Published in 1974, Poirot’s Early Cases is a fascinating collection of 18 short stories featuring Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s legendary detective. These tales, originally written between 1923 and 1935, showcase Poirot in his early years, solving a wide range of murders, thefts, and mysterious disappearances.
With Captain Hastings as his trusted companion and Inspector Japp often involved, this book is a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction. It is filled with intriguing puzzles, clever red herrings, and Poirot’s signature “little grey cells” at work.
Story-by-Story Review – Poirot’s Classic Investigations
1. The Affair at the Victory Ball
🎭 A costume party ends in murder, and Poirot must decipher a deadly connection between a harlequin and a radio star.
✔ A cleverly plotted tale with theatrical intrigue.
2. The Adventure of the Clapham Cook
🍞 A missing cook seems like a simple case—but Poirot uncovers a much bigger criminal plot behind her disappearance.
✔ A great example of how even small mysteries can lead to shocking discoveries.
3. The Cornish Mystery
🔪 A woman suspects her husband is trying to poison her—but when Poirot arrives, it’s already too late.
✔ A dark, suspenseful mystery with emotional depth.
4. The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly
👶 A wealthy couple’s young son is kidnapped, and Poirot must navigate a ransom demand, family secrets, and deception.
✔ A tense and well-crafted kidnapping mystery.
5. The Double Clue
💎 Poirot investigates a jewel theft, but finds himself facing a charming and clever woman who may challenge his heart and mind.
✔ A memorable introduction to Vera Rossakoff, one of Poirot’s most intriguing adversaries.
6. The King of Clubs
🃏 A murder takes place after a game of bridge, and a mysterious playing card may hold the key to solving the crime.
✔ A well-structured case with a surprising resolution.
7. The Lemesurier Inheritance
🏰 A family curse claims the lives of multiple heirs—can Poirot put a stop to the tragic deaths?
✔ A chilling, supernatural-tinged mystery.
8. The Lost Mine
🏦 A missing banker and a valuable Chinese mine lead Poirot into a case filled with international intrigue and deception.
✔ A unique, business-related mystery with exotic elements.
9. The Plymouth Express
🚂 A woman is found murdered on a train, and Poirot must untangle a web of stolen jewels, jealousy, and betrayal.
✔ A thrilling railway mystery with a sharp resolution.
10. The Chocolate Box
🍫 Poirot recalls a rare case where he failed to solve the mystery—or did he?
✔ A deeply personal and introspective story for Poirot.
11. The Submarine Plans
📜 Naval intelligence secrets are stolen, and Poirot must act fast to prevent an international disaster.
✔ A classic espionage case with high stakes.
12. The Third Floor Flat
🏢 A man is found murdered in a locked apartment, and Poirot must solve this seemingly impossible crime.
✔ A short but clever locked-room mystery.
13. Double Sin
🚌 Valuable miniatures are stolen, and Poirot investigates during a relaxing bus trip that takes a sinister turn.
✔ A charming yet suspenseful story with an unexpected culprit.
14. The Market Basing Mystery
🕵️ A man is found shot in a locked room, but Poirot quickly proves the case is not what it seems.
✔ A smartly written crime story with a major twist.
15. Wasps’ Nest
🐝 Poirot tries to prevent a murder before it happens, in a case of jealousy, betrayal, and clever misdirection.
✔ A rare Poirot story focusing on preemptive detective work.
16. The Veiled Lady
👤 A woman seeks Poirot’s help with blackmail, but he soon uncovers a much more serious crime.
✔ A thrilling mix of disguise, deception, and Poirot’s deductive brilliance.
17. Problem at Sea
🚢 A wealthy woman is found dead on a cruise ship. Poirot proves that even at sea, murder leaves clues.
✔ An intriguing travel-based mystery with an unsettling atmosphere.
18. How Does Your Garden Grow?
🌱 A murder in a beautiful garden hides a complex family secret. Only Poirot’s expertise in human nature and botany can solve it.
✔ A clever mystery with a classic Christie-style twist.
Why Poirot’s Early Cases Is a Must-Read
- A fantastic introduction to Hercule Poirot and his legendary detective skills.
- A mix of classic whodunits, locked-room mysteries, and even espionage cases.
- Poirot’s wit, charm, and “little grey cells” are on full display.
- Perfect for both longtime Christie fans and new readers.
Final Thoughts – A Brilliant Collection of Classic Poirot Mysteries
Poirot’s Early Cases is a wonderful collection of short stories that captures the essence of Agatha Christie’s storytelling. Each case is packed with suspense, clever deductions, and unexpected twists. Proving why Hercule Poirot remains one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time.
If you enjoy classic detective fiction, intricate plots, and timeless mysteries, Poirot’s Early Cases is an essential addition to your reading list!