# Herman Isaacstein — The Secret of Chimneys character guide

> Herman Isaacstein in The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Isaacstein, Isaacstein

**First appearance:** 0015-xiv-mainly-political-and-financial

## Snapshot

A beady-eyed financier whose oil concessions hinge on the Herzoslovakian throne, and who reads men the way other people read contracts.

## Who they are

Isaacstein receives Anthony in a sumptuous inner sanctum, weighing the proposition of a pro-British claimant against the murder of Prince Michael with the same cool calculation he brings to any deal. He prides himself on knowing when a man is speaking the truth, yet the discovery of the revolver in his suitcase makes him suddenly, dangerously vulnerable. His wealth and political reach make him a pivot between the diplomatic intrigue and the criminal one, and his forced trip to Chimneys tightens the net around the household.

## Relationships

### [Anthony Cade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters/anthony_cade)

_professional_

Anthony and Herman Isaacstein interact as wary business and political associates, with Isaacstein representing financial interests in the affair.

### [Virginia Revel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters/virginia_revel)

_social_

Herman Isaacstein and Virginia are polite acquaintances within the social circle at Chimneys, with no deep connection.

### [Anthony Cade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters/anthony_cade)

_professional_

Anthony and Herman Isaacstein interact as wary business and political associates, with Isaacstein representing financial interests in the affair.

### [Virginia Revel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters/virginia_revel)

_social_

Herman Isaacstein and Virginia are polite acquaintances within the social circle at Chimneys, with no deep connection.

### [Virginia Revel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters/virginia_revel)

_social_

Herman Isaacstein and Virginia are polite acquaintances within the social circle at Chimneys, with no deep connection.

### [Anthony Cade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters/anthony_cade)

_professional_

Anthony and Herman Isaacstein interact as wary business and political associates, with Isaacstein representing financial interests in the affair.

## In the story

### [Anxiety in High Places](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/iii-anxiety-in-high-places)

The representative of the all-British syndicate seeking oil concessions, invited to the house party.

### [Mainly Political and Financial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xiv-mainly-political-and-financial)

A powerful financier with a cobra-like presence; supports Battle's reasoning and acknowledges the political crisis.

### [XV: The French Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xv-the-french-stranger)

Arrives at Chimneys with Baron Lolopretjzyl. Anthony observes him on the terrace lamenting the murder.

### [Second Midnight Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xviii-second-midnight-adventure)

Briefly appears in the hall, commenting on the previous night's attempted robbery.

### [Mr. Isaacstein’s Suitcase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxi-mr-isaacstein-s-suitcase)

Departs for London; his suitcase is intercepted by Lemoine, who finds a revolver inside.

### [The 13th of October](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxvi-the-13th-of-october)

Visited by Anthony in the City; is offered a deal for oil concessions and warned about the revolver found in his suitcase.

### [King Victor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxviii-king-victor)

Speculates that Anthony has produced Prince Nicholas of Herzoslovakia.

### [XXIX: Further Explanations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxix-further-explanations)

Demands an explanation from Anthony and discusses the loan for Herzoslovakia.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters/herman_isaacstein
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/characters