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.

Poirot Bk : Double Sin and other stories (3/5)

Theft of the Royal Ruby

Mystery: The prince Farouq of Egypt foolishly gave a royal ruby necklace to a seductive lady to wear, but she simply walked away with it. Thus the prince hired Poirot to retrieve the Ruby. Poirot went to the Colonel Lacey's house to search for the ruby. The night before the eating of pudding, Poirot found a warning message. 'Don't eat none of the plum pudding.' The pudding was distributed to everyone and everyone, who ate the pudding, were fine. The family made a Christmas pudding and a New Year pudding. The Christmas pudding was knocked by the children and the New Year pudding was served instead. Colonel Lacey found a ruby in the New year pudding.

Suspects:
1) Desmond Lee-Wortley-> One of the house guest. He helped the family in making the pudding.
2) Colonel Lacy-> A famous Egyptologist, one of the few who knows the royal ruby is here with the Prince of Egypt in England. He was caught in financial difficulties.

Poirot Bk : Double Sin and other stories (2/5)

Wasp's Nest

Mystery- Poirot can foresee a murder which is going to take place.

Victim:
Harrison, an author and also a friend of Poirot
-> Usually looks grim and carries a uncomfortable smile.
-> Engaged to Molly Deane who was Claude Langton's ex-girlfriend
-> Is a good friend to Claude Langton
-> Could have drunk a cup of tea, added with potassium cyanide which was mearnt to destroy the wasp's nest in Harrison's house.

Suspects:

Claude Langton
-> bought potassium cyanide for destroying wasp's nest.
-> Kind person, is helping Harrison in destroying the wasp's nest.
-> Admitted that he is still in love with Molly
-> Fails to destroy the wasp's nest after a few attempts using petrol

Leads:
-> Harrison is visiting a doctor and is likely to suffer from illness.
-> Harrison is later found with poor health and has only a month or two left.
-> Molly Deane is back with Claude Langton
-> (On Langton's account)- He bought the cyanide at Harrison's request
-> Harrison preferred the use of petrol to cyanide to destroy the wasp's nest as cyanide was seen to be dangerous.