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Guess The Story

Aurora 21 Aug 09 at 4:05 p.m. GMT

Having read the Radio Times descriptions of Poirot episodes and struggled to guess which story they are based on I thought we could have game, similiar to Guess The Character.

The rules are simply to describe a story, novel or play from the prospective of a character (not the murderer, victim or detective) and whoever gets it goes next.

A simple starter to get us going is:

"It seems strange to see all these people together again but the thank Heavens my husband loves me enough to protect me! My grief has been so intense but now we can all move on, if this strange little man will allow it."

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1163 replies

Reverse order

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Feb 12 at 1:37 p.m. GMT

The Clocks

Bunch_Marple 08 Feb 12 at 7:27 p.m. GMT

The lemesurier inheritance,....

NightRayDuck 07 Feb 12 at 7:03 p.m. GMT

Not They Do It With Mirrors, sorry. by the way, the puzzle was written completely from the view of the character in the story; supplemental brothers-actors from adapts are not necessary in solving this puzzle. :-)

the character, being the sporting young fellow that he is, would like to give a hint in his own words:

Hint 1: "My brother and I are not old men! We do not worry about getting some scratches or broken bones from exciting events."

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Feb 12 at 2:43 p.m. GMT

They Do It With Mirrors Carrie Louise gas two Stepsons whom were played by 2 Brothers in the Joan Hickson Adaptation

NightRayDuck 05 Feb 12 at 7:06 p.m. GMT

Sorry not Five Little Pigs or the Blake brothers. I can't recall exciting things happening to either Philip Blake or Meredith Blake.

Sorry Tommy, the story is not Curtain; Achille is not mentioned in the original clue, in any hint, or the story; the name only showed up in Nofret's previous guess, that's all.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Feb 12 at 11:28 a.m. GMT

Surely if Achilles is mentioned it is Curtain

Nofret 05 Feb 12 at 10:47 a.m. GMT

Well the obvious ones would be Philip and Meredith Blake from Five Little Pigs.

NightRayDuck 03 Feb 12 at 7:57 p.m. GMT

oh no, my dear Nofret! of course this is not The Big Four, seeing as the Messrs Poirot say that Achille is the older brother. 

guess again. 

Nofret 03 Feb 12 at 5:29 a.m. GMT

The Big Four - the speaker being Achille Poirot

NightRayDuck 03 Feb 12 at 1:10 a.m. GMT

"Hmph. These exciting things keep happening to my older brother. Never to me."

Nofret 01 Feb 12 at 6:17 a.m. GMT

Well done, Duck, it is indeed Murder is Easy, and pompous Lord Easterfield, who sees himself as the beneficient and wise Lord of the Manor, when most of the locals are laughing at his pretensions behind his back.

Your turn.

NightRayDuck 01 Feb 12 at 1:06 a.m. GMT

Murder Is Easy. Gordon, Lord Easterfield, has brain approx of louse but has attained a knighthood thru services of making huge amounts of money.. owning a diversity of industries.

Personally, I think Luke Fitzwilliam also doesn't see himself as others see him.. He's much too gullible, willful, and superior.

Tommy_A_Jones 31 Jan 12 at 10:58 a.m. GMT

The Man In The Brown Suit

StephenNorton 30 Jan 12 at 8:55 p.m. GMT

is it the three act tragedy?

Nofret 30 Jan 12 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

No, nobody from Seven Dials. This person is also in a position of some authority - how he attained this goodness knows!

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Jan 12 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

The 7 Dials Mystery

Nofret 29 Jan 12 at 6:13 a.m. GMT

No, unlike Michael Rogers this person is very sure of himself and his importance!

NightRayDuck 29 Jan 12 at 1:15 a.m. GMT

Endless Night? Michael Rogers is always feeling confused about what he does and what he wishes to do and what he likes and dislikes.

Nofret 28 Jan 12 at 4:55 p.m. GMT

Possibly, but it's not that story (not one of my favourites!) However, this does concern someone's fiance.

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Jan 12 at 1:17 p.m. GMT

Didn't Emily say her Fiance had the Brains of a Louse in The Sittaford Mystery?

Nofret 28 Jan 12 at 5:37 a.m. GMT

What a good answer! Unfortunately that was not the story I was thinking of, mine just concerns one main character in a story.

Mr_Graves 27 Jan 12 at 5:37 p.m. GMT

I wonder if this can be a reference to the idea in "After the Funeral" that we never see ourselves as others see us? Just a thought...

Nofret 27 Jan 12 at 11:34 a.m. GMT

No, as I said I only used  a Scottish accent and quote as it was Burns Night at the time!

This is a full-length novel.

StephenNorton 26 Jan 12 at 4:27 p.m. GMT

i have one question in my mind, about the hint you wrote. I simply wonder why you have written it in a scottish original way, so I am thinking, that you did it on purpose, so we have to figure out why. One reason may be that you like scottish accents, (btw I do I like scottish and irish accents its awesome) or you inteted to show that one character was a scottish and after a little reading I found a poirot short story with the title The Million Dollar Bond Robbery so I am asking you if I am totaly crazy and wrong with this idea?^^

Nofret 26 Jan 12 at 4:17 p.m. GMT

Well, the person in question was not a louse in the sense of lacking moral integrity, though you could say they had the brains of a louse!

treplag 26 Jan 12 at 11:35 a.m. GMT

Thanks, Nofret.  I wondered whether you meant "night".  In German, "night" is "nacht", however. The poem is called "To a Louse".  Is that an indication of the answer to the puzzle?

Nofret 26 Jan 12 at 7:03 a.m. GMT

Sorry, Treplag, that was my pathetic attempt at a Scottish accent - "nicht" is night! Stephen - it's not The Face of Helen, but I think mine is also pretty obvious!

treplag 25 Jan 12 at 6:06 p.m. GMT

Nofret - What do you mean by "nicht the nicht"?  Is that a Scottish phrase?  I know that "nicht" in German means "not".

StephenNorton 25 Jan 12 at 5:15 p.m. GMT

I am not sure if my reasoning is a little too obvious for there exists actually a character in a mysterious mister Quinn story with the same name as the writter of this poem. So my first guess will be The Face of Helen

Nofret 25 Jan 12 at 4:22 p.m. GMT

Thank you, Stephen.

As it is Burns nicht the nicht, how about this clue from Rabbie -

Oh, wad some power the giftie gie us

To see oursels as ithers see us!

StephenNorton 25 Jan 12 at 11:42 a.m. GMT

Concratulation Nofret you got the story once again^^ so Its your turn now^^

Nofret 25 Jan 12 at 5:23 a.m. GMT

The Fourth Man from The Hound of Death? Referring to Felicite's multiple personalities.

