Customer Reviews

Sad Cypress (Hercule Poirot)

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Agatha Christie is reknowned for creating apparently simple murder mysteries that unexpectedly twist for completely unexpected conclusions--and no where is this better seen than in SAD CYPRESS, a cleanly written tale about a romantic triangle that leads to murder with only one possible suspect.

The novel opens with Elinor Carlisle actually in the dock, accused of double murder in an effort to hold the affections of her distant cousin and fiance Roderick Welman. When called into the case by a local doctor, Hercule Poirot discovers that Elinor behaves exactly as if she is guilty of the crime. Nonetheless, he agrees to investigate... and as Poirot works to uncover the truth, he finds that virtually everything about the crime indicates that Elinor did indeed commit the crimes--a circumstance which, almost perversely, makes him begin to question the guilt others have taken for granted.

This is one of Christie's least known but most effective novels, a work that deserves to be ranked with the likes of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, THE ABC MURDERS, and A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED. The characters are among her most vivid, the story has an unpretentious atmosphere, and the solution is both absolutely reasonable and absolutely unexpected. Christie writes with considerable clarity, and the simplicity of her approach makes the story all the more effective. An impressive work, sure to please both old fans and newcomers alike; recommended.

"Sad Cypress" deals with the eternal triangle which always ends with sadness for someone. In this case, Elinor Carlisle is the odd girl out as her fiance and distant cousin Roderick Welman falls madly in love with his and Elinor's childhood friend, Mary Gerrard, after Mary returns from years abroad. The three of them had been great friends at Hunterbury, the lavish estate of Mary's aunt Mrs. Laura Welman. Mrs. Welman had hoped Elinor and Roderick would marry one day and live at Hunterbury. Mrs. Welman dies suddenly without leaving a will. As her next of kin, Elinor inherits all. Although Mrs. Welman had spoken frequently of providing for Roderick and Mary, the lack of a will leaves them without recourse. In the midst of all this upheaval, Elinor prepares lunch for Mary one day, and Mary dies of morphine poisoning. With suspicion falling heavily on Elinor, the body of Mrs. Welman is exhumed and found to also contain morphine poisoning. All fingers point to Elinor for having killed Mary out of jealousy and her aunt in order to get the full estate. Only one person, Dr. Peter Lord, believes in Elinor's innocence and he calls in the inimitable Hercule Poirot to investigate.

An excellent courtroom sequence and outstanding characters make this one of Christie's best, in my opinion.

"Sad Cypress" is often referred to as one of the most outstanding of Christie's classic titles. To my mind, that's a bit like trying to say which flawless diamond shines the brightest. Nonetheless, this absorbing story is set in an English country house.

As for Hercule Poirot - who else but David Suchet? He is acclaimed by many as the quintessential Poirot. Those who have seen his PBS performances will readily agree. His voice treatment of this tale brings to vivid reality all the nuances and eccentricities of the characters involved.

"Sad Cypress" presents Elinor Carlisle as a woman blessed with beauty and brains reinforced by wealth - she also finds herself on trial for murder. She stands accused of killing her rival, Mary Gerrard, by poison. Poirot is the only one who believes in her innocence. He needs to prove she is not guilty or Elinor will be hung.

As with other Christie mysteries clues are liberally sprinkled throughout the tale. What fun to try to find them!

- Gail Cooke

Something Christie did with this book makes it different from any of her others. It has been said (and rightly said) that she cared little about imagery and in-depth description of people and places, unless it was pertinent to the murders. The characters in Sad Cypress, however, are amazingly 3-D. In the right mood, one could actually cry over the injustice of Mary's death. Elinor's jealousy is another aspect that Christie captured perfectly. I was almost jealous FOR her! Besides stimulating the emotions, however, this book also works on the brain. That's probably what most Christie readers look for in her novels, so don't worry: 'it's' there. There's also something else, there, though, that isn't usually abundant in Christie's other stories. This time,prepare to feel AND think.

Fantastic...Christie develops the psychology of her characters brilliantly. The love of Elinor Carlisle for Roddy Welman is very touching and the solution is, as usual, terrific. Perhaps it's not actually the killer/murderer who is the surprise, but the way in which the murder is commited. Not one of the author's most popular books, but certainly an asset to the collection.

