in fact that aspect remains the same. However, if you think that reading the story will make it pointless to read the novel, think again! The murderer is someone completely different, and I was wrong in my suspicions and shocked at the ending. I know it's a 5-star Agatha when she reveals the murderer and I smack myself on the forehead and yell, "Holy crap!" out loud. Sparkling Cyanide is such a novel. I was blindsided by the ending, immediately kicked myself for not seeing it, and went back to re-read earlier passages that contained clues--or significant omissions, for there is a touch of Roger Ackroyd-style omission here.
Sparkling Cyanide is one of my favorite Christie titles, by the way: it suggests the glamour of the elegant 1930s nightclub where the murder takes place, and certainly the idea of cyanide in the Champagne is a dramatic and memorable one. I also have to give Dame Agatha credit for introducing me to the verb "cyanosed" (i.e., killed via cyanide), which I now want to work into a conversation sometime. I think it might supersede "defenestrate" as my new favorite violent verb.
This is one of the novels I will keep and re-read, as knowing the solution does not diminish its style and the bravado with which Dame Agatha carries it off.
Sparkling Cyanide is one of my favorite Christie titles, by the way: it suggests the glamour of the elegant 1930s nightclub where the murder takes place, and certainly the idea of cyanide in the Champagne is a dramatic and memorable one. I also have to give Dame Agatha credit for introducing me to the verb "cyanosed" (i.e., killed via cyanide), which I now want to work into a conversation sometime. I think it might supersede "defenestrate" as my new favorite violent verb.
This is one of the novels I will keep and re-read, as knowing the solution does not diminish its style and the bravado with which Dame Agatha carries it off.
March 18, 2017
3.5
“Six people were thinking of Rosemary Barton who had died nearly a year ago...”
Ok, well, I think it got old about a couple of years ago, me saying I love Christie and you smiling and nodding and then –as politely as possible– proceeding to scroll down and just ignore me because the whole Goodreads must have got it by now. But this is just the honest truth, folks: I love Agatha Christie. And the simple fact that this book was written by her is the first reason why you should read this.
The second reason is: come on, it's called Sparkling Cyanide. How can you say no to a title like that?
And the third... I guessed it! For once in my sorry life, I actually got the murderer! (It wasn't that I desperately wanted all the other suspects to be innocents and happy and so I fixed my suspicions on that one. It wasn't like that at all.)
So, basically, Sparkling Cyanide bought my favour by presenting me with irresistible characters and then making me think I'm smarter than I actually am. Well played, Christie. Well played.
“Six people were thinking of Rosemary Barton who had died nearly a year ago...”
Ok, well, I think it got old about a couple of years ago, me saying I love Christie and you smiling and nodding and then –as politely as possible– proceeding to scroll down and just ignore me because the whole Goodreads must have got it by now. But this is just the honest truth, folks: I love Agatha Christie. And the simple fact that this book was written by her is the first reason why you should read this.
The second reason is: come on, it's called Sparkling Cyanide. How can you say no to a title like that?
And the third... I guessed it! For once in my sorry life, I actually got the murderer! (It wasn't that I desperately wanted all the other suspects to be innocents and happy and so I fixed my suspicions on that one. It wasn't like that at all.)
So, basically, Sparkling Cyanide bought my favour by presenting me with irresistible characters and then making me think I'm smarter than I actually am. Well played, Christie. Well played.
January 17, 2019
3.5 stars
Well, I have just encountered an Agatha Christie character that I had no idea was part of her mystery collection- Scotland Yard's Colonel Race. He's as formidable as Hercule Poirot without the ego. Sparkling Cyanide appears to be AC's take on the cold case as the original murder took place a year ago. Well, it was originally deemed a suicide of a young heiress named Rosemary Barton, but now the young woman's husband has received startling information that shows someone would benefit from her death. But who? Because in classic fashion, there are no shortage of suspects.
