Part of Hercule Poirot, book 0.03
First published 2013
Hercule Poirot learns about the Lemesurier family curse from their latest heir. Centuries ago, a medieval Lemesurier murdered his wife and son, believing she had been unfaithful. The dying woman cursed the family line so no firstborn son would live to inherit. The current heir tells Poirot this story, then apparently takes his own life that same night. When another heir dies, the family matriarch seeks Poirot's help. Her young son stands next in line to inherit, and he has already survived several near-fatal accidents. She fears the ancient curse will claim him next. Poirot must determine whether supernatural forces threaten the boy or whether someone uses the old curse as cover for murder. With Hastings at his side, the detective races to solve the mystery before another heir dies. The case tests Poirot's rational mind against centuries of family tragedy.
Genres: 20th-century, mystery, crime, supernatural, detective, agatha-christie
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, family-drama, supernatural-elements
Setting: Lemesurier
Period: Medieval, 20th Century
18 pages · ebook · Witness Impulse