Poirot Investigates · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie.
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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.
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