Battle Bk2: The Seven Dials Mystery

Superintendent Battle: The Seven Dials Mystery

Murdered:

--> Gerry Wade

-was found dead while sleeping

- Most likely he woke up in the middle of the night and drank a glass of water which was beside his bed and was poisoned by it.

Curious Mystery:

- Gerry Wade was a very sound sleeper who would not wake up even with large disturbance.

- The guests in the Lord Caterham decided to play a prank on Gerry Wade, by setting up eight alarm clocks in his room.

- The guest found it surprising that Gerry was still dead sleeping even there were 8 alarms ringing. More so when they found him dead.

The Seven dials?

- 7clocks were lined up in Gerry's room instead of 8. The last one was found thrown out of the window.

- Gerry mentioned it in is his last letter.

- A man was shot, came to Bundle and mentioned about the seven dial and 'Tell Jimmy Thesiger'.

- The 'Seven Dial' could be a place or a club or even a syndicate group.

The Seven dial meeting:

( 7 clock masked people)

No.1 : not present

No. 2: not present

No. 3: a woman with a mole on the back

No. 4: Master of No. 5

No. 5: Elegant man with foreign nationality

No. 6: Mr Mosgorousley, a russian

No. 7: suspected to be non-existence.

Characters:

Pongo-> suggested using alarm clock, left handed

Bill Eversleigh-> suggested to buy a dozen of alarm; all buy one

- likes Countess Radzley

Jimmy Thesiger-> (On the account of the man who was shot, Ronald): Jimmy needed to be informed about the seven dial.

- was involved in Bundle's adventure of investigation

- armed with an automatic pistol

Loraine, Gerry's sister

- was involved in Bundle's investigaion

- picked up a parcel of paper which was dropped from nowhere; spotted by Battle

Mr Mosgorovsky, rather sinister looking

- being identified as the No. 6 in the Seven Dials.

George, a rather dull person

Ronald Devereux,

- was the one who found Gerry Wade dead, suggested that it was a foul play but broke no mention to the coroner.

- was shot

Bundle, the main lead

- thought she ran over a man, Ronald. But the truth was that he was shot.

- initiated the investigation

- went to 7 dial secret meeting room

- eavesdropped the secret conservation- seeing a few people with clock mask

The incident at the house part at the Abbey:

- Loraine heard fighting

- Jimmy was shot in the right arm, fired by a man trying to escape out of the window and climbing down the Ivy

- Jimmy shot first, but only one bullet. The automatic didn't work

- O'rourke was drugged and woke up and found the formula sheet missing

- (It was suspected to be robbery): The thief threw away his pistol even when there was noone pursuing him

- Based on both Loraine and Jimmy's description of the thief-> he was big size and uneducated sounding

- (On Countess Radzky's account): Jimmy was cultured, english gentlemen and she came down to look for a book with an electric torch.

Leads:

- found burnt left hand glove with teethmark

Battle Bk1: The Secrets Of The Chimneys

Superintendent Battle: The Secrets of the chimneys

Murdered:

-->Giuseppe, a hotel waiter who took notice of Anthony Cade's belonging which contained important manuscript

- suspected of stealing the letters instead of the manuscript and blackmailed Virginia.

- was found shot in Virginia's house with a pistol which has Virginia's name on it.

- was discovered by Virginia and his body was disposed with the help of Anthony who came to pay Virginia a visit

--> Count Stanislaus

- suspected of having a few identities: Prince Michael or Herzoslovakia

- purpose of being present was to meet Mr Herman Issactein

- took a loan for certain terms such as granting oil concession

- the only person who saw him in real person before was Virginia

- had verified by Virgina that Prince Michael was indeed dead

- was shot without a gunshot heard and no revolver recovered.

Suspects:

1) King Victor, also known to the thief of royal jewellery

- had been released

- could be among their midst in disguise

2) Anthony Cade, running errand for his friend, Jimmy Mcgrath

- supposed to deliver the manuscript to Virginia

- could have killed Giuseppe and placed him in Virginia's house and pretended to help Virginia to clear the body.

- discouraged Virgina to call the police as it will cause Virginia to fall for the murderer's plan of stopping her to go to the Chimneys,(estate).

- seemed to be nosepoking and even considered himself to be an 'amateur detective'; smart with murderer's mind.

3) Virgina, pretty early widow

- Giuseppe could be blackmailing her and she killed him

- however claimed to be willing and it was thrilling to be blackmailed

- paid a small sum of ransom but promised to pay alot more in the future

4) Mr Herman Issactein, great financier

- motive of killing Count Stanislaus for oil

5) Mademoiselle Brun, french governess

- been here for 2 months.

- her room's light went on after the gun shot took place

6) Comrades of the Red Hand

- group of anonymous politic activists who might plan for assassination to fulfill politics

7) Mr Fish

- strangle man who likes to follow people around

Poirot Bk38: Early Cases (12/6)

Hercule Poirot: The Third-Floor Flat

Murdered:

Miss Ernestine Grant murdered in her own flat. She was shot and put behind the curtain.

Sequence of Event:

1) Pat forgot to bring her house key. Jimmy & Donavan climbed into the 3rd flat instead of the 4th flat from the chute.

2) Donavan could not switch on the kitchen light.

3) Jimmy switched on one light and they found the room was not Pat's flat.

4) They went back to open the door for the girls at the 4rd floor.

5) There was blood at Donavan hand but he did not hurt himself.

6) Jimmy suggested to go down the apartment to investigate.

7) Donvan daresay that there wasn't anything really wrong

8) Jimmy found the dead lady, Mrs Ernestine

Clue:

-Donavan got stained with blood while touching the red table cloth-> The murder was committed near the table and the body was moved to the window and hid behind the curtain.

- Miss Ernestine's maid turned in about 10 o'clock, everything was quiet and she thought her mistress had gone to bed. She took in the letters which had come by evening post.

- Maid went out at 5 o'clock so the estimated time of death was 8pm.

- There was small letter in the pocket of the dead woman:

-> 'I will come to see you in this evening at half past 7' ( no fingerprints on it)

- found silk handkerchief with Initials - J.F =>John Fraser.

Suspects:

1) John Fraser, still an unknown person

- murderer was careful in leaving no fingerprint and cautiously hid the body but could not have possibly left behind the letter and the handkerchief.

Leads:

Poirot pulled off some tricks and found a letter and a key in Donavan's pocket.

Poirot Bk38: Early Cases (6/6)

Hercule Poirot: The king of clubs

Murdered: Henry Reedburn, the impressario

He was found dead in his library with a bruise between the eyes and a heavy blow at the back of his head.

Connection:

Zara, the clairvoyant, read cards for Valerie & M.Le Prince.