Well, I have just encountered an Agatha Christie character that I had no idea was part of her mystery collection- Scotland Yard's Colonel Race. He's as formidable as Hercule Poirot without the ego. Sparkling Cyanide appears to be AC's take on the cold case as the original murder took place a year ago. Well, it was originally deemed a suicide of a young heiress named Rosemary Barton, but now the young woman's husband has received startling information that shows someone would benefit from her death. But who? Because in classic fashion, there are no shortage of suspects.
August 21, 2021
Pues he vuelto a fallar!!
Que desatre!!
Ni me he acercado al culpable!!
El libro trata sobre el "posible" asesinato durante una comida en un restaurante de una de las comensales.
Agatha como siempre nos va dando información de los comensales que asistieron a dicha comida y las posibles causas para matar a la víctima, como siempre, para causarte dudas y sospechar de todo el mundo.
Después de la presentación y vinculación de los distintos personajes con la víctima, el marido de dicha víctima, llamada Rosemary, intenta recrear otra vez la cena-comida, poniendo como excusa el cumpleaños de la hermana de la primera víctima. Para intentar desenmascarar al posible asesino de su mujer. y hasta hay puedo leer...
6/10
Que desatre!!
Ni me he acercado al culpable!!
El libro trata sobre el "posible" asesinato durante una comida en un restaurante de una de las comensales.
Agatha como siempre nos va dando información de los comensales que asistieron a dicha comida y las posibles causas para matar a la víctima, como siempre, para causarte dudas y sospechar de todo el mundo.
Después de la presentación y vinculación de los distintos personajes con la víctima, el marido de dicha víctima, llamada Rosemary, intenta recrear otra vez la cena-comida, poniendo como excusa el cumpleaños de la hermana de la primera víctima. Para intentar desenmascarar al posible asesino de su mujer. y hasta hay puedo leer...
6/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2019
A thrilling detection novel from the queen of mystery. It is one of her two novels to feature Colonel Race, the other being Man in the brown suit. The novel is enlarged version of the short story Yellow Iris featuring Poirot. For some strange reason when Agatha enlarged the story, she replaced Poirot with Colonel Race. The element of suspense and intrigue builds up right from the first page and the storyline manages to hold your attention till the every end. Interesting read
June 2, 2018
Sparkling Cyanide
by Agatha Christie.
4/5 Stars.
I have no words for this. Agatha Christie has done it again! Never a disappointment, she is truly The Queen of Mystery. However this book is more for the old-schoolers, either way this book was amazing.
What I always think while reading Agatha Christie's books is that literally everyone is a suspect you can never trust any of her characters that were involved in a crime scene.
This has started off very interestingly but halfway through it was a bit dull and then the last few chapters kept me at the edge of my seat, I was anxious to know what was about to happen and how.
Overall, I really liked this, it was exciting, very suspenseful and raw.
by Agatha Christie.
4/5 Stars.
I have no words for this. Agatha Christie has done it again! Never a disappointment, she is truly The Queen of Mystery. However this book is more for the old-schoolers, either way this book was amazing.
What I always think while reading Agatha Christie's books is that literally everyone is a suspect you can never trust any of her characters that were involved in a crime scene.
This has started off very interestingly but halfway through it was a bit dull and then the last few chapters kept me at the edge of my seat, I was anxious to know what was about to happen and how.
Overall, I really liked this, it was exciting, very suspenseful and raw.
February 1, 2025
🔴 Un cumpleaños que termina en suicidio, unas cartas que hablan de asesinato y 6 sospechosos con secretos.
🗨️ "En un mar de mentiras, la verdad es como una isla salvaje, difícil de alcanzar pero necesario refugio".
📗 Cuando Rosemary Barton muere envenenada la noche de su cumpleaños, la investigación concluye que la mujer se ha suicidado bebiendo cianuro en su copa de champán, después de una fase depresiva tras un fuerte resfriado. Un año después, su marido recibe unas cartas anónimas que indican que Rosemary fue asesinada y que da inicio a una investigación para descubrir quién de los seis invitados de aquella noche tenía motivos para matarla.
