The disappearance of a wealthy woman ́s cook at one end, a cold-blooded murder at the other. This time, Hercule Poirot will get a little reminder to never dismiss a case as trivial. Finally, the Belgian detective uncovers an elaborate plot to hide an ever darker crime.

Using his gray cells, Poirot will need very little time to discover the mystery behind the Lemesurier curse according to which all the firstborn die before inheriting the family fortune. The mother of the next heir asks Poirot to protect Ronald who has been having accidents that could have been fatal. The Belgian detective and his faithful companion Hasting will discover that the ancient curse could not be true.

"Market Basing Mystery" plunges readers into a captivating short story penned by Agatha Christie, featuring the astute detective Hercule Poirot. In this narrative, Poirot is summoned to investigate a curious case involving the disappearance of a wealthy banker, Marcus Hardman, in the quaint town of Market Basing. As Poirot navigates the intricate social dynamics and explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding Hardman's vanishing act, readers are treated to a delightful blend of Christie's signature wit, clever deductions, and unexpected turns. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic town hiding secrets beneath its charming façade. "Market Basing Mystery" stands as another testament to Agatha Christie's ability to weave a compelling mystery in a concise format. With Poirot's unparalleled insights and the author's storytelling finesse, this short story offers enthusiasts an engaging glimpse into the world of Hercule Poirot's investigations.

Marcus Hardman, an antiques collector, hires Poirot to investigate the theft of some valuable jewels that disappeared from his safe while he was offering a little tea party. Only his close friends attended the meeting and Hardman doesn ́t want to involve the police to avoid a scandal. Will the Belgian detective manage to recover the jewels and discover the thief?

The famous Belgian detective visits an old friend in a remote area. John Harrison asks the reason for this surprise visit and Poirot confesses that he is investigating a murder that has not yet been committed. A series of clues will put Poirot on alert and he will do everything possible to prevent the planned crime from taking place.

Previously published in the print anthology Poirot’s Early Cases. Poirot investigates a murder in which the only clue is a box of chocolates

An oriental prince begins an affair in London with a girl of dubious reputation, to whom he gives an emblematic ruby that disappears along with the young woman. Hercule Poirot is summoned to retrieve it. Posing as a guest at the Lacey family home, the detective will share a traditional Christmas to follow the thieves' trail until he finds the valuable jewel.

With his career still in its formative years, we learn many things about how Poirot came to exercise those famous 'grey cells' so well. Fourteen of the eighteen stories collected herein are narrated by Captain Arthur Hastings—including what would appear to be the earliest Poirot short story, 'The Affair at the Victory Ball,' which follows soon on the events of The Mysterious Affair at Styles.Two of the stories are narrated by Poirot himself, to Hastings. One, 'The Chocolate Box,' concerns Poirot's early days on the Belgian police force, and the case that was his greatest failure: 'My grey cells, they functioned not at all,' Poirot admits. But otherwise, in this most fascinating collection, they function brilliantly, Poirot's grey cells, challenging the reader to keep pace at every twist and turn.

A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time as an ebook.

A beautiful heiress has been found dead on a train. A playboy has been stabbed through the heart during a costume ball. An elderly woman suspects that she is being slowly poisoned to death. A prince fears for his reputation when his fiancÉe is embroiled in another man's murder. A forgotten recluse makes headlines after he is shot in the head. Who but Agatha Christie could concoct such canny crimes? Who but Belgian detective Hercule Poirot could possibly solve them? It's a challenge to be met—in a triumph of detection.