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

Previously published in the print anthology Poirot's Early Cases. On a ship bound for Egypt, a woman is found stabbed to death in her cabin. Unfortunately for the murderer, Hercule Poirot is on board.