REVIEW: Sad Cypress

 Sad Cypress
Author: Agatha Christie

 
After a break of a few months, I have started back on my journey to read all of Agatha Christie's writing in publication order (or as close as I can get - I've made a couple errors along the way!)

Sad Cypress was first serialized in a US magazine in December 1939 and in the UK in March 1940. In book form, it was released in the UK in March 1940, followed by US publication in the Fall of 1940. It is a courtroom drama mixed with a Hercule Poirot investigation. 

I'm glad to finally hit a new decade in my Christie reading adventure -- 1940! It took me awhile to get past the 20s/30s! Just 3 more novels and I finally get to Miss Marple!! 

 This is my first time reading this Poirot story. I have had a very old paperback version from 1966 on my Christie shelf for years, but never actually read it. It's very tattered. The pages have foxing and the spine is brittle. Worn out. I absolutely love the cover art. The 1960's and 1970s Christie paperbacks have the weirdest and most wonderful covers! Much as I love the cover on this one......once I'm done reading it, the poor old thing is being recycled. The pages are falling out. The cover is coming off. The paper is brittle. It's almost 60 years old. It's time.  But, before it goes, I'm giving it a good read. And, preserving its lovely cover in a photo here. When published, the paperback only cost 50 cents! The last paperback mystery I bought  at the bookshop the other day cost me $8.99. I looked up the equivalent in today's dollars for that 50 cents back in 1966...about $5. 

All right...all that aside...now for the story!

The book starts out a bit slow, but that's purposeful. The stage has to be set...the characters introduced....the problem hinted at.....then the murder. Agatha took her time skillfully setting up the scenario, while not revealing too much. But, once there are two bodies on slabs....one an elderly infirm woman and the other a younger, beautiful woman.....Hercule Poirot steps in. And, the investigation begins. The plot gets much more intense at this point. Purposeful story building.....love it!

I very much enjoyed this book!! I read my paperback copy while listening to an audio book as well (HarperAudio, 2012). The audio book is about 6 hours long and is narrated by David Suchet. Suchet, of course, portrayed Poirot perfectly as usual! He is superb at the part, even when just narrating. 

The book has been adapted for radio/television only 3 times:

BBC Radio 4 adapted the story for an audio drama in 1992. The radio drama is a bit over 2 hours. Poirot is played by John Moffat. Moffat, as well as the entire cast, do a wonderful job! The dramas done by BBC Radio 4 are always wonderful, with a full casts and interesting sound effects thrown in. I adore Old Time Radio, so any sort of radio drama is an entertaining listen for me. I highly recommend the Christie radio dramas. You can listen to them here: https://fourble.co.uk/podcast/bbcradio7  Just superb, IMO. 

Agatha Christie's Poirot adapted the story in Season 9, Episode 2. The episode makes some minor changes, but overall sticks closely to the plot of the book. Loved the episode! 

Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie, a French television program, adapted the story in September 2010. I do not speak French, so have to go by my research on this adaptation. Per what I could find online, the program made major changes to the plot -- moved the setting to France and the investigator and other details are different. 

I had my ideas about the culprit's identity in this lovely story, but I wasn't sure until the very end. My guess at the murderer was close....but wrong. A very enjoyable Poirot investigation. Classic! 

I really enjoy the Christie mysteries that are a quick read. Short, but packed with a great plot each time! 

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing David Suchet read me the book, then watching him act in the Poirot episode. Nobody can play the part like Suchet!! [And I will interject my firm opinion here.....will someone PLEASE tell Kenneth Branagh to STOP making horrible Poirot movies!!! His appearance, the clothes, the mannerisms are all wrong....and the mustache...terrible!! The plot changes are pure S. Leave it as Christie wrote it! Ugh.  Ok.....off my soap box now.] 

Moving on to the next Christie novel in my reading journey --  One Two, Buckle My Shoe (also published as The Patriotic Murders and An Overdose of Death in the US) I have my old paperback off my shelf and on the top of my TBR pile. It's another Poirot novel I have owned for years but never read, so I can't wait!!

Before I go.....I love this meme. It makes me laugh every time. I think Agatha would have found it funny as well. :)