The last card was King (club)-> Beware, a man holds her in power puts her in great danger.

Poirot Bk38: Early Cases (4/6)

Hercule Poirot: The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly

Mystery:

A mysterious note was issued to Waverly family threatening to kidnap the little Johnnie at the specified time and date. Waverly family are to pay the ransom in advance to avoid little Johnnie been abducted.

Victim:

Little Johnnie Waverly, the only son, 3 yr old

-kidnapped for £ 50 000.

How was the crime committed:

- Mrs Waverly felt sick, suspected of food poisoning

- Mr Waverly found a note pinned to his pillow with the message: 'At 12 o'clock', after leaving the room for 10mins

- Mr Waverly fired the whole bunch of nurses due to suspicious inside doing. Only left 2 people he trusted.

They were:

-> Miss Colins, wife's secretary

-being employed for a month with very efficient knowledge

-> Mr Tredwell, Mr Waverly's butler

-who had worked a lifetime serving Waverly's family

- Little Johnnie was with his father & the police inspector until they went out of the house, hearing the policemen had caught someone.

- After that, they caught sight of Johnnie's flayen curls in a car that drove past the front of the house.

- heard the chiming of a church clock from the village, inspector checked the watch and it was exactly 1200pm. The clock in the house was faster by 10mins.

- Police chased after the car and found the boy was not Johnnie.

- (The account of the man caught by the Police trepassing the house): A man gave him money to deliver the parcel and the letter to Waverly House by 1200 at 1150am. The letter: '£75 000 to redeem Johnnie'.

- Johnnie was successfully kidnapped.

Hiding place in the house:

Since the police guarded the house inside and outside, the kidnapper must be in the house hiding.

There was priesthole in the house; a secret chamber in the house. However it was known only to Tredwell, Waverly family but not Miss Collins.

Suspects:

1) Mr Tredwell, the butler

- knew about the priesthole

- Mrs Waverly never liked him

2) Mr Waverly

- heed no advice from the police and always do things in his own way

- left his boy and went out to see the caught man

- the last person in contact with Johnnie

3) Miss Collins and Mrs Waverly

- Miss Collins was looking after the sick Madam in the room

- They were alibi for each other

- However, they could be in cahoot

Leads:

- small imprints of toy dog feet on the floor in the corner of the priesthole

- no footsteps on the floor of the priesthole

- Mrs Waverly was rich and it was her money that restored the impoverished estate; could not possibly have enemy

- Mrs Waverly was not fond of parting her money

Poirot Bk38: Early Cases (2/6)

Poirot: The Adventure Of The Clapham Cook

Mystery:

The mysterious disappearance of a cook, Mrs Eliza Duhn happened on a Wednesday.

-She sent a letter for her box 2 days later, which was already packed and corded before she left.

-Seemed that she had already determined not to return

Coincidentally, there was another mystery.

An absconding clerk, Davis, was from the same bank as Simpson, was caught embezzling £50 000 worth of negotiable shares.

Suspects:

1) Davis, the defaulting clerk

- could have fled away with Eliza

- however the idea was absurd as Eliza was a middle aged stout with grey hair.

2) Mr & Mrs Thed, a stingy employer of Eliza

- could have forced Eliza to leave before paying her salary as she left before being paid.

- had no disagreement with Eliza as the cook.

3) Simpson, a tenant

- honest young man working in the same bank as Davis

4) Annie, another parlourmaid of the house

- (On her account): she had no disagreement with the Eliza and Eliza cooked the meal before leaving the house and even mentioned about the food in the house.

- she knew what Eliza's favourite food: stewed peaches

- ( Simpson's account): couldn't say if the maid & the Eliza in good terms, could only suppose so

5) Carter Paterson, the man who came for the trunk

6) Mr Crotchet, lawyer

- beaded man with hat

-came to ask Eliza to accept the will

Clues:

The box which cook left behind, also called Trunk, was huge in size

Lead:

After Poirot put up advertisement and found Eliza

Eliza's story was: A beaded man told her that she would inherit the house and money but she had to give up on her domestic job.

(Eliza's account): she sent a letter to Mrs Trod, asking for her luggage, and did not receive her luggage in her truck but separate parcel.

Poirot Bk16: Murder in the Mews & other stories (4/4)

Hercule Poirot: Triangle at Rhodes

Murdered:

General Chantry asked Mr Gold to get him an alcoholic drink called 'Pink Gin'. He then gave Valentine Chantry the drink 'untouched'. Valentine was poisoned and died by the drink in the hotel.

The witnesses at scenes were General Chantry, Mrs and Mr Gold, Pamela and Poirot.

Valentine Chantry, wife of General Chantry

- attractive, rich lady, age 39.

- was famous since the age of 16.

- had 5 husbands and innumerable lovers

- seduces man

Suspects:

1) Mr Gold, young husband who came on vacation with his wife.

- was easily attracted to Valentine

- begun talking to her when she asked him for help to open a bottle of oil

- Possible Motive was to kill Chantry so that he could have Valentine, and never expected that he would let Valentine have the drink.

- (On Mrs Gold's account): Mr Gold was seduced by valentine as she began pouring him with her misery of living with Chantry.

- a bottle of poison was found in his pocket

2) Mr Chantry, husband of Valentine

- hairy and beastly looking man

- gets very possessive over Valentine

- Possible Motive: to kill Valentine before Valentine leave with Mr Gold

- unusually nice and friendly to Mr Gold before Valentine's death

3) Mrs Gold

-quite dull and short lady with certain air of diffidence and dowdiness

-was a contrast with her husband, Mr Gold who was good looking.

-(On her own account): Valentine was a kind of girl man would grow tired off easily. She felt bitter and confided in many people when she found that Mr Gold was in love with Valentine.

- She hang out well with the other ladies during the Lady outing before Valentine's death.

4) Pamela Lyall

-pretty well tanned girl and was expecting the coming of the Gold(s).

-curious about what people were thinking and feeling.

-Often had talked to Poirot about the triangle relationship of Mr Gold, Mr Chantry and Valentine.

Leads:

- Poirot never really saw Mr Gold & Valentine together

- Mrs Gold & Mrs Chantry left out of the morning excursion on the day of murder.

- Mr Gold & Mrs Chantry went to excursion.

Poirot Bk16: Murder in the Mews & other stories (3/4)

Hecule Poirot: Dead Man's Mirror

Murdered/Suicide:

Sir Gervase Chevenix-Gore shot himself through his right temple by a pistol while sitting on a chair facing the window. Bullet hit & smashed the mirror above his desk in his study room. Pistol dropped on the floor. Before death, he wrote 'Sorry' on a piece of paper.