StephenNorton 24 Jan 12 at 7:52 p.m. GMT

No ti is not the pale horse^^ It is actualy a very unusual story^^

NightRayDuck 24 Jan 12 at 7:51 p.m. GMT

story might be Pale Horse.

StephenNorton 24 Jan 12 at 5:03 p.m. GMT

No not quite from bernhard, Clair is ofcourse an anagram to refere to this person but as well a character of a fictional story called Umineko no naku koro ni chiru. This series is based on some concept of the AC books, like ATTWN. But to return to the main topic. Its not the big four^^

Nofret 24 Jan 12 at 4:56 p.m. GMT

Is it a quote from Bernard of Clairvaux?

Sounds like Number 4 from The Big Four - the man of many faces!

StephenNorton 24 Jan 12 at 6:13 a.m. GMT

ok here comes the hint:

"Oh I am one yet many"(quote from Umineko no naku koro ni, clair vaux bernardus) I know its a quote from something entirely different but I still think it fits the story very well^^

Nofret 24 Jan 12 at 6:02 a.m. GMT

Well done, Stephen, the story is indeed The Gypsy.

Your turn.

StephenNorton 24 Jan 12 at 4:11 a.m. GMT

sorry for the double reply^^ But I want to specify my answer so I choose The gypsy^^

StephenNorton 23 Jan 12 at 7:15 p.m. GMT

so is it either the gipsy the red signal or SOS?

StephenNorton 23 Jan 12 at 7:15 p.m. GMT

so is it either the gipsy the red signal or SOS?

Nofret 23 Jan 12 at 7:09 p.m. GMT

Not The Call of Wings, but you've got the right book.

StephenNorton 23 Jan 12 at 9:37 a.m. GMT

is it perhaps the call of wings from the collection the hound of death?

Nofret 23 Jan 12 at 6:41 a.m. GMT

It's a short story.

StephenNorton 22 Jan 12 at 4:26 p.m. GMT

may I ask you if you`re speaking of a shortstory or a fulllenght novel?

Nofret 21 Jan 12 at 5:53 a.m. GMT

No, it's not M. Renauld and Murder on the Links.

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Jan 12 at 1:55 p.m. GMT

Murder On The Links

Nofret 20 Jan 12 at 11:01 a.m. GMT

No, it's not MOTOE, and the fearful man is not a criminal of any kind.

StephenNorton 19 Jan 12 at 4:25 p.m. GMT

Dear nofret, is the story perhaps Murder on the Orientexpress. If it is so, then the "he told me he feard for his life" would refere to Samuel Edward Ratchett.

Nofret 17 Jan 12 at 4 p.m. GMT

Yes, it's particularly amusing when you compare it to the Sherlock Holmes story The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax! Anyway, try this one -

He told me that he feared for his life, and I did not believe him. Now someone owes me an explanation.

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Jan 12 at 11:07 a.m. GMT

Correct Nofret, My Favourite story in the book.

Nofret 17 Jan 12 at 5:33 a.m. GMT

The Tommy and Tuppence story The Case of the Missing Lady, when Tuppence realises that they should be searching in the Maldon in Sussex, not Surrey?

StephenNorton 16 Jan 12 at 2:02 p.m. GMT

Tommy_A_Jones

No in every sense of the word.

well you said earlier, that miss marple wasnt in this story, but do you mean she wasnt there when the event happened, or is ti realy, that this short story is one neither staring Poirot nor Miss Marple in any sense of the word.

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Jan 12 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

No in every sense of the word.

StephenNorton 15 Jan 12 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

Well then is it an Hercule Poirot Short story? perhaps the plymouth express?

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Jan 12 at 2:20 p.m. GMT

No Miss Marple is not in this story

StephenNorton 15 Jan 12 at 12:48 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

The companion a miss marple short story for it is the wrong one of the two english women whom seemed to have died.

Tommy_A_Jones 13 Jan 12 at 1:31 p.m. GMT

I am afraid you are both wrong

Nofret 13 Jan 12 at 5:59 a.m. GMT

The Bird with the Broken Wing - the wrong string is replaced on the ukulele?

NightRayDuck 13 Jan 12 at 2:52 a.m. GMT

perhaps "The Harlequin Tea Set", in which Mr. Satterthwaite realizes that the pattern of family resemblance does not fit the familial relationships recognized by the family?

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Jan 12 at 1:23 p.m. GMT

No sorry Nofret.

Isn't situation or scenario roughly the same thing Ray? Anyway I think you are on the right track, BIG HINT time again, It is a short story I am thinking about. 

Nofret 12 Jan 12 at 8:48 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

After thr Funeral? Helen realises that Cora tilts her head the wrong way?

NightRayDuck 11 Jan 12 at 9:36 p.m. GMT

A situation or scenario? "The pattern does not fit" type of comment?

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Jan 12 at 1:56 p.m. GMT

BIG hint comong up; You can't hold the right one or the wrong one.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Jan 12 at 11:20 a.m. GMT

No Try again

NightRayDuck 10 Jan 12 at 6:44 a.m. GMT

A Murder Is Announced ? There's the substitution of one lamp for another, among some other substitutions.

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Dec 11 at 10:57 a.m. GMT

No try again

Mr_west 19 Dec 11 at 3:47 p.m. GMT

There are so many stories in which this sentence would fit. Many wrong things happen in Christie's world  (:

A Pocket Full of Rye?

Tommy_A_Jones 19 Dec 11 at 11:20 a.m. GMT

No sorry, try again

Mr_west 18 Dec 11 at 5:14 p.m. GMT

The short story Accident?

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Dec 11 at 11:07 a.m. GMT

If this is a quote it is a Coincidence, I think someone would say it to someone else.

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Dec 11 at 1:43 p.m. GMT

"Of Course, It's the wrong one"

Mr_west 14 Dec 11 at 3:06 p.m. GMT

Correct Tommy (:

Your turn

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Dec 11 at 2:59 p.m. GMT

I think it is called Greenshaw's Folly

Mr_west 14 Dec 11 at 11:54 a.m. GMT

No Tommy, but  there is indeed a big manor house in that story (:

Tommy_A_Jones 13 Dec 11 at 2:58 p.m. GMT

The House Of Howling Death

Mr_west 12 Dec 11 at 3:28 p.m. GMT

No Tommy. It's not a full-length novel.

