Poirot Investigates · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie.
Chapter 1
The Adventure of the Western Star
Poirot and Hastings observe a young woman being followed, whom Poirot identifies as film star Mary Marvell. She visits to seek advice about threatening letters concerning her diamond, the Western Star, which she believes is linked to a Chinese curse. Poirot advises her to leave the diamond with him until after the full moon, but she refuses as she is going to Yardly Chase. Later, the diamond is stolen from the hotel safe deposit by a man impersonating her husband, Gregory Rolf.
Chapter 2
The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor
Poirot and Hastings investigate the death of Mr. Maltravers, initially thought to be suicide. Through a staged séance and word association tests, Poirot reveals that Mrs. Maltravers murdered her husband by tricking him into demonstrating a suicide method with a rook rifle, then pulling the trigger herself. The elaborate ruse exposes her guilt.
Chapter 3
The Adventure of the Cheap Flat
Poirot and Hastings investigate a suspiciously cheap flat in Montagu Mansions, rented by a couple named Robinson. Poirot's inquiries reveal the Robinsons have been there for six months, contradicting a story Hastings heard. Poirot rents a flat above to spy on them, and learns from Inspector Japp that the flat may be linked to an international spy ring involving stolen naval plans and a woman named Elsa Hardt, who matches Mrs. Robinson's description. Poirot and Hastings set a midnight vigil in the Robinsons' flat to catch an intruder.
Chapter 4
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge
Poirot, recovering from influenza, sends Hastings to investigate the murder of Mr. Harrington Pace at Hunter's Lodge. Hastings interviews the Haverings and Inspector Japp, but the case seems baffling. Poirot later reveals that the housekeeper was actually Mrs. Havering in disguise, and that she and her husband conspired to murder Mr. Pace for his money.
Chapter 5
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery
Poirot and Hastings discuss a recent million-dollar bond theft on the Olympia. Miss Esmée Farquhar visits to seek Poirot's help, revealing that her fiancé Philip Ridgeway was in charge of the stolen bonds. Poirot investigates, interviews Ridgeway and bank managers, and deduces the thief's identity, but waits for the Olympia's return to gather final evidence.
Chapter 6
The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb
Poirot and Hastings investigate a series of deaths following the opening of the Tomb of King Men-her-Ra. Sir John Willard and Mr. Bleibner die under mysterious circumstances, and a nephew commits suicide. Lady Willard fears an ancient curse and asks Poirot to protect her son. Poirot travels to Egypt, where another death occurs—Mr. Schneider succumbs to tetanus. The atmosphere is thick with superstition and menace, as Poirot confronts the possibility of supernatural forces.
Chapter 7
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
Poirot and Hastings travel to Brighton for a weekend at the Grand Metropolitan hotel. They meet the Opalsens, and Mrs. Opalsen shows off her valuable pearl necklace. When the necklace is stolen, Poirot deduces that the chambermaid and valet are the thieves, using a clever trick involving a communicating door and an imitation necklace. He travels to London to get fingerprint evidence from Scotland Yard, leading to the arrest of the criminals and the recovery of the pearls.
Chapter 8
The Kidnapped Prime Minister
Poirot and Hastings are visited by Lord Estair and Mr. Bernard Dodge, who reveal that the Prime Minister, Mr. David MacAdam, has been kidnapped on his way to a crucial Allied Conference in Versailles. Poirot travels to France with Scotland Yard and military officials, but rather than rushing to search, he insists on using his method of logic and deduction to locate the Prime Minister.
Chapter 9
The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim
Poirot bets Inspector Japp that he can solve the mysterious disappearance of financier Mr. Davenheim without leaving his chair. Davenheim vanished after leaving his home to post letters, and a safe was later found burgled. Suspicion falls on Mr. Lowen, who had an appointment that evening. Poirot deduces that Davenheim staged his own disappearance and embezzled bank funds, converting them into jewels. He predicts the bank's failure, which is confirmed the next day, and reveals that Davenheim is hiding in plain sight.
Chapter 10
The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman
Poirot and Hastings accompany Dr. Hawker to the flat of Count Foscatini after a desperate phone call for help. They find the Count dead from a blow to the head, with two Italian dinner guests having fled. The valet Graves reveals a blackmail plot, and suspicion falls on Signor Ascanio. Ascanio is arrested but released thanks to an alibi from the Italian Ambassador. Poirot later confronts Ascanio, forcing him to admit he visited the Count on the morning of the murder, hinting at a deeper conspiracy.
Chapter 11
The Case of the Missing Will
Miss Violet Marsh seeks Poirot's help to find her uncle Andrew Marsh's will, which he hid after a dispute over her education. Poirot deduces that the will is written in invisible ink on an envelope attached to a desk key, revealing that Marsh intended to test his niece's wits.
Chapter 12
List of Illustrations
A sketch of the bedroom, adjoining maid’s room, and corridor.
