Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie is a stunning murder mystery with some exciting plot twists. In terms of writing style, the plot focuses on each character in detail which is going to leave readers guessing about the culprit. And, the climax is just in the last few pages which dropped like a bomb. I really enjoyed the book with its twists and turns. For me the best part of mystery was when everyone was doubting Rosemary. My heart just skipped a beat there. Definitely, 5 stars for the book. ( )

Based on the Hercule Poirot short story, Yellow Iris, Sparkling Cyanide tells the story of Rosemary Marle - a vibrant young woman who seemingly committed suicide after contracting the flu. One year to the date, her husband, George Barton hosts a dinner party with the exact guests that were with her when she died. Like all of his other novels, Colonel Race features only on the periphery, as an old friend to Rosemary's husband, George Barton.

This was good. I had read Yellow Iris previously so I had an inkling where things were going but I enjoyed it all the same. I was particularly fond of Vicky, Sandra Farrady's mum.

His wife still shook her head. “I still say he hasn’t got the nerve. You want someone who’s a gambler and capable of being reckless. I’m afraid, William, I’m horribly afraid.” He stared at her.
“Are you suggesting that Sandra—Sandra—?” “I hate even to suggest such a thing—but it’s no use being cowardly and refusing to face possibilities. She’s besotted about that man—she always has been—and there’s a queer streak in Sandra. I’ve never really understood her—but I’ve always been afraid for her. She’d risk anything—anything—for Stephen. Without counting the cost. And if she’s been mad enough and wicked enough to do this thing, she’s got to be protected.”
“Protected? What do you mean—protected?”
“By you. We’ve got to do something about our own daughter, haven’t we? Mercifully you can pull any amount of strings.”
Lord Kidderminster was staring at her. Though he had thought he knew his wife’s character well, he was nevertheless appalled at the force and courage of her realism—at her refusal to blink at unpalatable facts—and also at her unscrupulousness. “If my daughter’s a murderess, do you suggest that I should use my official position to rescue her from the consequences of her act?”
“Of course,” said Lady Kidderminster.
“My dear Vicky! You don’t understand! One can’t do things like that. It would be a breach of—of honour.”
“Rubbish!” said Lady Kidderminster. They looked at each other—so far divided that neither could see the other’s point of view.

Christie, Agatha. Sparkling Cyanide (pp. 186-187). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition. I adored the ruthless in her and how absolutely gobsmacked the husband is by her.

The mystery is well plotted and unfolds at a steady pace. I liked the characters and the motives for everything and I was pleasantly surprised by the reveal of how it was all done. It's not my favourite Agatha Christie but it was a solidly written and fun detective story. 3 stars. ( )

I have noted Colonel Race in three other stories in conjunction with other big Christie characters but this one is the first that he is involved heavily in solving the murder. I really enjoyed the story and it had me on the hook right up to the end. Great mystery! ( )

This had chapters from the perspective of various characters related in some way to the dead Rosemary, and of course I suspected them each in turn. The solution was a mixture of the obvious and the devious and was very satisfactory. ( )

After Death Comes as the End, Sparkling Cyanide returns to the tried and true writing of Agatha Christie. The number of usual suspects contains six guests at a birthday party for Rosemary Barton. But as the guests toast Rosemary’s birthday, Rosemary grapples with choking on cyanide in her champagne. A year later, Rosemary’s husband, George attempts to trap Rosemary’s killer. Unfortunately, George succumbs to cyanide in his glass of champagne. Now, the remaining guests and Colonel Race must discover the diabolical murderer before another murder happens. As usual, Christie presents an interesting array of characters with a multitude of secrets. Along the way to uncovering the killer, Christie inserts many red herrings. The reader soon learns that the “real” killer is not the one with all the clues pointing to them. I felt a little sorry with the result of this mystery. As usual, Agatha Christie develops an interesting story. ( )