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Dec 11 at 11:18 a.m. GMT

Third Girl

Mr_west 11 Dec 11 at 12:07 p.m. GMT

No Tommy, it's not the Pale Horse.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Dec 11 at 2:31 p.m. GMT

Pale Horse

Mr_west 10 Dec 11 at 5:39 a.m. GMT

Thank you Ray (:

"Wow! This place is one of the most beautiful, and will be added to my collection shortly. It only need one little dramatic thing to make it perfect..."

Mr_west 10 Dec 11 at 5:39 a.m. GMT

Thank you Ray (:

"Wow! This place is one of the most beautiful, and will be add to my collection shortly. It only need one little dramatic thing to make it perfect..."

NightRayDuck 09 Dec 11 at 8 p.m. GMT

Yes Mr. West! Your turn. :-)

Mr_west 09 Dec 11 at 11:37 a.m. GMT

Sounds familiar...  I think the story is The Strange Case of Sir Arthur Carmicheal, and the one who talks is Arthur's fiancee. 

NightRayDuck 09 Dec 11 at 1:19 a.m. GMT

"Oh, everything was going well between us, and suddenly this happens! And the house seems haunted by a cat..."

Nofret 08 Dec 11 at 5:22 a.m. GMT

Spot on, Duck, Mrs Peters and son Willard! Over to you!

NightRayDuck 07 Dec 11 at 9:46 p.m. GMT

aah... Mrs. what'shername.. her son an archaeology nerd gets kidnapped. handled by Mr. Parker Pyne, in short story "The Oracle at Delphi".

Nofret 07 Dec 11 at 7:44 p.m. GMT

Not Nemesis.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Dec 11 at 1:37 p.m. GMT

Nemesis

Nofret 07 Dec 11 at 12:46 p.m. GMT

It's not from Partners in Crime, and I think the speaker would be somewhat older than Christine Shannon.

NightRayDuck 06 Dec 11 at 5:47 p.m. GMT

I was thinking about Sparkling Cyanide for a while, Miss Christine Shannon out on a date with Mr. Pedro Morales when at a nearby table some man choked and died. On the other hand, I don't suppose Miss Shannon would have thought of it as a terrible thing that she'd need to seek help for, so I guess that's not it.

Tommy_A_Jones 06 Dec 11 at 3:02 p.m. GMT

Is it one of the short stories in Partners in Crime

Nofret 06 Dec 11 at 6:45 a.m. GMT

No, Tommy, and no-one gets stabbed in the dark!

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Dec 11 at 11:07 a.m. GMT

Another stab in the Dark Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

Nofret 05 Dec 11 at 5:32 a.m. GMT

Not The Sittaford Mystery, Mr G.

Mr_Graves 04 Dec 11 at 6:37 p.m. GMT

A stab in the dark, so to speak: Is it "The Sittaford Mystery"? I seem to recall some of the bright young things feeling bored by the table-turning...

Nofret 04 Dec 11 at 9:37 a.m. GMT

Thank you, Mr G.

He was having such a good time that I didn't have the heart to tell him how bored I was. And now this terrible thing has happened! Which one can I turn to for help?

Mr_Graves 03 Dec 11 at 7:17 p.m. GMT

Quite right, Nofret. You've said it all! Your turn...

Nofret 03 Dec 11 at 9:28 a.m. GMT

Is it Swan Song, Paula Nazorkoff realises the significance of thelocation of the stately home where she ha been asked to perform?

Mr_Graves 02 Dec 11 at 4:08 a.m. GMT

Not "The Seven Dials Mystery" and not "The Hound of Death", but Nofret is closest as it is a short story...

Nofret 01 Dec 11 at 8:33 a.m. GMT

Is the story The Hound of Death, and the narrator's mention of what she had done in Belgium leads Sister Marie Angelique to remember how she summoned the Hound?

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Nov 11 at 11:50 a.m. GMT

Is it the letter sent from Bundle to Lorraine in Seven Dials Mystery?

Mr_Graves 28 Nov 11 at 2:38 a.m. GMT

The information does not come from those stories. I can tell you that the information regarded a certain place.

Nofret 25 Nov 11 at 12:10 p.m. GMT

Is it the odd coded letter in The Four Suspects?

GKCfan 25 Nov 11 at 1:38 a.m. GMT

Romaine being told about something regarding Leonard Vole's case in "Witness for the Prosecution?"

Mr_Graves 24 Nov 11 at 6:20 p.m. GMT

All of these guesses are incorrect, I'm afraid. The story in question is in fact a short story. The piece of information was thought to be trivial, but it made a connection with the foreign woman...

Nofret 24 Nov 11 at 8:06 a.m. GMT

Olga Seminoff from Halloween Party?

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Nov 11 at 1:19 p.m. GMT

Nofret from Death Comes As The End

NightRayDuck 22 Nov 11 at 9:25 p.m. GMT

A foreigner? I was about to guess Mark Easterbrook and Ginger Corrigan in The Pale Horse. When I re-read the clue today, though, I don't think the information they shared would qualify as "news", so that's not it. hmm. 

Mr_Graves 22 Nov 11 at 6:05 p.m. GMT

A good guess, but not a Miss Marple book at all. Another hint: The woman who received information was foreign. 

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Nov 11 at 11:04 a.m. GMT

A Murder Is Announced

Mr_Graves 21 Nov 11 at 6:13 p.m. GMT

Not that either, this information did lead to somebody's death though...

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Nov 11 at 11:33 a.m. GMT

At Bertram's Hotel

Mr_Graves 20 Nov 11 at 6:40 p.m. GMT

The story is not a Poirot novel, no.

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Nov 11 at 1:23 p.m. GMT

Hastings in The Mysterious Affair At Styles

Mr_Graves 13 Nov 11 at 5:52 p.m. GMT

Ooh yes, a very clever disguise! I love the bit in the adapt when Poirot whips off his hairpiece to reveal... An extremely similar-looking man! Here's my story clue:

"Well I'll be! Little did I imagine when I told her what an effect the news would have. And now look!" 

Nofret 13 Nov 11 at 5:59 a.m. GMT

Well done, Mr Graves, it is Billy Kellett, alias.........?

Your turn.

Mr_Graves 12 Nov 11 at 6:34 p.m. GMT

Is this Billy Kellet from "The Disappearance of Mr Davenheim"?

Mr_Graves 12 Nov 11 at 6:34 p.m. GMT

Is this Billy Kellet from "The Disappearance of Mr Davenheim"?

Nofret 12 Nov 11 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

No, it's not Venables or anyone from The Pale Horse. Clue - the previous conviction was for a petty crime.

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Nov 11 at 1:25 p.m. GMT

His Name is Venables

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Nov 11 at 11:19 a.m. GMT

The Man In The Wheelchair in Pale Horse

Nofret 12 Nov 11 at 9:11 a.m. GMT

No, I'm sure Zachariah Osbourne wasn't previously known to the police.