✒️ En "Cianuro espumoso" Agatha Christie nos regala una historia repleta de pistas, secretos e intriga que engancha desde el principio y que enreda hasta hacer dudar de todos los personajes, hasta encajar una a una todas las piezas en un revelador final. Una novela que se adentra en temas como la infidelidad, el amor, la familia, el chantaje, la mentira y el secretismo.
🔝 Puntos fuertes:
- Lectura ágil y amena gracias a un lenguaje sencillo, pocas descripciones y capítulos muy breves.
- Trama bien construida.
- Historia cargada de intriga.
- El desenlace final en el que todas las piezas encajan como en un puzle.
🗨️ "En un mar de mentiras, la verdad es como una isla salvaje, difícil de alcanzar pero necesario refugio".
📗 Cuando Rosemary Barton muere envenenada la noche de su cumpleaños, la investigación concluye que la mujer se ha suicidado bebiendo cianuro en su copa de champán, después de una fase depresiva tras un fuerte resfriado. Un año después, su marido recibe unas cartas anónimas que indican que Rosemary fue asesinada y que da inicio a una investigación para descubrir quién de los seis invitados de aquella noche tenía motivos para matarla.
✒️ En "Cianuro espumoso" Agatha Christie nos regala una historia repleta de pistas, secretos e intriga que engancha desde el principio y que enreda hasta hacer dudar de todos los personajes, hasta encajar una a una todas las piezas en un revelador final. Una novela que se adentra en temas como la infidelidad, el amor, la familia, el chantaje, la mentira y el secretismo.
🔝 Puntos fuertes:
- Lectura ágil y amena gracias a un lenguaje sencillo, pocas descripciones y capítulos muy breves.
- Trama bien construida.
- Historia cargada de intriga.
- El desenlace final en el que todas las piezas encajan como en un puzle.
January 19, 2021
Rosemary Barton suddenly dies at a party in a restaurant.She had plenty of money and a doting husband,alongwith a younger sister,who inherits her money.
Rosemary also had a couple of young men who took considerable interest in her,even though she was a married woman.Her death is accepted as suicide,but her husband thinks it's murder.
Later,he invites the same guests to the same place where his wife died.Things don't go according to plan and another murder takes place.
A gripping mystery,another one of Christie's books,which is hard to put down.
Rosemary also had a couple of young men who took considerable interest in her,even though she was a married woman.Her death is accepted as suicide,but her husband thinks it's murder.
Later,he invites the same guests to the same place where his wife died.Things don't go according to plan and another murder takes place.
A gripping mystery,another one of Christie's books,which is hard to put down.
April 24, 2023
"Cianuro espumoso" fue una de las primeras novelas de Agatha Christie que leí, allá en mi adolescencia. En aquel entonces me pareció una novela inteligente, impresión que ratifico ahora.
Dice la sinopsis:
En el reservado de un selecto restaurante, seis personas se reúnen alrededor de una mesa preparada para siete comensales. Ante el asiento vacío hay un ramillete de romero en memoria de Rosemary Burton, fallecida en aquel mismo escenario un año atrás después de haber ingerido cianuro disuelto en su copa. En aquel momento todo el mundo pensó que se trataba de un suicidio. Hoy ya no. Ahora existen sospechas fundadas de que en realidad Rosemary fue asesinada. Y lo que en un principio parecía una cena organizada en homenaje a la difunta se va a convertir en otra cosa muy distinta.
Mis impresiones.
Estamos ante una novela de Agatha Christie que no está encuadrada en ninguna de sus dos grandes series. Ni Poirot ni mis Marple aparecen en ella. El esquema es el típico de la autora. La novela comienza cuando ya se ha cometido el primer asesinato. Un año antes, en la fiesta de cumpleaños de Rosemary Barton, esta murió envenenada. Se dictaminó suicidio, pero su viudo, no conforme y convencido de que fue asesinada, planea, mediante un homenaje al que asistirán los mismos comensales de entonces, recrear la escena y obligar a confesar al culpable.
