These short stories all feature Agatha Christie’s famous detective Hercule Poirot.
Hercule Poirot Short Stories
“The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding”
Mr. Jesmond is trying to convince Hercule Poirot to go to Kings Lacey for a genuine old-fashioned Christmas in the English countryside. Mr. Jesmond is accompanied by a young, miserable looking man. There’s an item that needs to be recovered requiring the utmost delicacy. The young man brought some of his family’s jewels to England for his upcoming wedding. His indiscretion led to the theft of a famous ruby. They can’t go to the police because they have no proof. They believe that among the Christmas guests at Kings Lacey, the solution to their problem will be found.
This story can be read in the preview of The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries. (8% in)
“The Affair at the Victory Ball”
Chief Inspector Japp brings Hercule Poirot in on a baffling case. While attending a costume ball a man is found stabbed. After being taken home a woman is found dead in her bed from a cocaine overdose.
This story can be read in the preview of Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories. (5% in)
“The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan”
Poirot meets the Opalsen’s at a hotel. Mrs. Opalsen insists on showing Poirot some of her jewels. She runs up to her room to get them. Shortly after, a page boy summons Mr. Opalsen upstairs. Poirot notices increased activity among the staff and realizes something has happened.
This story can also be read in the above preview of Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories. (19% in)
“The King of Clubs”
Hastings and Poirot read the newspaper report of the murder of Henry Reedburn, an impresario. The Oglanders were playing bridge when a woman staggered in through the French window with blood on her frock. She said “murder”, and then collapsed. Reedburn was found dead in his library.
This story can also be read in the above preview of Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories. (34% in)
“The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim”
Poirot, Hastings, and Japp discuss the big story of the day—the disappearance of Mr. Davenheim, the well-known banker. He left his house last Saturday and hasn’t been seen since. Poirot is challenged to solve the case without leaving home. He says he could, provided the facts were presented to him.
This story can also be read in the above preview of Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories. (48% in)
Hercule Poirot Short Stories, Cont’d
“The Plymouth Express”
Lieutenant Simpson has a carriage in the Plymouth Express to himself. He settles in, smoking and looking through some of his papers. He tries to stow his suitcase under the opposite seat but something is in the way. When he looks to see why, he yells out and pulls the emergency cord.
This story can also be read in the above preview of Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories. (61% in)
“The Adventure of the ‘Western Star'”
Miss Mary Marvell, a film star, comes to see Hercule Poirot. She has received three letters—the first two telling her to return her famous diamond to where it came from, and the third saying it would be taken during the next full moon.
This story can also be read in the above preview of Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories. (75% in)
“A Chess Problem”
In a game between a prominent Russian and American chess player, the American player suddenly dies, presumably of heart failure. Inspector Japp suspects poisoning and is awaiting the autopsy results. He also thinks the poison was meant for the Russian. He enlists the help of his friend, Hercule Poirot.
“Wasps’ Nest”
John Harrison is out in his garden when he gets an unexpected visit from his old friend, the detective Hercule Poirot. Poirot explains that he has come to investigate a murder that hasn’t yet happened; he’s going to stop it, and he would like his friend’s help.
I’ll keep adding Hercule Poirot short stories as I find them.