Victim:

Sir Gervase, last of Chevenix-Gore, has vast wealth in properties

-egoistic

-abit madman sense

-incredible rich and prosper at everything he does

-can't stand improper marriage and get angry easily

-younger bro, sis died

Previous will->Ruth gets alot more portion than Hugo

2nd will, unsigned and unendorsed-> Ruth will inherit only if she marrys Hugo

Crime Scene:

All the windows were self fastened and locked.

-key in Sir Gervase's pocket

-shattered mirror

-a tiny bit of the mirror stick sticked on the bronze structure

-outside the window was a flower bed and four footprints were found at the corner

The madhouse practise: puntucality for dinner

1st gong sounded by SNELL: 15mins before dinner

2nd gong: 7mins before dinner

Every guest must assemble quickly in the drawing room after 2nd gong sounded. Sir Gervase would usually be in the drawing room by that time.

Suspects:

1) Ruth, an attractive lady

-adopted daughter of Sir Gervase, known to be illegimate daughter of his younger brother who died in war.

-was plucking flowers in the flower bed outside the study room

-(on her own account) : she wanted to get into the house fast and tried to get in through the study room but found the window locked.

-could have committed the murder and escaped through the window and lied about the motive of being on the flowerbed.

-seemed to be with Mr Burrows

-motive: could possibly kill Sir Gervase so that she does need to marry Hugo to get the inheritance

-later known to have married to Captain Lake 3 yrs ago

-seemed to hide nothing

-she was leaving the flowerbed when she heard the shot

2) Mr Hugo, nephew of Sir Gervase whom Sir Gervase did not like.

-His mother's marriage was not approved by Sir Gervase.

-wanted inheritance from Sir Gervase which he deserved

-brought Susan Cardwell, his girlfriend whom known for 1 month, to the house

-is willing to marry Ruth to get the inheritance in the 2nd will

-prepared to divorce Ruth after marriage

-Susan could be a decoy, afterall many men would like to take Ruth as their wife

-was one of the four people in the hall when the shot broke

3) Colonel Bury

-lives in the house and is close to Mrs Vander, wife of Sir Gervase.

-Sir Gervase did not think him as threat he thought highly of himself

'No women will choose not himself'

-had some company losing money issues with Sir Gervase although Sir Gervase was not badly affected as he was still very rich

-had a suspicious dangerous item, a bullet pencil

-emotion did not change when Poirot found his pencil, had the least idea that Poirot found it with
Miss Lingard who picked it up in the crime scene

4) Miss Lingard, assistant hired historical research work for Sir Gervase

-hired 2 months ago

-helped Sir Gervase with the book he was writting

-The only person who knew the coming of Poirot other than Sir Gervase

-(On her account): noticed that Sir Gervase was displeased & worried and mentioned about the dishonor of the family. He seemed to be in shock.

-relayed the message of postponing the dinner time to 15mins later.

-Suspiciously picked up a silver shiny object at the crime scene and claimed that it was Colonel Bury's bullet pencil

-one of the 4 in the hall

-only one in the drawing room when the shot was heard

5) Mr Burrows, secretary

-was alone in the library

-carry torch for Ruth

6) Mrs Gervase

Curious:

-judging from the angle, Sir Gervase must be leaning his body to the right, so that the bullet passing through his brain can fly up and hit the mirror

-everyone seemed to believe that Sir Gervase had shot himself

Leads:

-The strange paper bag for oranges in the drawing room

-Miss Cardwell was in her room near the gong, thought that she had heard the first gong and scrambled to change at 2nd gong.

-The study room's window can actually be locked from outside (with skills)

-The Flowerbed's footprints were smoothen even though Ruth went there to pick flowers. Only a few footprints of heel were left on the corner

-Death of Sir Gervase was before the arrival of Poirot, means that the murderer didn't want Sir Gervase's success in his investigation.

-Then what did Sir Gervase want Poirot to investigate?

Poirot Bk16: Murder in the Mews & other stories (2/4)

Hecule Poirot: The Incredible Theft

Mystery:

Lord Mayfield's piece of secret document was missing. It was stolen because his secretary, Carlile, had confirmed to have seen it when he placed them on the table. Carlile did not leave the room. Someone could have stolen it without Carlile's notice.

Victim:

Lord Mayfield, 1st class engineer, the owner of the aerospace engineering factory

-can also be known as the a likely candidate to be next Prime Minister

-had denied a rumor of him having friendship with Germany to be true

The rumor would have upset the electorate of Britain

-The theft of his new bomber plan may tarnish his reputation and cause him to fail in nomination

Primary Suspects who were in the house when the theft took place:

1) Mrs Vanderlyn, an attractive American Women

-Sir George, a politican friend of Lord Mayfield, high proposed that she was the thief

-coincidentally a theft occurred when she arrived

-being referred to a dangerous occupant who will harm Lord Mayfield's reputation

-was invited by Lord Mayfield to stay at his house

Upon time of Crime: claimed to have returned to her room after coming back to take her bag.

-after a game of bridge, she heard her maid, Leone, screaming as if she had seen ghost

2) Mr Carlile, Lord Mayfield's faithful secretary

-could have easily stolen the document as he had accessed to all document

-however, Mayfield vouched for his innocence

-claimed that he never left the room

If he had stolen it, he could have said that he left the room and someone else would have the chance to steal it.

If he wanted the document, he could have traced out the document

3) Reggie carrington, son of Sir George

-seemed nervy & edgy on the next day morning

-Lady Julie, his mother, went to his room last night and did not see him, so she suspected him of stealing the document

(On her account): Reggie's motive could be for money as Sir George had limited his allowance and was hard up for money.

-(On Mrs Macatta's account) : Reggie was infaturnated with Mrs Vanderlyn when Mrs Vanderlynn flattered Reggie his bridge skill, even though he made many mistakes. He could be paid by Mrs Vanderlynn to commit the theft

4) Lady Julia, wife of Sir George

-gambler who plays bridge day and night

-wants to pay her debt by bridge however she was down with luck lately

-stealing document motive : money; however she only seemed to be a gambler but not a thief.

-told Poirot next day that she will try to recover the stolen document within 12 hrs and pleased Poirot not to pursue the thief.

5) Mrs Macatta

-unlikely because she snored in sleep and the housekeeper heard her

6) Sir George, politician friend of Mayfield

-unlikely because he was with Lord Mayfield all the way

Curious:

-Lord Mayfield was shortsighted and yet he was rather positive about seeing a figure dashing through bushes, but not Sir George who had perfect eye sight. However no footprint was found in the area.

-Leone, Mrs Vandelynn's maid screamed with hands above the ears, although it was more normal to scream with hands clutching heart or covering mouth

Leads:

-Mrs Vanderlynn left her suitcase in the house and conducted a hasty search before she left.

