# XVII: We Make Further Investigations explained — The Murder on the Links

> Chapter companion for The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Poirot and Hastings discuss the case, with Poirot revealing he has solved one of the two crimes but remains uncertain about the second. Hastings recalls the Beroldy case and suspects Madame Daubreuil, but Poirot challenges his reasoning. Poirot sends Jack Renauld on a false errand to Abbalac to get him out of the way, then heads to the Villa Geneviève.

## Themes in this chapter

### Psychology and Deduction

Poirot emphasizes logical reasoning over sentiment, challenging Hastings' impulsive conclusions and highlighting the need for motive analysis.

### Deception and Appearance

Poirot's false errand to Jack Renauld and the discussion of Madame Daubreuil's acting abilities underscore the theme of appearances versus reality.

### Crime and Its Consequences

The chapter explores the duality of crimes—one solved, one unsolved—and the complexities of motive and guilt.

## Character check-ins

### Hercule Poirot

Leads the investigation, reveals he has solved one crime but not the second, and sends Jack Renauld on a false errand.

### Captain Hastings

Recalls the Beroldy case and jumps to the conclusion that Madame Daubreuil is guilty, but Poirot corrects him.

### Jack Renauld

Arrives at Poirot's request, is sent to Abbalac to inquire about a valise, and admits to being in Merlinville on the night of the crime.

### Madame Daubreuil

Hastings suspects her of murdering Paul Renauld based on the Beroldy case similarity, but Poirot questions the motive.

### M. Giraud

Mentioned as having made inquiries at the station and as being in conflict with Poirot.

## Key lines

> You have spoken of the similarity between the two crimes. Wherein does that lie, my friend?

Poirot questions Hastings about the specific similarities between the two crimes.

_Poirot challenges Hastings to think critically about the parallels he has drawn._

> I have discovered what M. Renauld sent for me to discover.

Poirot claims he has found the truth that Paul Renauld wanted him to uncover.

_Poirot reveals he has solved one aspect of the case._

> One may have a crime without a murderer, but for two crimes it is essential to have two bodies.

A single crime can lack a clear perpetrator, but two distinct crimes require two victims.

_Poirot cryptically distinguishes between the two crimes in the case._

> I will ask you to go to the railway station and take a train to the next station along the line, Abbalac. Ask there at the cloakroom whether two foreigners deposited a valise there on the night of the murder.

Poirot sends Jack Renauld to Abbalac station to inquire about a valise left by foreigners.

_This is a fabricated errand to get Jack out of the way._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_on_the_links_se/chapters/xvii-we-make-further-investigations
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_on_the_links_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_on_the_links_se/chapters