Mr_Graves 11 Nov 11 at 10:28 p.m. GMT

Is this story "The Pale Horse"? It may be Zachariah Osbourne speaking...

Nofret 10 Nov 11 at 6:38 a.m. GMT

Thank you, Cameron.

 Well, I admitted to the police that I'd got "previous". But I gave them a good description of the man I saw that day, and what he'd done. Once they bring him in I should be safe.

cameronjhw 09 Nov 11 at 6:19 p.m. GMT

Bravo it is the motherly and plain looking Hilda. Your turn...

Nofret 09 Nov 11 at 7:58 a.m. GMT

This sounds like Hercule Poirot's Christmas, from the point of view of Hilda Lee.

cameronjhw 08 Nov 11 at 1:31 p.m. GMT

Thank You Nofret I think I have come up with a good one and here it is:

"It seems odd being here I do hope things will be all right for him. I will do my best to take care of him. So far things are not too stressful...perhaps there won't be any painful memories to be raked up now...but perhaps it might turn out to be a good thing...I wonder how he will feel when he meets Him after all this time...Oh I honestly hope that he won't be upset otherwise I will have to do something...

Nofret 08 Nov 11 at 7:39 a.m. GMT

Well done, Cameron, it is Hickory Dickory Dock, as seen through the eyes of Patricia Lane. Actually I was thinking that the cruel act was the spoiling of Elizabeth's work, whereas the lark was the bet and the stealing of the poisons.

Over to you.

NightRayDuck 07 Nov 11 at 8:48 p.m. GMT

ah. that explains the lark. Patricia Lane. because of Nigel pouring green ink on another lodger's notes, and all that.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Nov 11 at 1:54 p.m. GMT

It's obviously Patricia Lane as she was the last to be killed I think.

cameronjhw 07 Nov 11 at 1:14 p.m. GMT

Is it either Patricia Lane who is devoted to Nigel Chapman or is it Sir Arthur Stanley who reveals the motives of the crimes in his document that was entrusted to his lawyer in Hickory Dickory Dock

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Nov 11 at 11:14 a.m. GMT

I can't remember her name I shall guess Sally Finch, If not her I have one Idea left

Nofret 07 Nov 11 at 9:19 a.m. GMT

Right character, Tommy, wrong name. Celia was the first victim.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Nov 11 at 10:53 a.m. GMT

The last victim in Hickory Dickory Dock about Nigel, I think her name is Celia

Nofret 05 Nov 11 at 5:52 a.m. GMT

Good guess, but not The Case of the Caretaker.

NightRayDuck 04 Nov 11 at 8:26 p.m. GMT

Miss Marple short story "The Case of the Caretaker"? Clarice Vane about the man who left town in disgrace, came back married to a rich wife, and then became a widower to said rich wife?

Nofret 04 Nov 11 at 5:27 p.m. GMT

Thank you, Tommy.

I don't believe those accusations against him, he wouldn't be so cruel. Yes, I know there was that other business, but that was just a lark. He's not bad, he just needs someone to take care of him........

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Nov 11 at 2:18 p.m. GMT

Right Book but when Miss Hinchcliffe heard about the Article she thought it would mean drinking Cheap sherry, Miss Blakelock said it was the young man's doing (I can't rememberr his name just now) I think it more than likely Miss Hinchcliffe would think this too, Over to you Nofret.

Nofret 03 Nov 11 at 4:43 p.m. GMT

Is it A Murder is Announced, and the choice ingredients used for Dora Bunner's birthday treat?

Tommy_A_Jones 03 Nov 11 at 11:22 a.m. GMT

No the man ididn't do anyting but the person in my clue who is a third person thought he had got the ball rolling as it wasd although in the book the third person doen't say she thought that I have just used my artistic liscence and have her think he did, in the Book she doesn't actually call the woman a 'skinflint' but she does think she will use cheep produce The 'Skinflint' and the man are not Husband and wife or Mother and Son or Brother and sister come to that.

Sorry if I have been misleading.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 02 Nov 11 at 6:06 p.m. GMT

is the woman who is a skinflint and the man who's doing it was, married to each other?

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Nov 11 at 2:34 p.m. GMT

It is a Novel Not The Sittaford Mystery

Nofret 02 Nov 11 at 6 a.m. GMT

Is it Jim St Vincent from The Listerdale Mystery?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 01 Nov 11 at 6:31 p.m. GMT

Is this a novel or short story?

Tommy_A_Jones 01 Nov 11 at 11:31 a.m. GMT

Not The Sittaford Mystery and the woman being talked about is not wealthy although she does have a servant

Nofret 01 Nov 11 at 7:18 a.m. GMT

Could it be Ronnie Garfield in The Sittaford Mystery?

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Oct 11 at 1:22 p.m. GMT

I am afraid you aren't on the right track Ray, the person these words are not actually said so it isn't a quote the person the I imagine being talked about has got relations who appear in the book.  hope this isn't too Confusing for anyone and it helps.

NightRayDuck 27 Oct 11 at 9:31 p.m. GMT

Not a problem, Tommy. I am emptying my head in preparation for reading Elephants Can Remember, so I couldn't have thought of the correct character until GKC confirmed that you got the right story.

To get our friends on this puzzle, tho, I'll guess this character is talking about a wealthy woman who is starting to be stingy to friends and family after having a new boyfriend / husband?

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Oct 11 at 2:04 p.m. GMT

I should have said thankyou to Ray aswell, Thankyou Ray.

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Oct 11 at 1:18 p.m. GMT

Thankyou, I will then and hope it isn't too easy;

Well this is nice, even if she has been a bit of a skinflint, I bet it WAS all his doing.

GKCfan 21 Oct 11 at 5:57 a.m. GMT

Yes!  

Tommy, if you want to go next, please do!

NightRayDuck 21 Oct 11 at 5:31 a.m. GMT

Lord Caterham about:

the annoying Honorable George Lomax, usually demanding that Caterham should put his free time and his house to political uses, and now asking for his daughter's hand in marriage.

the daughter, of course beloved, seems to have found a suitable husband.

the future bridegroom is a young man that Lord Caterham has found quite likeable.

If that is so, I think Tommy should take the turn putting up the next quiz. Thank you.

GKCfan 21 Oct 11 at 4:02 a.m. GMT

Tommy_A_Jones is almost right about everything except... the speaker is not Bill.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 20 Oct 11 at 6:36 p.m. GMT

Towards Zero - Nevile Strange talking about Mr Treves?

