Poirot Investigates
By Agatha Christie
Ulverscroft Large Print, 1990
ISBN: 0-7089-2282-1
Genre: Mystery - Short Stories
Reviewed by Auggie Moore - August 11, 2005
Poirot Investigates is a collection of eleven short stories by Agatha Christie. All the stories in this collection feature the indomitable Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot and his bumbling sidekick, Captain Hastings. All the stories in this collection are related by Hastings in a style reminiscent of Doctor Watson's telling of Sherlock Holmes' investigations.
This collection, while unified by the presence of Poirot and Hastings, does offer a varied feast of cases from murder and kidnaping to theft and out-right mysteries. Included in this collection are several locked-room mysteries, which are my personal favorites. In one, Poirot solves the case without ever leaving the room and in another without ever leaving his bed! In both cases, Inspector Japp and Captain Hastings provide Poirot and the reader, with all the necessary information to solve the cases. Many of the stories in this collection have a decidedly humorous bent, and all are highly entertaining.
The eleven stories contained in this collection are:
The Adventure of the Western Star (Mystery about an actress whose diamond may be one of the 'eyes' stolen out of an idol.)
The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor (Poirot investigates a death - was it murder or suicide?)
The Adventure of the Cheap Flat (Straight mystery - why would a landlord rent a young couple a furnished, decent flat (apartment) at such a low price that he is almost giving it away?)
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge (Despite being sick in bed, and without ever getting out of bed, Poirot discovers the truth surrounding the death of Roger Havering's uncle.)
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery (A series of bank bonds are stolen during an ocean voyage, can Poirot solve the case without having to board a ship?)
The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb (A cursed tomb mystery.)
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan (A locked-room mystery / robbery.)
The Kidnaped Prime Minister (A mystery set during WW1.)
The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim (When a man goes for a walk and disappears, Poirot solves the case without leaving his room.)
The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman (Murder mystery)
The Case of the Missing Will (Mystery in which Poirot is enlisted to find a missing will.)
Without exception, all these stories are short, pithy stories that offer intriguing puzzles for both the reader, and Poirot, to solve. The puzzles (mysteries) are much easier to solve than those in Christie's novels, due to the constraints imposed by the very nature of a short story. Nonetheless, they are inventive puzzles with unequally Christie solutions. A great read for Poirot fans, and a wonderful form of introduction to those who have not yet met this willy Belgian detective who is always exercising his 'little grey cells'.
Poirot Investigates can be purchased directly from Ulverscroft.
Related Reviews:
Dead Man's Mirror, by Agatha Christie.
Can Hercule Poirot solve this locked-room mystery?
Dumb Witness, by Agatha Christie.
In this Hercule Poirot mystery, Poirot is assisted by Bob the Dog. Together, they must prove that Bob didn't do it!