Está dividida en tres partes. En la primera, Christie nos va a presentar a los distintos actores del drama del año anterior. Como es habitual en sus novelas, todos ellos tenían motivos para haber asesinado a Rosemary. Igualmente, a través de las voces de los asistentes a la fiesta, nos dará una visión polifacética de cómo era la víctima. En la segunda, ya en el planificado homenaje, transcurre el segundo crimen. La tercera y última parte se dedica enteramente a la resolución de este.
La trama es entretenida e inteligente. La planificación de los crímenes y la resolución de los mismos están bien medidas. No en vano, Christie es un exponente del género.
El final bueno y coherente.
En conclusión. Una novela representativa del genio de esta autora. Recomendable.
Dice la sinopsis:
En el reservado de un selecto restaurante, seis personas se reúnen alrededor de una mesa preparada para siete comensales. Ante el asiento vacío hay un ramillete de romero en memoria de Rosemary Burton, fallecida en aquel mismo escenario un año atrás después de haber ingerido cianuro disuelto en su copa. En aquel momento todo el mundo pensó que se trataba de un suicidio. Hoy ya no. Ahora existen sospechas fundadas de que en realidad Rosemary fue asesinada. Y lo que en un principio parecía una cena organizada en homenaje a la difunta se va a convertir en otra cosa muy distinta.
Mis impresiones.
Estamos ante una novela de Agatha Christie que no está encuadrada en ninguna de sus dos grandes series. Ni Poirot ni mis Marple aparecen en ella. El esquema es el típico de la autora. La novela comienza cuando ya se ha cometido el primer asesinato. Un año antes, en la fiesta de cumpleaños de Rosemary Barton, esta murió envenenada. Se dictaminó suicidio, pero su viudo, no conforme y convencido de que fue asesinada, planea, mediante un homenaje al que asistirán los mismos comensales de entonces, recrear la escena y obligar a confesar al culpable.
Está dividida en tres partes. En la primera, Christie nos va a presentar a los distintos actores del drama del año anterior. Como es habitual en sus novelas, todos ellos tenían motivos para haber asesinado a Rosemary. Igualmente, a través de las voces de los asistentes a la fiesta, nos dará una visión polifacética de cómo era la víctima. En la segunda, ya en el planificado homenaje, transcurre el segundo crimen. La tercera y última parte se dedica enteramente a la resolución de este.
La trama es entretenida e inteligente. La planificación de los crímenes y la resolución de los mismos están bien medidas. No en vano, Christie es un exponente del género.
El final bueno y coherente.
En conclusión. Una novela representativa del genio de esta autora. Recomendable.
January 28, 2022
How remarkable!
It’s all about the writing.
The development of the story is slow, but the writing is awesomely gripping and the build up is simply terrific, leading to a great twist.
This is a re-read for me, but first time in English. I was too young when I read it, and I don’t remember appreciating it this much (my ratings went up by two stars).
As I couldn’t remember the story, it felt like a brand new book to me.
I also simultaneously listened to the audiobook, which I must say helped to bring all characters alive.
The audiobook I played was from YouTube, as there was none available from my local library (one of the advantages of YouTube is that you can select the closed captioned option, which is what I would have selected if I did not have the physical book).
I do recommend the audio book. I wish I knew the name of the narrator, but there was no information. There is an option with Hugh Fraser, who is a great narrator. Perhaps I should send an email to the support desk, because the narration was extraordinary!
PS. this book was inspired by Dame Christie’s short story “Yellow Iris”, with Hercule Poirot. Here the idea is the same but we have a different murderer and a different inspector, Colonel Race, who appears in 4 four books, this one and The Man in the Brown Sui, Cards on the Table and Death on the Nile. Colonel Race is also mentioned in Appointment With Death.