-Mrs Vanderlynn relayed a letter which she forgotten to mail to Lord Mayfield just before she drove off

-Would other country's engineer pick up the alteration and modification of Lord Mayfield;s new bomber plan?

-Maid confessed about being kissed by a young man

Poirot Bk16: Murder in the Mews &other stories

Poirot: Murder in the Mews

Victim:

Mrs Allen:

-could have possibly shot herself at her left temple

-her watch was on her right hand suggesting that she was lefty

-pistol seemed to be held by her left hand in an awkward position for firing herself.

-time of death= 10:20pm

-discovered locked in the room when police came after her friend, Jane's call to police

Crime Scene:

-Windows, door locked

-cirgarette ashtray containing more than 9 Turkish stickbutts

-a cufflink was found in the room, which was broken from man's sleeve, belonged to Major Eustate

Suspects:

1) Major Eustate, 45 yr old man

-seen having arguement with Mrs Allen behind House door

-(on his own account) : he was doing investment with Mrs Allen and had withdrawn £200 for her.

- he was an old friend with Mrs Allen

- went to her house and had talked to her downstairs

- had no idea why his sleeve's cuff link ended in her room

- had known the deceased in India

2) Laverton West

-engaged to Mrs Allen 2-3months ago

-did not know Mrs Allen had a pistol

3) Jane Plenderleith, friend and a housemate of Allen

-arrived only at that morning and lighted up the fire in the chimney

-had perfect alibi, left the house on last friday

-suspected Major Eustate to be the murderer and suggested the Major Eustate was blackmailing Allen

Curious:

If Eustate was the murderer, would he possibly not notice his cufflink dropped on the floor when the murderer had the time to close all the windows and put the pistol in her hand?

-The pistol in Allen's hand must had been deliberately put.

Someone must have known the truth.

Leads:

-Jane went golfing, broke and discarded golf clubs

-Jane also discarded a box with an expensive dress in it

-(On Jane's testimony) : Allen was right handed

-the writing table layout, pentray on the left, suggested that Allen was left handed

-top sheet of the blotting paper missing

-Allen seemed to have posted a letter some day earlier. Allen must had written something which was not found in the dustbin. It could be destroyed.

Marple Bk10: A Caribbean Mystery

Marple: A Caribbean Mystery

Victim:

--> Major Palgrave was said to have died of high blood pressure

-However, no one knew of his condition and some even said that he didn't have it

-went around, told many stories to many people

-seemed to know of a murderer, a wife killer. His gossip and knowledge had placed him in danger.

-a photosnap of the murderer was missing from his wallet

-->Victoria, the nurse

- claimed that she had not seen any cases of high blood pressure in the island

- was stabbed

-(On Molly's account:) She pulled out the knife and couldn't remember if she had killed Victoria as she was in fit of insanity.

- There wasn't any apparent motive for Molly

-Victoria must have known something about the murderer.

--> Lucky

- was drowned in the middle of the night, instead of Molly who has disappeared for Tim Krekal's bed

- was wearing Molly's swimsuit out to the raft.

Suspects:

1) Gregory Dyson, who married the 2nd wife shortly after the death of the 1st.

-(On Mrs Dyson's account) : Gregory claimed to have humanly assisted suicide for the 1st wife

2) Molly Kendal

-had dellusion and hallucination

3) Tim Kendal

-was informed about Esther's inheritance

4) Mr Rafiel, rich old invalid man

-left a will

-Esther Walter, Mr Rafiel's assistant, to receive £50,000. In addition, she was suspected to have affair with Tim.

-Jackson, Mr Rafiel's assistant

->he suspected something wrong in Molly's cosmetic that could be the reason to dellusion

-> scooping around Mr Rafiel's stuff.

5) Dr Graham

-the only doctor around

-could give an unchecked testimony of death

Leads:

Senorade Caspearo noticed Major Palgrave's left glass eye to be cross eye.

Poirot Bk : Double Sin and other stories (8/8)

Marple: Sanctuary

victim:

A 45 year old dying man mentioned the word 'Sanctuary' while he was lying on the floor in the church. He could have also mentioned about Julian. He was shot. His possessions consisted of an old watch with initials 'W.S', a wallet and a return trip ticket. He was being identified as Sandbourne by Mr & Mrs Eccles as their brother.

Suspects:

1) Mr & Mrs Eccles

-tried to get the dead man's coat as it was sentimental to Mrs Eccles

-claimed that Sandbourne went out with a pistol and shot himself

Leads:

The dead man happened to be Walter St John

-charged with thieving of jewelery

-came back to get jewellery for his daughter, Jewel

Poirot Bk : Double Sin and other stories (7/8)

Hercule Poirot: The Last Seance

Seance-> a meeting whereby people want to come into contact with dead people and spirits.

Victim:

Simone, the practitioner of medium who grew tired performing seance

-a graceful women

-she had managed to bring back alive the dead boy of Madam Eve after performing the last seance

-was ill, shrunken to half of her size and was found dead later after a fall

-A thud of a body falling was heard

-suspected to be a homicide case

Suspects:

1) Raoul Daubreuil, a good looking young Frenchman and an engineer

-was once the husband of Madam Eve

-cried for Simone when she died

2) Elise, medium assistant

-was in due respect of Madam Eve and love

-believed that Madam Eve was a kind person who never cheat on anyone

3) Madam Eve,

- was once a wife of Raoul

- came late when the body was discovered

- spare no concern of the medium Simone who died bringing her son back to life

Poirot Bk : Double Sin and other stories (6/8)

Hercule Poirot: Double Sin


Mystery:
Mr Hardman's jewellery was stolen from his safe.
It was the emerald necklance which belonged to Catherineide Medici.

Suspects:
1) Mr Johnston, south African millionaire
-was the last to leave the room.

->The three people who returned to this room during afternoon
2) Countess Vera Rossakoff, charming Russian lady
-her intense gazing at Mr Hardman's cabinet, surprised Mr Hardman
3) Mr Bernard Parker, middleman
-fetched some miniatures to Mr Hardman to show to lady Runcorn
-tried to deny his gloves & cigarette case
4) Lady Runcorn
-devoted most of her time to charity committee
-had returned to fetch a handbag
-was believed to have kleptomaniac; cannot control the desire to steal

Double Clue:
-Parker's glove
-cigarette case with initials: 'P' & 'B'.
-both clues are pointing at BernardParker

Curious:
-countess would sell her own jewel & give Mr Hardman money to clear Mr Parker's name.

Leads:
Russian Alphabet: B is V & P is R.

