Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Black Coffee
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Agatha Christie
, Charles Osborne
Class/Genre: Mystery Cozy Private Investigator
Series: Hercule Poirot
St. Martin's, $22.95, 226 pp.
Early in the 1930's, scientist Sir Claud Amory asks Hercule Poirot to come out to his estate that lies twenty-five miles to the southeast of London in order to protect a new atomic explosive. However, before Hercule arrives, Claud realizes that someone has stolen the formula. Claud tells everyone that if the guilty party would anonymously return the missing paper, no prosecution will occur. Claud turns off the lights. When they come back on, Claud lies dead and Hercule, on cue, makes his appearance.
Hercule begins his investigation, suspecting everyone because all of the people present had a motive and an opportunity. Could the deceased's son do it in order to pay off a debt? Or did the daughter-in-law, the secretary or his sister kill him? Hercule realizes that anyone of them could have done the act, but it is up to him to determine who actually did it.
Surprisingly, Charles Osborne's adaptation of a Christie play is a brilliant rendition of one of the world's most beloved detectives. The story line is classic Christie with its "someone in this room is the murdererer". All of the individuals present having strong motives and opportunity, a classic Chritie trademark . Readers will not be able to separate Osborne's rendition of Poirot from Christie's as the adaptation strictly adheres to the original character. Fans of Christie, especially Poirot, will want to read this wonderful addition.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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