NightRayDuck 09 Oct 11 at 2:31 a.m. GMT

or Colonel Race speaking about Anne Beddingfield, maybe?

Mr_Graves 09 Oct 11 at 2:18 a.m. GMT

I have a feeling that this might be "The Man in the Brown Suit". It could be Anne Beddingfield speaking of Colonel Race...

Tommy_A_Jones 03 Oct 11 at 1:38 p.m. GMT

The Seven Dials Mystery Bill speaking about his annoying boss, the Girl he loves is Bundle 

GKCfan 02 Oct 11 at 8:11 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.  Here's a hint.  The speaker is a man, and this is not from a Poirot book.  It is from a novel, though.

Nofret 02 Oct 11 at 9:19 a.m. GMT

Is it Barbara Allen from Murder in the Mews talking about the blackmailing Major Eustace?

NightRayDuck 02 Oct 11 at 1:20 a.m. GMT

may I ask if the "most precious tihng in my life" is

a) a person?

b) an object?

c) a state of mind or a state of being, such as freedom?

d) something else?

Thank you.

GKCfan 30 Sep 11 at 9:15 p.m. GMT

No to both, sorry.  Poirot does not appear in this story.

Nofret 30 Sep 11 at 8:49 p.m. GMT

Murder on the Links from the point of view of Marthe Daubreuil?

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Sep 11 at 11:49 a.m. GMT

The Hollow Henrietta Sevenake's speaking

GKCfan 29 Sep 11 at 8:56 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Sep 11 at 1:48 p.m. GMT

Death On The Nile Jaqueline Debellefort moaning about Poirot

GKCfan 28 Sep 11 at 8:18 p.m. GMT

"Why can't he just leave me alone?  He's so annoying, and he's interrupting my attempts to do something that I really enjoy.  And now he's asking for the most precious thing in my life... Wait, what?  Things aren't going to turn out how that irritating fellow wants?  Excellent!  But it looks like someone I love and someone I like will be happy enough..."

Nofret 28 Sep 11 at 8:11 p.m. GMT

Well done, GKCfan, it's The Flock of Geryon seen through the eyes of Emmeline Clegg.

Over to you.

GKCfan 28 Sep 11 at 6:48 a.m. GMT

Is this "The Flock of Geryon" from The Labors of Hercules?  Is Amy Carnaby's friend speaking?

Nofret 28 Sep 11 at 5:55 a.m. GMT

It's not from Halloween Party. Clue - Poirot sends an inexperienced person into a dangerous situation as a double agent.

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Sep 11 at 1:08 p.m. GMT

The Female Murderer in Halloween Party

Nofret 27 Sep 11 at 12:38 p.m. GMT

Hastings does not appear in this story.

Clue - Feeling groovy, man!

Tommy_A_Jones 26 Sep 11 at 1:46 p.m. GMT

Does Hastings appear in the story?

Nofret 25 Sep 11 at 7:36 a.m. GMT

Not Murder on the Links. Clue - the "friend" has a little friend who doesn't appear in this story.

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Sep 11 at 1:48 p.m. GMT

The Widow in Murder On The Links

Nofret 23 Sep 11 at 4:14 p.m. GMT

It's a Poirot story.

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Sep 11 at 1:56 p.m. GMT

Does the story feature;

a) Mr Quin

b) Parker Pyne

c) Poirot

d) None of the above

Nofret 22 Sep 11 at 8:36 a.m. GMT

It's d) some other!

Hope you're not about to waddle off

NightRayDuck 21 Sep 11 at 6:14 p.m. GMT

Um, permission to ask another barefaced question before I duck out of sight..

Is the "friend" a) Miss Jane Marple, b) Miss Felicity Lemon, c) Mrs. Ariadne Oliver, or d) some other, not mentioned above ?

Thank you.

Nofret 21 Sep 11 at 4:22 p.m. GMT

Not Amelia Rymer nor Jane Helier. Clue - there's a very amusing copper in this story!

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Sep 11 at 2:54 p.m. GMT

I meant from The Bungalow

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Sep 11 at 1:21 p.m. GMT

Is it Jane Hellier?

InspectorGrant 21 Sep 11 at 12:29 p.m. GMT

Is it Mrs. Amelia Rymer from Parker Pyne's The Case of the Rich Woman?

Nofret 21 Sep 11 at 5:27 a.m. GMT

It's a short story, Duck.

NightRayDuck 21 Sep 11 at 3:42 a.m. GMT

I'll be very impertinent and ask a very bold and barefaced question..

Is this a full-length novel, or is this a short story? Thank you.

Nofret 20 Sep 11 at 3:33 p.m. GMT

It's still not Emily Inglethorpe, and it's not Lady Grayle. Clue - the friend is a much-loved Christie character.

InspectorGrant 20 Sep 11 at 1:29 p.m. GMT

Lady Ariadne Grayle from the short story 'Death on the Nile?'

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Sep 11 at 11:41 a.m. GMT

Mrs Inglethorpe from The Mysterious Affair At Styles

Nofret 20 Sep 11 at 6:25 a.m. GMT

Another clue, if you haven't already guessed, the object of the rich lady's affections is a wrong 'un!

Nofret 17 Sep 11 at 5:25 a.m. GMT

The friend has been a long-time and close friend to the rich woman, though she does not necessarily agree with what she intends to do with her money!

NightRayDuck 17 Sep 11 at 3:23 a.m. GMT

I mean, OR has the rich woman only recently made acquaintance with this "friend"? Thank you.

NightRayDuck 17 Sep 11 at 3:17 a.m. GMT

may I ask if the "friend" (who agrees about this gratitude) is a long-time or close friend to this rich woman?

Nofret 16 Sep 11 at 6:42 a.m. GMT

Not Adelaide - clue, the "gratitude"  is financial!

Mr_Graves 16 Sep 11 at 12:31 a.m. GMT

Is it Adelaide Jefferson from "The Body in the Library"? Just a random guess...

Nofret 15 Sep 11 at 5:48 a.m. GMT

Good guess, but not Mrs Rymer, though this woman was rich.

NightRayDuck 14 Sep 11 at 7:08 p.m. GMT

"The Case of the Rich Woman", the character being the rich woman Amelia Rymer?

Nofret 14 Sep 11 at 6:31 p.m. GMT

Not Carrie Louise, this lady is a widow.

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Sep 11 at 12:09 p.m. GMT

Carrie Louise They Do It With Mirrors

Nofret 13 Sep 11 at 4:10 p.m. GMT

No, this person isn't as selfish as Mrs Leidner.