Tom & Tupp Bk4: By Pricking of my thumb

Tommy and Tuppence: By the Pricking of my thumb

Murdered:
Andes, Tommy's Aunt--> Death was possibly by poison.
-died on the same night when Mrs Lanchester went missing from the Summerville home.
-left a note that she could be murdered, there was something sinister about the Summerville home & the Portrait and Mrs Lanchester was in danger.

Lily Water--> twin of Lucy; died as a young child. She was killed by the fire in the chimney. Her story was unspoken of after the incident.

Nancy--> wife of a pastor and secretary of Sir Philip
-suspected of carrying a torch for Sir Philip
-seemed to be trying to prevent Tommy and Tuppence from learning something
-killed by poison

Danger:
Mrs Lanchester was abducted, most probably being put into a car.
-suspected of having other name: Mrs Yoke
-suspected to be the wife of Sir Philip

Suspects:
1) Pastor--> eccentric man, could have murdered his wife, Nancy out of jealousy.
But the death of Nancy might not be as simple as this, it could be due to the story of Lily Water.
2) Chris--> a policeman who was in love with Lucy. He was seen loitering outside the house, where Nancy was found to be poisoned. He was missing on the day Mrs Lanchester went missing from the Summerville home. He could possibly have abducted her.
3) Sir Philip--> the manor.
-his car was found to have mud on the tires. Tuppence found a polo sweet in the car, which she recognised it to belong to Mrs Lanchester.

Leads:
The portrait which Andes left behind had a cottage named "waterlily". Tuppence went on the look for the cottage fitting to the detail painted on the portrait. Later, she learnt that someone had tamped the portrait by adding colours and details on the painting.

Marple Bk11: At Bertram Hotel

At Bertram Hotel

Victim:
Canon Pennyfather--> went missing from his room for 3 days. He missed the plane on 18th and the Lucerne Conference about the Dead Sea Scroll on 19th. He was believed to be knocked out along the way back to the hotel. Due to the injury, he resided at Mrs McGrave's house. The nurse who attended him found no injury. Canon became absent minded, having lost 3 days of memory. He was found at a foreign place.

Elvira, daughter of Bess Sedgwick--> claimed to have a few narrow escape from death.
-Always felt that there were pursuers.
-eccentrically curious about her inheritance and her possible beneficiary
-was with a guy.

Michael Gorman Irish Commissionaire, doorman-->
-(On Elvira's account) He was shot while saving Elvira, and someone shot from the fog twice.
- Ladislaus Malinowski's pistol was found

Mystery:
The disappearance of Canon->
-Canon was seen boarding at Bedhampton Irish Nail at 5.30am.
-seen leaving his room and went down the stairs at 3am.
-The ride from Bertram to Bedhampton was 2 hr 30min. It was only possible with a racing car.
The unknown ownership of Bertram Hotel->
Mr Haffman tried to deny owning Bertram Hotel

Miss Bridget, friend of Elvira--> (On her account) Elvira seems to know Ladislaus Malinowsk as Elvira had kept a photograph of him secretly.

Suspects:
1) Malinowsk--> close with Bess
-had love affair with Elvira, and was going to marry her
-His car, Fan2266 was seen near crime scene
-may had been blackmailed by Michael
2) Bess--> had unusual relationship with Malinowsk
-was married to Michael
-her marriage with Michael may not be legal
3) Elvira--> the apparent person who knows the what is going on.
-her mother helped to deny her relationship with Malinowsk
-having waited just a shade too long to deny her relationship with Malinowsk

Curious:
Customs allow rich people to go through easily

Leads:
A judge, archdeacon, admiral, general all have been seen crime scene.

8) Why didn't they ask Evans?

Mystery:

Bobby discovered a dying man at the bottom of the cliff. The last words of him were: "Why didn't they ask Evans?" How insignificant it was when Bobby thought initially. However, his knowledge of this put himself in danger. In addition, he realised that the photograph of a lady in the dead man pocket had being swapped. Thankfully, he met Lady Frances Derwent; Frankie who accompanied him in the adventure of the investigation of the dying man. They were led into intriguing story of the will of Jack Savage.

Victim:
Mr Alex Pritchard-->The man at the bottom of cliff was initially being identified as Mr Alex Pritchard. The lady in the photograph in the deceased's pocket and a man called Richard Trent Pritchard , identified the body.

Alan Castair--> The true identity of the man at the cliff was Alan Castair. He was friend of Jack Savage, whom was suspicious of Jack's will, leaving all the fortune to an orphanage in china. Jack was ruthless and heartless, he couldn't have done that. He came over to Castle Savage to investigate on the will and death of Jack, had
Jack's children, Tommy to hid the will. He was found missing.

Jack Savage--> A millionaire bussinessman, who was ruthless and heartless, died on weak heart. His daughter won't believe that, because he had no heart. He had affair with a pretty lady called Mrs Templetons. Under her influence, he began to believe that he had cancer, and would prefer a short and painless death to a long and painful death. He had solictors to do the will to leave fortune to Mrs Templetons and charity. He then consumed large dose of choral to end his life.

Henry Bassington ffrench--> shot on the temple and the revolver was in his hand. A suicide note was left behind. The suicide note consisted of his remorse of living on drugs. Window was closed, the door was locked and the key was in his pocket. A very convincing suicide case...

Suspects:
1) Roger Bassington ffrench--> He was with Bobby when they discovered the Alan Castair on the cliff. He could have seen Bobby seeing a photograph from Alan's pocket, and took the opportunity to swap the photo. He had the charm that attracted Frankie.

2) Dr Nicholson--> A psychiatrist who have tranquil drugs for his patients. When he prescribed medicine for Frankie, he gave her an uneasy and threatened feeling. He was missing on the day Bobby was poisoned.
3) Mrs Moria Nicholson--> rather attractive young lady. Had been seen meeting Roger and hence was suspected of having adultery with him. She was more suspected of being the next victim than being the murderer, afterall her innocent beauty simply won her many concern about living under the same roof as the dangerous looking husband, Mr Nicholson.

4) Sylvia Bassington ffrench--> wife of late Jack Savage. She has been on drugs to calm herself down from some haunting memories from the past.

Leads:
-> The solictor, Mr Elford and the witness, Mrs Pratt were present when Jack Savage was giving his new will. Jack Savage was very ill compared to the previous day.
-> The Jack Savage stayed at Mrs Templetons' house instead.
-> The cook, Mrs Pratt was called by the Mistress, Mrs Templeton, to witness the will, but not the house-parlourmaid, Gladys.
-> Gladys later changed name into Evans

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (11/11)

The case of the missing will

Mystery:
-> Miss violet Marsh's uncle, Andrew's extraordinary will went missing.