It’s all about the writing.
The development of the story is slow, but the writing is awesomely gripping and the build up is simply terrific, leading to a great twist.
This is a re-read for me, but first time in English. I was too young when I read it, and I don’t remember appreciating it this much (my ratings went up by two stars).
As I couldn’t remember the story, it felt like a brand new book to me.
I also simultaneously listened to the audiobook, which I must say helped to bring all characters alive.
The audiobook I played was from YouTube, as there was none available from my local library (one of the advantages of YouTube is that you can select the closed captioned option, which is what I would have selected if I did not have the physical book).
I do recommend the audio book. I wish I knew the name of the narrator, but there was no information. There is an option with Hugh Fraser, who is a great narrator. Perhaps I should send an email to the support desk, because the narration was extraordinary!
PS. this book was inspired by Dame Christie’s short story “Yellow Iris”, with Hercule Poirot. Here the idea is the same but we have a different murderer and a different inspector, Colonel Race, who appears in 4 four books, this one and The Man in the Brown Sui, Cards on the Table and Death on the Nile. Colonel Race is also mentioned in Appointment With Death.
September 17, 2023
Halloween Bingo 2023
You know, I think I prefer Colonel Race to Hercule Poirot. He is confident but not liable to brag, which is one of Poirot's most annoying habits. And since he has no sidekick, he readily adopts a local fellow to be his assistant and sounding board.
I enjoyed the multiple points of view in this novel. Christie has used the much hated murder victim plotline before, but had she used this format before? I quickly realized that everyone at the table had good reasons to wish Rosemary ill, if not dead. Even her sister could resent Rosemary's money. But just like the leger de main that resulted in George's death, Christie does some fancy hand-waving to distract from her murderer. As she does so well.
Not as good as some, better than others. Christie really had a taste for spies, didn't she?
I have Vintage Horror, but used my Tell Tale Heart wild card to convert it to Vintage Mystery on my bingo card.
You know, I think I prefer Colonel Race to Hercule Poirot. He is confident but not liable to brag, which is one of Poirot's most annoying habits. And since he has no sidekick, he readily adopts a local fellow to be his assistant and sounding board.
I enjoyed the multiple points of view in this novel. Christie has used the much hated murder victim plotline before, but had she used this format before? I quickly realized that everyone at the table had good reasons to wish Rosemary ill, if not dead. Even her sister could resent Rosemary's money. But just like the leger de main that resulted in George's death, Christie does some fancy hand-waving to distract from her murderer. As she does so well.
Not as good as some, better than others. Christie really had a taste for spies, didn't she?
I have Vintage Horror, but used my Tell Tale Heart wild card to convert it to Vintage Mystery on my bingo card.
April 21, 2021
En mi lectura mensual de Ágatha Christie y continuando con Los siete pecados capitales, ahora le tocó el turno a Cianuro espumoso.
Cuarto pecado capital: La pereza
La historia inicia casi un año después de la muerte de Rosemary Barton, tras haberse suicidado ingiriendo cianuro durante la celebración de su cumpleaños. Tras esto, su marido George, por una u otra razón que le hace sospechar que aquel suceso no fue un suicidio, decide ponerse a averiguar qué fue lo que realmente ocurrió en aquel fatídico día.
Para empezar, debo decir que esta novela me ha gustado pero también me ha decepcionado un poco. Me pone feliz que por primera vez una de mis opciones de sospecha fue exactamente el culpable que se revela al final de la historia; por ese lado bien.
Por otro lado, la trama te engancha, al igual que otras obras de la autora, y no te suelta hasta el momento culminante, lo cual se agradece. El problema en mi opinión, es el primer tercio de la historia, que no solo no se asemeja a los otros libros que había leído previamente de Christie, sino que al introducir a los personajes lo hace extendiéndose en hablar de cosas o mencionar datos que al final no interesan o son irrelevantes para la trama. Temo decirlo, pero es un libro al que le sobran páginas.