Tommy_A_Jones 13 Sep 11 at 11:19 a.m. GMT

Mrs Leidner

Nofret 13 Sep 11 at 4:50 a.m. GMT

Not Emily Inglethorpe, Tommy.

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Sep 11 at 2:46 p.m. GMT

Emily Inglethorpe The Mysterious Affair At Styles

To Ray I am the same I think which is why I haven't given my Guess The Object to GKC. 

Nofret 12 Sep 11 at 7:45 a.m. GMT

Thank you, Duck.

I had been so lonely since my dear husband died - then I met him and my life changed. He has brought me so much happiness, why should I not show him my gratitude? I think my friend agrees with me.

NightRayDuck 12 Sep 11 at 3 a.m. GMT

Nofret is correct! apart from minor spelling differences from what I read in my edition. The story is "The Man from the Sea", the character is Anthony Cosdon. Your turn, Nofret. :-)

Tommy- I appreciate you bringing in the exact title of the story you're thinking of. I suppose I am very literal-minded when I write up a clue. I was thinking of the way that Cosdon walked all the way up the hill until he'd arrived at the cliff edge - and then found some stranger sitting there already.

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Sep 11 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

To be Exact At The Bells and Motley

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Sep 11 at 11:11 a.m. GMT

Is it From The Bell and Motley?

Nofret 11 Sep 11 at 6:54 a.m. GMT

Antony Cosden from The Man from the Sea?

NightRayDuck 11 Sep 11 at 3:23 a.m. GMT

"This isn't so well-known as a vacation spot, but just right here it's a great view! Here, one can have peace and quiet and be alone with one's own thoughts... It's odd, the way there's always someone else here when I come up." 

Note: the unhappy-face smiley is from the character discussing this story.

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Sep 11 at 11:23 a.m. GMT

Well Done Ray, you are right, It is one of my favourite short stories, I love the way Agatha Christie didn't rely on Murder for all her stories, This would need a lot of Padding if ITV did it and they would probably add a Murder or 2.

Your Turn.

NightRayDuck 08 Sep 11 at 8:46 p.m. GMT

the elderly lawyer in the first round of The Thirteen Problems, regarding his telling of the incident entitled "Motive vs. Opportunity"? Miss Marple says his narration has a trick in it.

Nofret 08 Sep 11 at 4:03 p.m. GMT

Is it Jane Helier in The Affair at the Bungalow?

Tommy_A_Jones 08 Sep 11 at 11:57 a.m. GMT

Nofret is the closest so far, Maurice Denhama also played Japp in The Alphabet Murders and he played Poirot in the Audio version of The Mystery of The Blue Train

Nofret is closest so far.  

Nofret 08 Sep 11 at 9:14 a.m. GMT

Is it Dolly Bantry after telling her story in The Herb of Death?

NightRayDuck 08 Sep 11 at 2:46 a.m. GMT

might possibly be Hercule Poirot's Christmas from the point of view of the girl calling herself Pilar..

InspectorGrant 07 Sep 11 at 3:29 p.m. GMT

Yes, you are quite right, Tommy - Maurice Denham played Mr. Parker Pyne twice, and also Luther Crackenthorpe in the 4:50 From Paddington, and also he played Inspector Japp in The ABC Murders back in 1965.  I also think I have seen him in the role of Mr. Justice Walgrave, but it is probably wishful thinking as he would have been perfect in the role.

Your quote sounds like Poirot justifying himself to Hastings about some of the dubious methods he employs, like lying for example, but will have to work on this.  When Hastings says that 'it isn't playing the game' he often says something like 'murder is not a game, my friend'.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Sep 11 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

Wasn't \Maurice Denham in that as Parker Pyne? he has played 3 AC Characters, anyway here goes;

I don't care what anyone says, it is playing fair

InspectorGrant 07 Sep 11 at 1:37 p.m. GMT

Nice work, Tommy - the adaptation of this short story featured Gwen Watford as Maria Packington, the middle-aged wife in question.  Gwen Watford also portrayed Dolly Bantry in the Joan Hickson Miss Marple series.

Over to you.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Sep 11 at 1:11 p.m. GMT

The Case of The Midlle-Aged Wife

InspectorGrant 07 Sep 11 at 12:28 p.m. GMT

Close, Tommy, the title isn't quite right...

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Sep 11 at 12:07 p.m. GMT

The Case of The Discontented Wife

InspectorGrant 07 Sep 11 at 6:42 a.m. GMT

Am almost tempted to give you this one, Duck, because you have the right novel but the wrong story.  Sadly 'The Case of the Discontented Husband' was never filmed - a pity, because it is very funny.  The story I am after has practically an identical plot, and has been filmed which was in one of the clues I provided.

Over to you - good luck this time! 

NightRayDuck 06 Sep 11 at 11:09 p.m. GMT

unless the metaphor might be that the goose tries to cook the gander, and then the gander cooks the goose... then the story is far more likely the umm Case of Discontented Husband, which went through Mr. Parker Pyne's happiness agency?

NightRayDuck 06 Sep 11 at 11:06 p.m. GMT

I never remember any actors from the few adapts that I have seen, so I am going to get straight to next guess...

"A Fruitful Sunday", when the young couple find the brilliant jewelry and the girl wants to keep it and the other is worried, and then the young man wants her to have it just when she's panicking and thinking they really should turn it in?

InspectorGrant 06 Sep 11 at 4:22 p.m. GMT

No, sorry Tommy but absolutely no crime is committed in this story.

Duck has been the closest with 'The Manhood of Edward Robinson' except that that isn't it.

Tommy_A_Jones 06 Sep 11 at 2:14 p.m. GMT

The Blue Gerranium.

InspectorGrant 06 Sep 11 at 2:07 p.m. GMT

Sorry, not this one Tommy (I saw this only the other night and thought that I had seen Terrence Hardiman before - apart from in 'Cadfael' - now I know!)

You are quite right with one of the series being Miss Marple.  And don't forget that this is a very much 'tit for tat' story!

Tommy_A_Jones 06 Sep 11 at 1:44 p.m. GMT

Is it The Case of The Missing Will? Terrence Hardiman played John Siddaway, he also played Walter Fane in the JH version of Sleeeping Murder I think his real-life wife played the Murderer even though there was no Murder in the initial story.

InspectorGrant 06 Sep 11 at 8:33 a.m. GMT

Duck, you are very hot, but not quite there yet! No crime is committed even incidentally in this story, unlike The Manhood of Edward Robinson where there is a light hearted jewel robbery  Here's another clue:

One of the characters who played one of the lead roles in this filmed Agatha Christie production also plays another leading role in another series of Agatha Christie stories featuring one of her most popular characters.

