Sparkling Cyanide

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Six people sit down to a sumptuous meal at a table laid for seven. In front of the empty place is a sprig of rosemary - "rosemary for remembrance." A strange sentiment considering no one is likely to forget the night, exactly a year ago, that Rosemary Barton died at exactly the same table, her beautiful face unrecognizable, convulsed with pain and horror.

But then Rosemary had always been memorable - she had the ability to arouse strong passions in most people she met. In one case, strong enough to kill....

This title was previously published as Remembered Death.

©1945 Agatha Christie Limited (P)2003 HarperCollins Publishers

poor resolution to an interesting mystery

This is a different type of Christie story for me, as almost half of it takes place in the past - remembered by characters and explained in exposition - rather than actively happening. That made for a different feel to the story, but it's a good story nonetheless: A year ago, a young socialite married to an older man dies of cyanide poisoning at a restaurant, and it is declared a suicide. Almost a year later, her husband gets a note stating that it was actually a murder, and at the birthday dinner at the same restaurant for the dead woman's sister, he ends up dying of cyanide poisoning himself. Was it suicide from grief? Was the note correct or a red herring? Was his death also a murder?

All good questions and a plot for a good mystery, but the resulting solution is weak and unworthy of the setup, IMO.

What an enjoyable listen!

The ending is a little too improbable but in general, this was a very enjoyable and fun book! I absolutely love Agatha Christie's works. And High Fraser is the BEST narrator for her books!

This is one of Agatha Christie's finest works.

Hugh Fraser is excellent as always.

Sparkling Cyanide is riveting and hard to put down. There are several twists and turns, and the murderer is not easily identified. The clues are subtle.

sooooo good!!

great performance! a mystery til the end! hope they make a movie some day soon

Character changes

The characters and their changes made this a very fun listen while cleaning closets. After reading the reviews I was really looking forward to listening and comparing my reaction. I loved the whole book.

Classic Christie

A bit unknown to me, and altogether classic Christie. Everyone's a suspect until the absolute last part of the last chapter.

Typical Agatha Christie

I figured out who before the end, but not why. Christie is a master at that

Clever, but short.

I enjoyed this book, but once Ms.Marple enters the story, there is little exposition or character development. Ms. Marple just swoops in and explains everything.

There has never been a better story teller

Agatha is the master! ....and all others strive to capture her gift. she is still the pinnacle. Great story!

One of my favorites...

...that pairs very well with the Poirot short story version, Yellow Iris. I recommend listening to both.