# Mr. Hiram Fish — The Secret of Chimneys character guide

> Mr. Hiram Fish in The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Fish, Hiram P. Fish, Hiram Fish

**First appearance:** 0014-xiii-the-american-visitor

## Snapshot

An eccentric American collector of historical relics whose harmless antiquarian manner conceals a Pinkerton's operative sent to trail King Victor.

## Who they are

Fish circulates through Chimneys as a slightly comic enthusiast for bygone curiosities, which is precisely the disguise that lets him watch without being watched. The revelation that he is a professional detective recasts every earlier conversation and unsettles Virginia's carefully built assumptions about who is trustworthy. His presence turns the country-house gathering into a genuine stakeout, raising the pressure on everyone with something to hide.

## In the story

### [XI: Superintendent Battle Arrives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xi-superintendent-battle-arrives)

American guest invited to view first editions; mentioned as part of the house party.

### [XIII: The American Visitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xiii-the-american-visitor)

American guest who inspects the crime scene, expressing interest in crime and art; notes the paintings and inquires about fingerprints and footprints.

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

Observes Anthony and Virginia's departure; makes a comment about their acquaintance.

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

Discovered by Anthony reclining in a basket chair inside a hollow yew hedge, smoking a cigar and apparently asleep.

### [Tea in the Schoolroom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xvi-tea-in-the-schoolroom)

Converses with Anthony about the mystery and later ambles toward the house for tea.

### [A Midnight Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xvii-a-midnight-adventure)

Encountered by Virginia outside after the burglar's escape; comments on burglars' habits.

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

Identified as occupying the third room from the end, which Anthony realizes might have been the source of the light he saw.

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

Joins Lord Caterham at breakfast; inquires about the embargo being lifted and whether he may depart.

### [Encounter in the Rose Garden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxiii-encounter-in-the-rose-garden)

Encountered by Anthony in the rose garden, discussing roses and exchanging a matchbox.

### [The House at Dover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxiv-the-house-at-dover)

Reveals himself at the end of the chapter, having followed Anthony to Dover; confronts him with a blue automatic.

### [XXV: Tuesday Night at Chimneys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxv-tuesday-night-at-chimneys)

Revealed by Lemoine to be a Pinkerton detective trailing King Victor; has disappeared from Chimneys.

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

Revealed as a Pinkerton detective; prevents the false Lemoine's escape by covering him with a gun.

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

Assisted Anthony in the trap and confirms the diamond was never in the library.

### [Sundry Details](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxxi-sundry-details)

Observes the ceremony and comments on the week's events.

## Links

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