NightRayDuck 06 Sep 11 at 12:51 a.m. GMT

but no crime is committed...?

is any crime attempted? or a game privately agreed upon, that has the appearance of crime? "The Manhood of Edward Robinson" for example? I forgot his name really, anyway am thinking about where the young lady steals friend's jewelry for sport.

Nofret 05 Sep 11 at 6:14 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it Wireless, where Charles Ridgeway concocts an elaborate plan to kill his aunt and inherit her money. His plan succeeds but the will is accidentally destroyed and his cousin inherits.

InspectorGrant 05 Sep 11 at 4:19 p.m. GMT

No.  It isn't a Tomy and Tuppence story.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Sep 11 at 2:58 p.m. GMT

A Fairy in The Flat

InspectorGrant 05 Sep 11 at 2:52 p.m. GMT

No, this isn't it Tommy, but you are on the right track in that it is a comedic sort of Christie.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Sep 11 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

It's called The Case of The Missing Lady

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Sep 11 at 11:33 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Oh! I think I know which one it is, but I can't remember the name, Tommy and Tuppence go to the wrong Village looking for a woman who appears to have dissapeared and T&T go to Surrey instead of Sussex or the other way round, she has been in a Cliic to lose weeight for the arrival of her Fiance, I was listening to James Warwick reading it about 3 weeks ago.

InspectorGrant 05 Sep 11 at 9:06 a.m. GMT

No, sorry Mimi.  A further clue is that this is from a short story, and no crime is committed. 

mimi25 04 Sep 11 at 3:22 p.m. GMT

I propose Postern of Fate.

InspectorGrant 04 Sep 11 at 2:38 p.m. GMT

No, sorry Tommy, this isn't it.  The story I am thinking of is definitely pay back time.

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Sep 11 at 1:28 p.m. GMT

N or M Tuppence pretends to go out but hides and overhears the Inspector talking to Tommy

InspectorGrant 03 Sep 11 at 3:40 p.m. GMT

Yes, I agree Nofret - it's not much of a clue and could apply to so many of Dame Agatha's novels.  A further clue then - neither Poirot nor Miss Marple are in the story I am thinking about.

Nofret 03 Sep 11 at 1:06 p.m. GMT

Could be Cards on the Table, where all 3 of the guilty murderers get their comeuppance?

InspectorGrant 03 Sep 11 at 6:31 a.m. GMT

Thank you Nofret, and I agree - Derek Jacobi in I Claudius would be inspired casting in this role.

Here is mine:

What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander! (or rather the other way about).

Nofret 02 Sep 11 at 4:42 p.m. GMT

Well done, Inspector Grant, the story is Curtain, from the perspective of Elizabeth Cole.

Your turn now.

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Sep 11 at 2:48 p.m. GMT

Hastings Daughter in Curtain

mimi25 02 Sep 11 at 2:45 p.m. GMT

Elsie Holland in "The Moving Finger".

InspectorGrant 02 Sep 11 at 9:39 a.m. GMT

Elizabeth Cole out of Curtain?  She is attracted to Hastings, I believe.

Nofret 02 Sep 11 at 5:48 a.m. GMT

No-one from Evans, and not Mrs Boyle.

Clue - this person is attracted to a grieving widower.

JenCal 01 Sep 11 at 5:10 p.m. GMT

Would it be Mrs. Boyle from Three Blind Mice by chance?

Tommy_A_Jones 01 Sep 11 at 2:26 p.m. GMT

The Female Murderer in Why Didn't They Ask Evans

Nofret 01 Sep 11 at 5:27 a.m. GMT

Correct on all counts, Inspector!

InspectorGrant 31 Aug 11 at 6:15 p.m. GMT

Nofret

Not Edith de Haviland, nor Audrey Strange.  Clue - If they film this book I think Derek Jacobi would be perfect for the murderer (think of I, Claudius!)

Hmm ... so are we looking for a murderer with a stammer!  Or a murderer who can dissemble quite beautifully, pretending to be stupid when he is nothing of he kind.

Nofret 31 Aug 11 at 4:03 p.m. GMT

Not Mrs Willet. 

Tommy_A_Jones 31 Aug 11 at 1:12 p.m. GMT

Mrs Willet is her name

Tommy_A_Jones 31 Aug 11 at 11:49 a.m. GMT

Is it the woman who Takes the House for the winter in The Sittaford Mystery I mean the Mother

Nofret 31 Aug 11 at 7:06 a.m. GMT

Not Edith de Haviland, nor Audrey Strange.  Clue - If they film this book I think Derek Jacobi would be perfect for the murderer (think of I, Claudius!)

NightRayDuck 30 Aug 11 at 4:53 p.m. GMT

how about Audrey Strange, regarding the events in Towards Zero?

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Aug 11 at 2:52 p.m. GMT

Just looked on wiki, I think her name is Edith

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Aug 11 at 12:11 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I am afraid I can't remember the woman's name but is it the woman who kills Josephine in Crooked House?

Nofret 29 Aug 11 at 6:05 p.m. GMT

No, not Cynthia nor Vera, this woman is a little older.

InspectorGrant 29 Aug 11 at 5:24 p.m. GMT

Or could it be Vera Claythorne in And Then There Were None?

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Aug 11 at 1:27 p.m. GMT

Could it be The Mysterious Affair At Styles as seen by Cynthia

Nofret 29 Aug 11 at 4:41 a.m. GMT

No, no-one from Ordeal by Innocence.

NightRayDuck 29 Aug 11 at 3:37 a.m. GMT

could possibly be Ordeal by Innocence as seen by Tina Argyle... but Tina qualifies as a young lady, so I suppose that's not it..

Nofret 28 Aug 11 at 7:03 p.m. GMT

I suppose it could be Victoria looking back at the awful night when Carmichael died in her room, but this lady (no longer young) was at the heart of a family tragedy.

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Aug 11 at 2:55 p.m. GMT

Victoria Jones

Nofret 28 Aug 11 at 11:37 a.m. GMT

Good guess, Tommy, but not Hilary Craven. Hint - she feels uneasy as more than one murder is being plotted in the vicinity.

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Aug 11 at 11:32 a.m. GMT

Hilary Craven

Nofret 27 Aug 11 at 6:20 a.m. GMT

Not Virginia, but it is a woman speaking.

Tommy_A_Jones 26 Aug 11 at 11:20 a.m. GMT

Virginia Revel from The Secret of Chimneys

Nofret 26 Aug 11 at 5:52 a.m. GMT

No, not Mrs Nicholson.

