A review by leandrathetbrzero
Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie

mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Jealousy is a Potent Poison

↓ Other Death by Poisoning Plots ↓
  1. Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles
  2. Georgette Heyer’s Behold, Here’s Poison
  3. M.C. Beaton’s The Quiche of Death

“Is there much difference between thinking and doing murder?”

On the day that Miss Elinor Carlisle receives an anonymous letter warning her of a risk to her inheritance, this is the first of many events that eventually lead her to being on trial for murder. Leading up to this trial, Hercule Poirot is asked to join the defense and gain Elinor an acquittal, but the great Belgian detective isn’t so sure of her innocence. Did she poison the young woman who resembles a flower?

A part of my 2023 reading plans is participating more in #ReadChristie2023. Over the years, I have periodically joined in the fun but without any consistency. This time around, I was very fortunate to receive a gifted copy of Sad Cypress, the official pick for January, fitting the Methods & Motives monthly theme of “jealousy.” And this was one I had never read before! Needless to say, it did not disappoint.

I really enjoyed the opening scene in the courtroom before the narrative flashed back to Elinor’s receival of the anonymous letter. It was fascinating to follow the events leading up to the murder of Mary Gerrard from the perspective of Elinor herself, the case’s main suspect. Being privy to Elinor’s dark thoughts about Mary, and her ever growing instability, reminded me of traditional thriller elements. I am also a sucker for potential subplot romances, so - unsurprisingly - Dr. Peter Lord’s infatuation with Elinor, even as she stands trial, had me hooked. A battle warred within me as I wondered just how much I could trust Elinor as a reliable narrator. The mystery is extremely fast-paced, in my opinion, due to its heavy reliance on dialogue. At times, I felt as though I were reading a play more than a novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed that narrative style for this mystery.

I feel confident in saying this is an Agatha Christie now on my shelves that is destined to be reread numerous times. Such a great book to kick off Read Christie 2023!