Además, no lo voy a negar, sentí un vacío ante la ausencia de Hércules Poirot o miss Marple, esas deducciones tan extraordinarias de cada uno, a su manera, no se encuentran igualadas y mucho menos superadas en Cianuro espumoso.
En conclusión, es recomendable porque cumple con el objetivo de entretener y lo pasas bien, pero me parece una obra prescindible de la autora.
Cuarto pecado capital: La pereza
La historia inicia casi un año después de la muerte de Rosemary Barton, tras haberse suicidado ingiriendo cianuro durante la celebración de su cumpleaños. Tras esto, su marido George, por una u otra razón que le hace sospechar que aquel suceso no fue un suicidio, decide ponerse a averiguar qué fue lo que realmente ocurrió en aquel fatídico día.
Para empezar, debo decir que esta novela me ha gustado pero también me ha decepcionado un poco. Me pone feliz que por primera vez una de mis opciones de sospecha fue exactamente el culpable que se revela al final de la historia; por ese lado bien.
Por otro lado, la trama te engancha, al igual que otras obras de la autora, y no te suelta hasta el momento culminante, lo cual se agradece. El problema en mi opinión, es el primer tercio de la historia, que no solo no se asemeja a los otros libros que había leído previamente de Christie, sino que al introducir a los personajes lo hace extendiéndose en hablar de cosas o mencionar datos que al final no interesan o son irrelevantes para la trama. Temo decirlo, pero es un libro al que le sobran páginas.
Además, no lo voy a negar, sentí un vacío ante la ausencia de Hércules Poirot o miss Marple, esas deducciones tan extraordinarias de cada uno, a su manera, no se encuentran igualadas y mucho menos superadas en Cianuro espumoso.
En conclusión, es recomendable porque cumple con el objetivo de entretener y lo pasas bien, pero me parece una obra prescindible de la autora.
December 14, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller + Classic
In Agatha Christie's book Sparkling Cyanide, a socialite named Rosemary Barton collapses to the ground after cyanide poisoning. This causes the dinner to turn into a tragic event. Colin Race, the Inspector, is confronted with a table full of suspects, each of whom is hiding secrets and reasons behind their carefully crafted veneers. Which of Rosemary's family members—her envious sister or her suspicious husband—was the culprit?
The lavish restaurant in Luxembourg, with its glimmering lights and whispered conversations, comes to serve as a setting for a mystery that has been expertly intricately stitched. When you believe that you have a firm hold on the truth, Christie surprises you with yet another intriguing clue, which causes you to turn the pages of the book with a bated breath. The plot twists like a serpent, the witty language, and the psychological complexity all work together to keep you captivated until the startlingly satisfying surprise makes its appearance.
The author, Agatha Christie, created a superb mystery thriller with this book. One of those that does not include Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple in its cast. Characters were distinct and interesting in their own right. The author came up with the appropriate motivation for each and every one of them. The mystery, as well as the manner in which the murder was initiated, sounded illogical but plausible. In general, I thought that this one was fantastic.
Genre: Mystery Thriller + Classic
In Agatha Christie's book Sparkling Cyanide, a socialite named Rosemary Barton collapses to the ground after cyanide poisoning. This causes the dinner to turn into a tragic event. Colin Race, the Inspector, is confronted with a table full of suspects, each of whom is hiding secrets and reasons behind their carefully crafted veneers. Which of Rosemary's family members—her envious sister or her suspicious husband—was the culprit?
The lavish restaurant in Luxembourg, with its glimmering lights and whispered conversations, comes to serve as a setting for a mystery that has been expertly intricately stitched. When you believe that you have a firm hold on the truth, Christie surprises you with yet another intriguing clue, which causes you to turn the pages of the book with a bated breath. The plot twists like a serpent, the witty language, and the psychological complexity all work together to keep you captivated until the startlingly satisfying surprise makes its appearance.