Terms of the WIll:
1)Miss violet will inherit all of Andrew's fortune. - "During which Miss Violet Marsh may prove her wits"
2) All Andrew's fortune will be pass to various charitable institution. -"Andrew's wits will be proved better than Miss Violet Marsh.

=> Bottomline of the will is a spite. Miss violet needs to prove that she can outwit Andrew, so that she can get the inheritance, if not, the fortune will go to charity.

The story between the niece and uncle:
- Miss violet's parents died early during her childhood years.
- Andrew,her uncle, who was successful in agriculture business, took care of Violet
- Andrew was skeptic about girls studying in school, he thought girls should stay at home to do household chores
- However, Violet wanted to pursue studies and took up a scholarship.
- Andrew vowed that he can pit his wits against his niece anytime.

How did the will go missing?
- The old will would have left everything to the charity and was kept by the lawyers.
- The new will was testified by his housekeepers, Mr and Mrs Bakers, that his fortune would be given to Violet.
- Andrew had asked Mr Bakers to buy 2 printed will-form.
- Andrew wrote on one and made a mistake, so he tore it up and wrote again in the second printed will-form.
- Mr bakers brought the new will to the solicitor.
- However, when the solicitor searched for the will of Andrew, he could only find the old will.

Suspects, who might have stolen the will:
1) Mr Andrew Marsh-> If the story told by Miss Violet Marsh is true, it is possible for Mr Andrew Marsh to plot some methods to make his new will which is to leave everything to Violet disappears. And the old will that leaves everything to charity take into action. Hopefully, Poirot can find the new will assuming that the new will is searchable and that Mr Andrew never played a cheat to destroy the new will. Thus proving that himself will be smarter than his niece eventually.

2) Miss Violet Marsh-> could have managed to ask the Bakers family to fake their testimony on Andrew's new will. Probably, there wasn't any new will. Being the only person with blood ties, with Andrew, was upset about the Andrew not leaving anything to her. However, Violet claimed to be disinterested in the inheritance, since she had not done according to Andrew's wishes and Andrew had the rights to give his fortune to anyone he wished.

3) Mr and Mrs Bakers-> could have stolen the new will or in cahoot with Miss Violet. However, there wasn't any difference in their inheritance in old and new will. Mrs Bakers seemed to have better mind than her husband and was able to tell the details of new will by relating to other activities.

4) Employed workman from Plymouth-> had the opportunity to go to Mr Andrew's study room. However they provided valid and important information about Mr Andrew's study, that there was a secret compartment in the study which could be accessed by the switches.

Leads:
- The wills were written very clearly with date and the time of writting. If a will was written half an hour later, would render the older will useless.
- Poirot found an envelope but it was too small to contain the large will-form.

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (10/11)

The Adventure of the Italian Noblemen

Murdered:
Court Foscatini-> made a phone call to Dr Hawker and said that he had been killed. Dr Hawker, Poirot and Hasting rushed to Court Foscatini's apartment and found him dead.
-> was dealt with a terrible blow on the head by a marble statue
-> hand was grasping the telephone.
-> (On Mr Graves' account) was expected to have dinner with 2 other Italian men.
-> The murder time was speculated at 8:47pm. The autopsy of the body, the stopped clock and the phonecall timing were consistent.

Court Foscatini's dinning table:
-> a dish of fruit, but the 3 dessert playes were untouched.
-> 3 Coffee cups with remains of very black coffee in them
-> a box containing cigars and cigarettes stood on the table

Suspects:
1) Signor Ascanio and a young man-> Signor Ascanio is a Man of forty. Both were dinning with Court Foscatini.
- (On Mr Graves' account, Court Foscatini was going to settle the dispute among them, on the evening dinner of the day of murder.)
- No one saw them entering or leaving the hotel other than Mr Graves
- denied of having met Court Foscatini on the day he died
- had given Court Foscatini a large sum of money in exchange of the documents incriminating papers of a great man in Italy.
2) Mr Graves-> Court Foscatini's assistant
- had left Court Foscatini's room at about 8.30pm to meet a friend for a music concert in Edgware Road.

Curious:
- (On Signor's account, Foscatini was not a court, his name did not appear in the Almanach de Gotha.

Curious:
- Can a guy being stone on the head, on the verge of dying, could make a phone call?

Leads:
- Court Foscatini did not have coffee stained teeth.

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (9/11)

The disappearance of Mr Davenheim

Mystery:
Mr Davenheim-> a great financier and an owner of his bank- Davenheim Bank
-> Disappeared after returning home to take an envelope containing some document to meet his client Mr Lowen
-> was a man with balding head and thick beard
-> No one has seen Mr Davenheim and his body wasn't found.
-> His jacket was found in a lake quite a distance from his house
-> His automobile was still left in the garage, if he had taken another mode of transport, surely he would be seen by some people.
-> Mr Lowen had come to Mr Davenheim's house looking for Mr Davenheim after the first day of Mr Davenheim's disappearance.
-> The safe containing the precious jewel was broken in, and it was discovered after Mr Lowen came to the house.

Abnormal behaviour of Mr Davenheim before disappearance:
-> Mr Davenheim had not shared the same room as his wife since 3 months ago.
-> Mr Davenheim was physically less affectionate towards his wife
-> However, Mr Davenheim always brought precious jewels for his wife from business trip

Suspects:
1) Mr Davenheim ran away unnoticed-> Hardly the case because Mr Davenheim was a well known finanical figure.
2) Billy Kellert-> a thug
- had in possession of Mr Davenheim's seal gold ring and tried to pawn it.
- had assaulted a police officer and went to jail for 3 months.- saw a man with big moustache and dark complexion coming along the road to the village, throwing a small object over the hedge
- the description of the man fits Mr Lowen.
- went over and found Mr Davenheim's ring
-> seems to be more a thief than an apparent murderer
-> was out of the prison recently and could not possibly make up a fake story which has a perfecting fitting description of Mr Lowen
-> nevertheless Billy Kellert was a baddie.

3) Mr Lowen, Mr Davenheim's business client who was supposed to meet Mr Davenheim.
- However Mr Lowen claimed that he did not managed to meet Mr Davenheim at all.
- Was testified by Billy Kellert to have seen him on the day of disappearance of Mr Davenheim near his house.
- Was in the room whereby he could have broken the safe to steal the Jewels
- However, the sound of the breaking of the safe would definitly be heard and alerted.

4) Madame Davenheim-> wife of Mr Davenheim
- The story, of Mr Lowen breaking open the Safe to steal the jewellery unnoticed while she was also in the house, was not convincing.

Leads:
- Davenhiem Bank met with financial difficult and had to wind down.

