Sad Cypress (Hercule Poirot, #22) in Around the World in 80 Books

Apr 07, 2017 Nanosynergy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: british, mysteries-thrillers-espionage, series, fiction, reviewed, 2017read, fiction-1940s

Elinor Carlisle is on trial for the murder of Mary Gerrar. Conviction based on the evidence seems almost certain and the police are convinced it is an open and shut case. But one man who believes in her innocence recruits Hercule Poirot to investigate.

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Apr 05, 2014 Pam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: uk-mystery

AUTHOR: Christie, Agatha
TITLE: Sad Cypress
DATE READ: 04/05/14
RATING: 5/A
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Mystery/1939/Putnam/271 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE: SA
TIME/PLACE: 1930's/UK
CHARACTERS: Elinor Carlisle; Roderick Welman; Mary Gerrard

FIRST LINES: An anonymous letter! Elinor Carlisle stood looking down at it as it lay open in her hand. She'd never had such a thing before. It gave one an unpleasant sensation. Ill-written, badly spelled, on cheap pink paper.

COMMENTS: Is there anyone better at t AUTHOR: Christie, Agatha
TITLE: Sad Cypress
DATE READ: 04/05/14
RATING: 5/A
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Mystery/1939/Putnam/271 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE: SA
TIME/PLACE: 1930's/UK
CHARACTERS: Elinor Carlisle; Roderick Welman; Mary Gerrard

FIRST LINES: An anonymous letter! Elinor Carlisle stood looking down at it as it lay open in her hand. She'd never had such a thing before. It gave one an unpleasant sensation. Ill-written, badly spelled, on cheap pink paper.

COMMENTS: Is there anyone better at the puzzle in mysteries? I have read Agatha Christie over the years. I think I read most years ago when I was in my 20's and still pick one up on occasion -- usually so many books so little time, I don't go back for re-reads-- I only get to one when chosen as a group read. And I am always glad to read a mystery by Agatha Christie -- they always hold my attention & I am always wondering who dunnit & usually have to wait until the final hour to be told who it is. I picked Sad Cypress because I had a copy I had gotten from library sale last year. Debated about giving it away/trading it but held on to it. At first I thought I had read this one recently because it had some similarities to The Crooked House I read 2+ years ago (in 2012) but then as I kept reading it became clear this was a different book. Not that I really remember all the details of Crooked House. In this book Elinor, Roderick & Mary knew each other as children. They have in common Aunt Laura -- Elinor's aunt, Roderick's aunt by marriage & Mary lived at the lodge nearby. Aunt Laura didn't have children & took a special interest in Mary so they grew up knowing each other. Now they are in their 20's. Elinor & Roddy are engaged and live in London. Mary has received an education thanks to Aunt Laura, altho' her father believes she is "moving beyond her station", and altho' is currently around to see to Aunt Laura while she is ill she is pondering what she shall do to support herself. Elinor & Roddy travel to the estate to visit Aunt Laura who takes a turn for the worse & dies rather suddenly. She died w/o leaving a will and since Elinor is the closest relative, she inherits. At the same time Roddy is fascinated w/ Mary and decides to break his engagement w/ Elinor. When Mary dies a month later, after having tea w/ Elinor -- almost everyone has presumed Elinor is accountable for the murder. However, there is one person who believes in Elinor, even if he is doubtful of her innocence & he calls in Hercule Poirot to ferret the facts from the lies.
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Jan 23, 2023 Astrid Lim rated it really liked it

Shelves: classic, british, agatha-christie, readchristie2023

Reread this for ReadChristie2023, and still mesmerized by its subtle beauty. This is probably one of the most humane stories Christie ever wrote, and it's even more perfect because of Poirot. We saw Poirot's softer side here, and how his genius grey cells can turn something impossible into possible. I also still love Elinor, the main character, and how desperate, heartbroken, and crazy she felt because of love. Definitely still recommend this as one of my most favorite Christie's. ...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Astrid Lim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller-mystery, classic, british, tragedy, agatha-christie

One of my favorite Poirot stories.. Not because the mystery is so complicated or the ending is too twisted (I mean, most Christie's works are like that so it's not that special anymore). But because the background - the love story, and the jealousy and tragedy.. And what turns out to be not about love at all.. oh well. You need to read this by yourself if you want to know what I mean :D ...more

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