Review: Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie

Rosemary Barton is dead nearly a year before the story opens. But she lives on in the minds of six people . Six people who cannot forget. Iris, her sister; George, her husband; Ruth, her husbands secretary; Stephen Farrady, her lover; Sandra Farraday, his wife; and Anthony Browne, her mysterious friend. Each of them has a special and secret reason for remembering....

Was her death suicide? Or was it murder?

Rosemary died at an evening party at one of London's most luxurious restaurants. A year later a second party takes place. There is a bowl of rosemary in the centre of the table, and round it sit the same six people who sat there the year before - with an empty chair to mark Rosemary's place. 

Everyone is on edge, nervous, afraid, waiting for something to happen. And something does happen. 

My Thoughts

This is the third Agatha Christie book that I've read. I think it may be my favourite too.

So in typical Agatha style we have a whole bunch of suspects and no idea which one is guilty.

So each suspect has a motive, each one just as convincing as the next. 

Rosemary's death was reported as suicide but murder was never really ruled out. 

I really loved that the main incident has taken place before the book has started. To me that's a pretty unique concept which worked really well for this genre. Because we have the main mystery of the book already out the way it means we spend a lot of time hearing the stories of each suspect. Towards the beginning of the book each chapter is based on a single character and what relationship they had with the deceased and we learn of each persons motive.

There is suspicion and tension throughout the entire book from cover to end. I was gripped by every page to try and devour every bit of information for extra little clues that could give me a hint towards the outcome but I was still left with no idea what the end would bring.

We are finally led to another party. A party that mirrors the one where Rosemary lost her life. Everyone is wary to attend and suspicious about what will happen.

Something does happen. 

I suggest you read it to find out.

Even if you think Agatha Christie isn't your thing I suggest giving it a go.

I didn't think it was me at all and I loved it.

Let me know if you have read this one and what you though of it :D

Happy Reading