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (8/11)

The kidnapped Prime Minister

Victim:
Mr David Macadam, England's prime minister, "he alone represents England"
- a bullet grazed his chin in a failed assassination when he sticked his head out of a car window.
- was sent to a hospital to have a bandage.
- was on his way for a conference at Versailles to discuss about the disarmament of Germany after the World War I.
- was kidnapped in France on the road where it bends.

Suspects:
1) O'Murphy, Mr David MacAdam's chauffer
-> When a band of masked man came to halt the Prime Minister's car in the morning and wounded Prime Minister, O'Murphy drove the car straight away as a faithful chauffer and saved the Prime Minister's life.
-> was a CID
-> However, when he was driving the Prime Minister in France, he left the main road.
-> Went missing

2) Captain Daniel, commander in chief who accompanied the Prime Minister to France
-> was found being knocked out by someone who clapped on his face with a pad of chloroform on the mouth in France.

Leads:
-The Military of both nation, France and England could not locate Prime Minister
- The local cottage hospital which did the bandage for the Prime Minister could not be located

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (7/11)

The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan

Mystery:
A priceless piece of jewellery necklace was stolen in the Grand Metropolitan Hotel. The necklace was a pearl necklace, which was one of the finest made necklace in the world. It was also the highlights of the play. It was owned by Mrs Opalsen. She locked it in a case which had only one key to it and it was with Mrs Opalsen all the time. She left the case in a drawer with her maid, Celestine in the room. When Mr and Mrs Opalsen returned, they found out that the necklace was missing in the case. A chambermaid had been to the room and Celestine was in the room all the time and never stepped out of the room.

Suspects:
1) Celestine, the maid
-> had the most opportunity to steal the Jewellery.
-> The jewellery was found under her mattress but the case was not closed straight away
-> could possibly have a duplicate key for the case containing the jewellery but the possiblity maybe low.

2) Chambermaid
-> Celestine left her alone in the living room twice but only a short while to take scissor and a reel of cotton. She would not have the time to take out the case, unlock it, took out the necklace and hid it.
-> would think that Celestine stole it herself and trying to blame her

3) Mrs Opalsen
-> She could pull off some trick to seem like she did put in the necklace into the casing but she didn't. (Not Likely)

4) Mr Opalsen
-> Could possibly steal it and report stolen to claim insurance money.

Leads:
- There was a connecting door to the next room
- There was some french chalk applied on the roller of the drawer to make it slides smoothly
- Poirot ran a fingerprint on a valet and chambermaid

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (6/11)

The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb

Mystery:
After breaking the seal to the Egyptian tombs, 4 Egyptian tombs Archaeology excavators died one after the other. First was the heart failure,then was one blood poisoning, one suicide and finally one tetanus. All seemed to die of natural death, but not so, if they were the works of the Egyptian curse; The curse of King Men-her-Ra's tomb.

Victims:
1) Sir John Willard- Died of sudden heart attack during excavating of the tomb.
-> He was the head of excavation
2) Mr Bleibner- Died of acute blood poisoning by a cut in his thumb
-> Amateur in Archaeology but a very wealthy man who placed money in where ever pleased him.
-> more concerned with the bones of the dead than his own flesh and blood.
-> Never really helped his nephew.
-> Essential financier for the excavation.
3) Young Rupert Bleibner- Shot himself
-> Nephew of Mr Bleibner
-> could have shot himself after receiving the news of the death of his uncle, Mr Bleibner
-> had borrowed money to come to Egypt.
-> Left a suicide note that considered him a Leper and an outcast, better of being dead.
-> Left a jocular will that he would leave everything to Robert Ames whom he owed his life to.


Curious:
- Mr Young Rupert Bleibner was wearing a pair of gloves when he shot himself


Suspects:
1) Curse of King Men-her-Ra-> the four deaths seemed so independent and natural

2) Mr Young Rupert Bleibner-> had come to Egypt to look for his Uncle and could have vengeance on his uncle who never helped him, and committed suicide when he realised how unneccessary was his crime.
3) Dr Tosswill, a minor official connected with British Musem

4) Mr Schneider, from Metropolitian Museum in New York

5) Dr Ames, a doctor.

6) Hassan, Sir John Willard's devoted native servant
-> Quite unlikely to have killed his own master
-> Serves Sir John Willard's Son like the previous master

Leads:
- Anubis, the jackal-headed, the god of departing soul, the dog-headed shadow figure was seen roaming about outside the tents. It was seen to have entered Dr Ames' tent.
- The power of superstition

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (5/11)

The Million Dollar Bond Robbery

Mystery:
A million dollar worth of liberty bonds were stolen on a liner traveling to New York. Liberty bonds were war bonds that were used to steal to the citizens so as to raise funds for World War I. The bonds were put into a casing that was fitted with extraordinary locks which could be only by the key. The bonds were entrusted to Mr Philips Ridgeway custody to bring it safely to New York. The bonds were found stolen when the cruise, Olympia was in sea. A thorough search was conducted on board, but could not find them. It was later discovered that the bonds were sold in the market 30mins after the cruise had docked in New York.

How was the bonds discovered lost?
-> Mr Philips Ridgeway's cabin trunk was taken out from the bunk. The casing containing the Bonds was scatched and cut about where they had tried to force the lock. However, the lock was open. If the thief had the key to open the lock, there was no need to meddle with the casing.
-> Mr Ridgeway claimed that the key had never left him.
-> The theft was conducted just a few hours before the cruise reached New York.

Suspects (the 3 key holders to the Bonds):
1) Mr Philips Ridgeway-> The keeper of the bonds.
-> Engaged to Miss Esmee Farquhar whom had great faith in Mr Ridgeway and asked Poirot to help to clear his name.
-> Mr Shaw was supposed to bring the bonds over to New York but had severe bronchitis, so Mr Ridgeway took over the job.

2) Mr Shaw-> was the one in charge of sending the bonds
-> was the one who ordered the lock for the bonds
-> was ill and could not send the bonds.
-> was not on board of the ship

3) Mr Vavasour-> Joint general Manager of the London and Scottish Bank
-> Uncle of Mr Philips Ridgeway whom had good testimony of Mr Ridgeway.

4) Mr Ventour-> occupant of the cabin which was next to Mr Ridgeway.
-> An elderly gentleman, wearing glasses, an invalid and hardly moved out of his cabin.
-> The last to get off the boat.
-> The evidence against him was little.


Leads:
-> One Broker swore that he had bought a bulk of the bonds before Olympia's arrival.
-> Gigantic liner departed for New York on the same day as Olympia, however departed from different port. Gigantic had arrived a day earlier than Olympia.

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (4/11)

The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge

Murdered:
Uncle Harrington Pace-> Shot on the head by a revolver in the gun-room of his house.
-> a rich old fellow who was living with Mr Havering and Zoe, his nephew family.
-> Never gotten along well with Mr Havering's father and elder brother.
-> Never gotten along well with other people in shooting club, could have incurred feud with others.

