Sad Cypress, by Agatha Christie. Pub 1940
I read something in the past year that recommended this somewhat obscure Hercule Poirot story, but I can’t recall what or where. As a result, I deliberately sought this one out from the local bookshop, and waited months for its delivery. Now having read it, I’m not at all sure what the fuss and bother was for. It is certainly not the best mystery story, and in the end is quite frustrating as too little is revealed for you to figure it out during the story itself. The resolution is quite convoluted and ultimately unsatisfying. Regardless, it’s a story of complications and people that are intriguing and do keep you guessing, so from that angle it is a standard Poirot story. Just not the best of the bunch.
Throughout the story, there is commentary and suggestion throughout about euthanasia, with both the victim and the alleged murderer commenting on how a person should have the option in order to preserve their dignity and minimize their pain and suffering. This is also brought up as a credible alternative to the alleged murder. I thought this was quite advanced thinking for a society and time that still sniffed at divorce and at respectable women having jobs other than nursing, teaching, or “service”.
Fate: charity shop or little book library.
rclr 