The author, Agatha Christie, created a superb mystery thriller with this book. One of those that does not include Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple in its cast. Characters were distinct and interesting in their own right. The author came up with the appropriate motivation for each and every one of them. The mystery, as well as the manner in which the murder was initiated, sounded illogical but plausible. In general, I thought that this one was fantastic.
March 27, 2020
Me encantó. Como siempre Agatha Christie me sorprende con la identidad del asesino, al final nunca es quien tengo en mente, por eso nunca me canso de leer sus libros y mientras mas los leo, mas me gustan, creo que nunca me voy a cansar de leer a esta mujer.
January 10, 2025
Always fun rereading this
October 31, 2020
رواية لأجاثا كريستي بطابع مختلف قليلًا. تبدأ الأحداث من بعد موت روزماري المريب، ولا وجود للشرطة والمحققين في الثلث الأول من الرواية الذي يصب تركيزه كله على الشخصيات والعلاقات فيما بينهم مما جعلهم مثيرين للاهتمام، إضافةً لتسليط الضوء على الدوافع الممكنة لهم لتنفيذ الجريمة. لم أتعاطف مع الضحية روزماري الجميلة الساذجة، والأقرب أني كرهتها. أشعر بأني لئيم نوعًا ما لكن... :)
تعجبني في روايات أجاثا دائمًا اللمحة التي تعطيها حول حياة المجتمع المتضمن في سياق الأحداث، وهذه الرواية تأخذنا إلى حياة المجتمع الإنجليزي الرفيع.
المحقق الرئيسي هنا هو الكولونيل ريس وأظن بأن هذا هو الظهور الأخير له في روايات كريستي. وعلى سبيل التحقيق فقد هُزمت مرة أخرى بشكل مُخيب. شعرت في النهاية أن أجاثا تغش لكن مع رجوعي لبعض الصفحات اتضح لي أنها تركت بعض التلميحات هنا وهناك، تلميحات كافية لإنشاء الفرضية الصحيحة لكني تجاهلتها وتابعت أحد الخيوط الخاطئة.
ترجمة جرير جيدة بشكل عام لكنها لم تسلم من الأخطاء، كاستخدام الضمير الخاطئ لأحد الشخصيات وخلط الأسامي في بعض الحوارات. والجيد أن هذه الأخطاء لم تتكرر إلا قليلًا، وقد تكون الطبعات الجديدة سليمة بما أن نسختي من ٢٠١٤.
"ما الذي تدريه فعلًا عن روزماري حين تفكر بها؟ ما الذي تدريه عن ميولها، عن آمالها، عن مخاوفها؟ إن من المفزع حقًا أن تكتشف مدى ضآلة ما تعلمه عن شخص عشت معه في ذات المنزل دهرًا طويلًا، فقد كان بين الأختين القليل من الألفة أو بالأحرى لم يكن بينهما أية ألفة على الأطلاق"
تعجبني في روايات أجاثا دائمًا اللمحة التي تعطيها حول حياة المجتمع المتضمن في سياق الأحداث، وهذه الرواية تأخذنا إلى حياة المجتمع الإنجليزي الرفيع.
المحقق الرئيسي هنا هو الكولونيل ريس وأظن بأن هذا هو الظهور الأخير له في روايات كريستي. وعلى سبيل التحقيق فقد هُزمت مرة أخرى بشكل مُخيب. شعرت في النهاية أن أجاثا تغش لكن مع رجوعي لبعض الصفحات اتضح لي أنها تركت بعض التلميحات هنا وهناك، تلميحات كافية لإنشاء الفرضية الصحيحة لكني تجاهلتها وتابعت أحد الخيوط الخاطئة.