Suspects:
1) The black bearded man (seen by Zoe) climbing out of the window of the gun-room after the murder of Uncle Harrington. He was about middle aged and had a light overcoat.
2) Mrs Middleton, the housekeeper who was recently employed by the family a few weeks ago.
-> She was sent by Mrs Havering to call police.
-> She was with Mrs Havering when they heard the gunshot in the house.
-> After she had given her testimony to the police, she disappeared completely.
-> When inquired the maid agency, they claimed that they have no records of Mrs Middleton. The Havering family had sent a sum of money for the employment of a maid, but they did not specify who.
3) Mrs Havering Zoe, used to be an actress at the Frivolity.
-> She was with Mrs Middleton when they heard the gunshot in the house.
4) Mr Roger Havering, Husband of Zoe, claimed to be living harmoniously with Uncle Harrington. He was on a train to London when the Murder of Mr Harrington Pace took place. Captain Hastings had seen him on the train.

Leads: Mrs Havering Zoe was never seen with Mrs Middleton.

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (3/11)

The adventure of the Cheap Flat

Mystery:
Mr Robinson's family read about an advertisement of an apartment of the Montagu Mansion, which is next a big handsome looking building, Knightsbridge. That particular apartment is renting out at ridiculously cheap rate of £80 per month instead of £350. No premium. The furniture is sold at £50 and new occupants are to move in immediately. Mr Robinson and his family got this deal! What a catch!

Curious:
-> The explanation of the dirt cheap rental rate= the place could be haunted or the owner is lunatic with a taste of philanthropy.
-> The advertisement has been up for some time, Mr Robinson was definitely not the first to enquire about the flat. Neighbour of the flat would think that it is a scam to trick people in making futile trip here and then reject them.

Leads:
-> Shortly after Mr Robinson's family settled into their new apartment, Poirot inquired from the housing agent that Robinson had moved into the apartment 6months. Thus, it is likely that the previous owner used the name Robinson and wanted their new occupants to have the name Robinson.

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (2/11)

The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor

Murdered:
Northern Union Insurance company had asked Poirot to investigate the death of Mr Maltravers whom have insured his life with £50,000 only a few weeks ago. Mr Maltravers was found lying dead near a stone chair in his house garden. He had blood in his mouth and was initially suspected of internal bleeding, Haemorrhage, since there wasn't any external gunshot wound on the body. The verdict of heart failure was later altered to a unnatural death when a constable pointed out that there was bullet wound through the head. Mr Maltravers' rook rifle which was used to poach birds, was found beside him. Two shots fired from the little rook rifle.

Suspects:
1) Mr Maltravers committing suicide-> Perhaps Mr Maltravers was not very rich currently at all because he was on the verge of bankruptcy and all that he can leave for his young wife, was the insurance money of £50,000.
2) Mrs Maltravers-> A young lady of the age 27, with extraordinary beauty being married to the middle aged Mr Maltravers. She could possibly have persuaded her husband to take up insurance scheme with great returns and then murdered him and then remarry to a young loving man. (Based on the movie), at the time of murder, she was painting a picture of the garden infront of the house when one of the gardener broke out the news of the death of Mr Maltravers to her. Her account, before the verdict of unnatural death, that Mr Maltraver had strong premonition about his death and hence bought the insurance policy, was suspicious.
3) Captain Black-> same trade as Captain Hastings, police officer. Captain Black has been carrying a touch for Mrs Maltravers. He could possibly in cahoot with Mrs Maltravers in the murder. He was seen near to the mansion on the day of the murder. Being familiar with interrogation, Poirot had to conduct psychoanalysis on Captain Black. Poirot would think that Captain Black passed his test.

Leads:
->(Based on the movie), the overshadows in the painting of Mrs Maltravers does not reflect the time she claimed to have drawn it.
->There are some tales of the Mansion being haunted. The ghost of a deceased lady still lingers.
->Mrs Maltravers claimed to have encounters with the ghost.

Poirot Bk3: Poirot Investigates (1/11)

The Adventure of the Western Star

Mystery: The precious jewel, 'The Western Star', which was insured with 50,000pounds, was stolen. Prior to it's disappearance, there were three letters suggesting that the previous owner wants it back. The letters were believed to be from a chinaman, who was originally the keeper of the jewel, which was known to be the left eye the temple of God.

The tale of the Western Star: Two precious stones came out from the eyes of God. The left eye is called the Western Star and it shall travel around the world in west direction, while the right eye, known to be the Eastern Star, travels in east direction. When the two jewels meet again, God will come and take both of them back. Now the two jewels have arrived in England and a mysterious chinaman came to warn the owners in letters that the jewels will be taken from them.

1st Victim- Lady Yardly, the owner of the Eastern Star.
-> She was wearing a necklace with the precious Jewel on it. Just before she was about to enter the living room, she was robbed by a Chinaman from the back of the door. The robber must have pulled her while Lady Yardly's hand was on the door knob, such that Lady Yardly banged the door when she was being pulled. The robber took out the Eastern Star and threw the necklace on the floor. A small piece of a chinese looking garment was caught by the backdoor where the robber fled from.

2nd Victim- Mr Rolf, a fiance of Miss Mary Marwell. The owner of the Western Star.
-> Mr Rolf kept the Western Star in a safe deposit in the hotel. The Hotel worker, who was in charge of safe guarding the Western Star, withdrew the Jewel for a man whom he was mistaken to be Mr Rolf. On the hotel staff's account, the man had produced a signature which was identical to Mr Rolf.

Suspects:
1) The Chinaman-> He was trying to claim back the jewel. The whole story of the Western and Eastern Star could be a hoax and he was after the two expensive jewels or his purpose of helping God to recover his eyes, genuinely true. He could also try to get the jewel at a cheaper cost by coming out with the tales. Lord Yardly was willing to sell the jewel a tenth of its' originally value. No one has ever seen him, except for Lady Yardly who has seen his pigtail.
2) The owner of the Jewels, especially Mr Rolf-> they could have stolen the jewels themselves and ask for compensation from the insurance company of 50,000 pounds for the jewel being stolen by the chinaman.

Leads:
-> Lady Yardly came to Hasting with regards to the Jewel and Hastings shared with her the threatening letters from the Chinaman. Lady Yardly produced the same stories about receiving the letters from Chinaman, however she claimed that she had destroyed those letters.
-> The news about the lost of the Eastern star was published on the Newspaper. Shortly after the publish, the Western star was too reported to be lost.
-> Mr Rolf was not in a very good relationship with Miss Mary Marwell.