Part of Hercule Poirot, book 41
First published 2002
An Eastern Prince travels to England carrying precious family jewels to be reset as gifts for his bride-to-be. His mistress persuades him to let her borrow an exquisite ruby piece, then vanishes with the valuable gem. Hercule Poirot takes the case and uncovers a link to Colonel and Mrs Lacey's upcoming Christmas celebration at their country estate. The detective arranges an invitation to their traditional holiday gathering, where he mingles with guests while pursuing his investigation. Surrounded by festive decorations and seasonal cheer, Poirot applies his methodical reasoning to track down the missing ruby. The case unfolds against the backdrop of Christmas pudding, family traditions, and holiday hospitality. Poirot must navigate the social dynamics of the house party while piecing together clues about the theft. His famous analytical mind works through the puzzle, leading him toward a resolution that captures both the criminal and the spirit of the season.
Genres: christmas, 20th-century, adventure, detective, agatha-christie, cozy-mystery
Vibes: atmospheric, cozy, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-detective, holiday-setting, social-dynamics
Setting: England
Period: 20th-century
304 pages · Paperback · Harper