ترجمة جرير جيدة بشكل عام لكنها لم تسلم من الأخطاء، كاستخدام الضمير الخاطئ لأحد الشخصيات وخلط الأسامي في بعض الحوارات. والجيد أن هذه الأخطاء لم تتكرر إلا قليلًا، وقد تكون الطبعات الجديدة سليمة بما أن نسختي من ٢٠١٤.
"ما الذي تدريه فعلًا عن روزماري حين تفكر بها؟ ما الذي تدريه عن ميولها، عن آمالها، عن مخاوفها؟ إن من المفزع حقًا أن تكتشف مدى ضآلة ما تعلمه عن شخص عشت معه في ذات المنزل دهرًا طويلًا، فقد كان بين الأختين القليل من الألفة أو بالأحرى لم يكن بينهما أية ألفة على الأطلاق"
October 17, 2019
Een jaar geleden is Rosemary gestorven, tijdens een etentje in een restaurant. Zelfmoord, was de conclusie, er was blauwzuur in haar champagne gevonden.
Haar man, George, is er nochtans niet zeker van dat ze zelfmoord gepleegd heeft, zeker niet nadat hij brieven ontvangen heeft waarin staat dat Rosemary vermoord is. Er zijn vooral twee mannen die hij verdenkt, omdat hij denkt dat één van de twee de minnaar van Rosemary was, maar hij weet niet welke.
We leren ook andere personages kennen in het verhaal: Iris, de zus van Rosemary, Anthony Browne, één van de verdachten, Steven Farraday, de andere verdachte, en zijn vrouw Sandra. Dan is er ook nog Lucilla Drake, een tante van Iris en Rosemary, die bij George en Iris in huis woont, en een zoon heeft, Victor, die steeds in geldnood zit en zich allerlei serieuze moeilijkheden op de hals haalt. Tenslotte is er ook nog Ruth Lessing, de secretaresse van George, die een oogje op hem heeft en Rosemary niet kon uitstaan.
Dan organiseert George een etentje in hetzelfde restaurant waar Rosemary gestorven is, met dezelfde gasten. Op een gegeven moment, na een toast uitgebracht te hebben, zakt George ineen en sterft: blauwzuur in zijn champagne. Zelfmoord?
Het is nu aan de inspecteurs Kemp en Race om de zaak op te lossen.
Spannend verhaal, dat alle kanten op kan gaan, en uiteindelijk weer met een ingewikkelde en verrassende ontknoping op de proppen komt.
Leuk om te lezen, te verwachten Christie-stijl.
Haar man, George, is er nochtans niet zeker van dat ze zelfmoord gepleegd heeft, zeker niet nadat hij brieven ontvangen heeft waarin staat dat Rosemary vermoord is. Er zijn vooral twee mannen die hij verdenkt, omdat hij denkt dat één van de twee de minnaar van Rosemary was, maar hij weet niet welke.
We leren ook andere personages kennen in het verhaal: Iris, de zus van Rosemary, Anthony Browne, één van de verdachten, Steven Farraday, de andere verdachte, en zijn vrouw Sandra. Dan is er ook nog Lucilla Drake, een tante van Iris en Rosemary, die bij George en Iris in huis woont, en een zoon heeft, Victor, die steeds in geldnood zit en zich allerlei serieuze moeilijkheden op de hals haalt. Tenslotte is er ook nog Ruth Lessing, de secretaresse van George, die een oogje op hem heeft en Rosemary niet kon uitstaan.
Dan organiseert George een etentje in hetzelfde restaurant waar Rosemary gestorven is, met dezelfde gasten. Op een gegeven moment, na een toast uitgebracht te hebben, zakt George ineen en sterft: blauwzuur in zijn champagne. Zelfmoord?
Het is nu aan de inspecteurs Kemp en Race om de zaak op te lossen.
Spannend verhaal, dat alle kanten op kan gaan, en uiteindelijk weer met een ingewikkelde en verrassende ontknoping op de proppen komt.
Leuk om te lezen, te verwachten Christie-stijl.
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