Sparkling Cyanide (Remembered Death)

First Published: 1945
Setting: London

Starring: Iris Marle, Rosemary Barton, George Barton

Important Other People: Anthony Browne, Lady Alexandra Farraday, Stephen Farraday, Ruth Lessing, Lucilla Drake, Victor Drake

What I like about this book is that the early chapters focus on a single character in relation to Rosemary, who died a year ago. Through the descriptions of the other characters, we get a complete picture of Rosemary, even though she is never really alive throughout the book, only in reminisces. I like how the plot moves back and forth between the past and the present, and each character becomes intricately woven into the plot as we learn more about them. 


I don't really have much more to say about this one, but I will point out that Lady Alexandra and Stephen Farraday are totally the same as Edward and Evelyn Hillingdon from A Caribbean Mystery. And the two women are awesome.


One last thing: does cyanide sparkle? I have no idea.

Interesting facts: Adapted from an earlier short story, "Yellow Iris," which starred Hercule Poirot and was not as good as the longer book. Second in the series of "cold case" books, although not as good as Five Little Pigs.

Favorite? No, but as with Death Comes As the End, I liked this book a lot better the second time I read it.

Death by: cyanide (duh)

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 99

The Count: Poirot-21, Miss. Marple-3, Tommy and Tuppence-2, Hastings-7, Japp-7, Colonel Race-4, Superintendent Battle-5, George-1, Goby-1, No Recurring Character- 4, Mrs. Oliver-1, Albert- 2

Agatha's Life Lessons: What damned silly things one says when one is in love. A man doesn't want to be continually reminded what an add he's made of himself. Wit, charm, and provocation of manner hold men. Marriage is a form of safety, a protection against love.

Up Next: The Hollow