"Sparkling Cyanide," a novel by Agatha Christie, was first published in 1945. The story revolves around a seemingly accidental death that is later suspected to be a murder, unfolding with Christie's trademark intricacies and psychological insights.
The central plot concerns the death of Rosemary Barton, a wealthy socialite, who died at a London nightclub a year prior to the main events of the novel. Her death was initially ruled a suicide by cyanide poisoning, attributed to depression following an illness. However, her widower, George Barton, begins to suspect foul play after receiving anonymous notes suggesting that Rosemary was murdered.
Driven by a desire to uncover the truth, George reconstructs the night of Rosemary's death by inviting the same group of guests to the same nightclub. This group includes:
Iris Marle, Rosemary's younger sister, who stands to inherit a substantial fortune.
Ruth Lessing, George Barton's efficient and seemingly loyal secretary.
Lucilla Drake, Rosemary's aunt, who harbors her own secrets.
Anthony Browne, a charming but mysterious man who was once romantically involved with Rosemary.
Stephen and Alexandra Farraday, a politically ambitious couple, each with their own motives.
As the dinner progresses, George's plan takes a deadly turn when he himself is poisoned in the same manner as Rosemary. This second death intensifies the mystery and prompts Colonel Race, a recurring Christie character, to investigate. Through Race's methodical inquiries and insightful deductions, the complex web of relationships, motives, and deceptions among the guests is gradually unraveled.
The narrative intricately weaves together various perspectives, including flashbacks to the time leading up to Rosemary's death, providing readers with a layered understanding of each character's potential guilt. As secrets are revealed and false leads are exposed, the true murderer is finally unmasked in a classic Christie twist.
"Sparkling Cyanide" delves into themes of betrayal, jealousy, and the masks people wear to conceal their true intentions. Christie's skillful plotting and keen psychological observations make this novel a compelling and suspenseful read, demonstrating why she remains one of the most celebrated authors in the mystery genre.
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4 июл 2024
