Black Coffee by Agatha Christie

Black Coffee was the first stage piece written by Agatha Christie in 1929, and the first of three Christie plays novelized by Charles Osborne with the authorization of the estate (Spider's Web, The Unexpected Guest), published in 1998.

Belgian detective Hercule Poirot receives his morning letters while reminiscing about last evening at the theatre with Ariadne Oliver. The famous scientist Sir Claud Amory does Ministry of Defense work at his country manor, and fears someone is going to steal his invaluable new atomic formula. He requests Poirot personally courier it to London.

That night, Sir Claud dines with his son Richard and Richard's new Italian wife Lucia, his nattering sister Caroline, young niece Barbara, his personal secretary Raynor, and Dr. Carelli, an Italian whom Lucia met in the village, whom no one seems to know.

The serviceable writing doesn't hide its stage origins with descriptions of the typical center stage couch, doors to the left and right, and French doors in the back leading to the terrace. They all act strangely when they hear Poirot is arriving. Lucia claims a headache, and a medicine kit is brought down from atop a bookcase, filled with deadly poisons left over from the war. When the butler brings in six coffee cups, they get passed around so you cannot remember which one—or two—someone has placed toxic pills in. Sir Claud demands to know who is trying to steal his work when suddenly the lights go out. A tearing of fabric; the dropping of a key. When the lights come on, Sir Claud is dead from poison. Enter Poirot and Hastings.

This is the most popular version of this work, but I would have preferred the original play, which has been republished. Fans of Poirot will find this obscure Poirot a good addition to the oeuvre and a fun night of mystery, but it's not her best. The Mysterious Affair at Styles is mentioned, as is Lord Edgware. Inspector Japp arrives, and there are more complications with a stolen diamond necklace, blackmail, false confessions, and a beautiful international spy. All will be revealed when Poirot collects the cast together for the finale.

Black Coffee opened in December 1930 for a successful run. A film made in 1931 is now considered lost.

1930 (1998) / Paperback / 198 pages