Of all Christie's mysteries, this one is probably my absolute favorite. This is one of the mysteries in which Christie really deals with the psychology of her characters, particularly Elinor Carlisle (who finds herself charged with murder) and the development is well done. The mystery is well-constructed, and weaves an interesting picture of life in the small-town English countryside. The solution is quite well-done and I find the end very touching.

This is Agatha Christie's only courtroom drama, and the mystery that unfolds is bracketed by scenes in court. She even presents evidence as if it were meant to appear in court, and Poirot is hired to help the defense prove that the one woman who could have committed the crime (or crimeS) in question didn't do it.

The courtroom drama aspect of this novel isn't nearly as compelling as the mystery itself. Overall, it's not one of Christie's best, but loyal readers will still be kept guessing right up until the end. As for me, I am still guessing about what the heck the title could mean. The book offers no hint whatsoever, so any clues to THAT lingering mystery would be most welcome.

Dr. Lord loves Elinor, who loves Roderick, who loves Mary. Aunt Laura Wellman loves them all. They all appear to love Aunt Laura's money. When Aunt Laura dies intestate, the question of who inherits seems simple indeed. The characters occasionally appear shallow, but they can also display depth of character. Elinor (who got Aunt Laura's estate) could be very likeable if she didn't hate Mary so. Despite her hatred, Elinor honors Aunt Laura's dying wish and settles a tidy sum on Mary. Mary behaves nobly throughout. Roderick acts like a dunce throughout, but is capable of occasional sparks of nobility. Dr. Lord stands on the sidelines and makes moon eyes at Elinor. Is this a murder mystery or a soap opera? Where is Hercule Poirot? Doesn't the cover say this is a Poirot mystery? That's the only reason I bought the radio play. I'm at the end of tape one, and no Poirot in sight.

Mary dies and an autopsy reveals poisoning by morphine. Aunt Laura is exhumed and found to have died from morphine poisoning also. Elinor, who has motive and opportunity in spades for both deaths also appears to have the means. Finally Dr. Lord shakes off his inactivity and calls in Hercule Poirot to save the woman he loves.

Poirot engages in the usual snooping and deduction, catches everyone lying, reveals all the dark secrets, and guides Elinor's barrister in the defense of the case. He also figures out whodunnit. At least he amasses enough evidence to . . . but I don't want to give away the story. I'd hate to destroy your enjoyment when you figure it out for yourself.

When the time comes for Mary to die, you will have grown to like her so much that you will truly regret her killing. You will also share Dr. Lord's forlorn faith in Elinor's innocence. This novel has a much smaller cast of suspects than most Poirot novels, but the murderer's identity should remain opaque at least until the commencement of Elinor's trial.

The BBC radio play is very well done, as are all the BBC plays of Christie's Poirot stories, but the cover gives too great a hint as to the murderer's identity. Luckily, I pay more attention to the writing on the back of a book cover than I do to the picture on the front. I thus noticed the cover's significance only after I finished the play.

Sad Cypress Come Away, come away, death, And in sad cypress let me be laid; Fly away, fly away, breath; I am slain by a fair cruel maid.

The words above are sung on the tape, giving it an eerie old fashion feel. It also had an actor for each part, along with sound effects.

It begins with Elinor and Roddy receiving an anonymous letter telling them another person has moved in on their aunt's affections and they could lose their inheritance if they don't come visit soon. First auntie comes up dead while they are visiting. And later another person is murdered when Elinor comes to visit a second time. Elinor is charged with murder. And Hercule Poirt is hired to find out the truth. With a little investigating and even some courtroom drama, Hercule solves the case of whodunit. I have always enjoyed how Poirt explains the solved mystery at the end. It has helped me as a reader to pay more attention when reading a mystery.

The BBC is known for their ability to produce a good audio mystery. I would recommend any you should come across as entertaining. They can break the monotony of those long walks or drives.

Before i read this book,little i know that this book could be a fast moving mystery book.the book is about a mystery surrounding one family of a poor woman who has been convicted with murder.but for the obvious reason(whodunnit),she is the most unlikely person to kill the victim...and the story goes on how hercule poirot investigates the murder to assist an innocent party....this book must be put on your upper shelf!!!