Tommy_A_Jones 25 Aug 11 at 3:25 p.m. GMT

Dr Nicholsan's Wife in Why Didn't They Ask Evans

Nofret 25 Aug 11 at 1:34 p.m. GMT

Thank you, Duck.

What am I doing here? I had to get away after that terrible time, but the atmosphere is so melancholy - and something else I can't quite put my finger on....There's one nice person here though - but I must not think of romance!

NightRayDuck 24 Aug 11 at 5:11 p.m. GMT

Nofret is correct! This is "The King of Clubs" as described by the Oglander family with regard to the actress that is popularly famous to a point that doesn't seem respectable. Certainly the poor girl has become vulnerable to blackmail and such..

Nofret's turn!

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Aug 11 at 1:12 p.m. GMT

4.50 From Paddington, Lucy Eylesbarrow earns alot of Money, works long hours and Helps the Crackenthorpe's

Nofret 24 Aug 11 at 6:41 a.m. GMT

Is it The King of Clubs - the actress Valerie Sinclair and the very respectable Oglander family?

NightRayDuck 23 Aug 11 at 7:43 p.m. GMT

not Evil Under the Sun..

Hint 2: The several characters who might have described the event in this manner all share the same family name.

Summary from previous clarifications:

The young woman in question works very long hours and gets a whole lot of money and very much fame and fortune from it.

This young woman shows up in front of the several other characters, in very urgent and serious need for help.

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Aug 11 at 11:16 a.m. GMT

Evil Under The Sun"

LauraPoirot 22 Aug 11 at 9:37 p.m. GMT

I thought so As you Said You think I've Read the story ;) but I keep thinking... I Tell you As soon As I have an idea

NightRayDuck 22 Aug 11 at 8:23 p.m. GMT

Hello mimi... this story is not Death on the Nile, and the young woman in question is not Linnet Ridgeway. I think the characters on the ship are more diverse, and there might not be several that would hold the same view about decency and propriety.

well, time for the type of Hint that is often liked on this forum...

Tommy and mimi25, you are both getting close, for both of you have guessed a story where Poirot is the sleuth! Keep thinking!

o.O

mimi25 22 Aug 11 at 12:49 p.m. GMT

I think it could be Linnet Ridgeway in Death on the Nile.

NightRayDuck 18 Aug 11 at 6:40 p.m. GMT

um, if you mean Midge talking about another character, I don't recall any young woman suddenly showing up in serious urgent need for help. this story is not "The Hollow". sorry.

also, the several characters who would possibly explain the incident in this tone, are really very serious about being decent.

Tommy_A_Jones 18 Aug 11 at 12:16 p.m. GMT

Midge Hardcastle from The Hollow

NightRayDuck 17 Aug 11 at 7:25 p.m. GMT

hmm.. I think I see what you mean, Tommy. thanks for sharing; it helps me figure out where my clue and hint is too vague.

I am sorry I still haven't got around to reading the story in which Lady Derwent appears. But I didn't know if she needed to work to earn a living? The young lady being discussed here probably puts many hours into work, which earns her a lot of money, and really a huge lot of fame..

But in any case, I think it's time to make a clarification..

Note: The clue as written could have been a statement from several characters who live their lives by very much the same morals of decency, propriety, and charity.

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Aug 11 at 2:01 p.m. GMT

I was thinking of Emily appeasring on thew scene to try and clear her Boyfriends name and the Policeman thinking in a Sexist sort of way that a Murder Investigation is no place for a Lady, What abvout Ladt Derwent?

NightRayDuck 16 Aug 11 at 5:04 p.m. GMT

Hi Tommy- This is not the Sittaford case. I suppose you were thinking Emily Trefusis's life as a professional mannequin? The young woman in this story has a more active job, much more glamour, and nation-wide fame. Hope this helps. :)

Hi Laura- I thought this might be among the stories that you have read. In any case, I live on the Pacific side of the US, and I am up and about at all sorts of inhuman hours anyway.. :p

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Aug 11 at 2:07 p.m. GMT

The Sittaford Mystery?

LauraPoirot 13 Aug 11 at 8:39 p.m. GMT

Yes Ray You're probably right. May I ask where exactly you are from? 

However to this story I've got no idea... Maybe Next Time :)

NightRayDuck 13 Aug 11 at 6:43 p.m. GMT

Don't worry, Laura. We're probably in different time zones and on different schedules too. :)

Next story up for guessing!

"That life of glamour and fame really isn't for any decent person to pursue! You only have to look at this young woman, the fear and worry that she's been through lately. But when she suddenly showed up, in urgent need for help, well how could a decent person not help?"

LauraPoirot 13 Aug 11 at 7:53 a.m. GMT

Now it's at me to say: I Would have known that! I've Read that Story 4 times I think... But I just saw it ;(

GKCfan 13 Aug 11 at 3:59 a.m. GMT

Yes!  You are right!  Excellent!

NightRayDuck 13 Aug 11 at 1:59 a.m. GMT

I think this might be "The Third-Floor Flat"..

GKCfan 13 Aug 11 at 12:41 a.m. GMT

"If only one of us was a skilled locksmith, the killer wouldn't have been able to arrange this murder like he did.  It's a shame that I lost a friend that night...  At least now I'll get a chance to tell the woman of my dreams how I feel, although I wonder how my date for that wretched evening will take it..."

NightRayDuck 12 Aug 11 at 8:38 p.m. GMT

Yes, GKCfan! Your turn. :D

GKCfan 12 Aug 11 at 7:43 p.m. GMT

"Motive vs. Opportunity" from The Thirteen Problems.

NightRayDuck 12 Aug 11 at 4:56 p.m. GMT

Same here, Tommy. I like it much better than when Poirot is bored and goes around looking for cases.

Next story up for guessing!

"It was an odd incident, you see. Those who would destroy the new document, they could not get their hands on it. Those who could get at the new document, they would not want to destroy it. I wondered who did it, and how, and why.."

By the way, the "Christie Copper" and the "Murder Victim" are still innocently sitting on the forum and waiting to be guessed. 

And it looks like Mr. Graves's turn to post a Quote for guessing..

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Aug 11 at 1:45 p.m. GMT

I have just read that, I should have got it, It is my Favourite Poirot short story.

LauraPoirot 12 Aug 11 at 6:58 a.m. GMT

Quiet correct Ray, Your turn!

NightRayDuck 12 Aug 11 at 6:52 a.m. GMT

Hastings talking about "The Case of the Missing Will", where an educated young lady asked Poirot to help her find the will that her late uncle had hidden as a challenge?

LauraPoirot 11 Aug 11 at 8:46 p.m. GMT

So its my turn?! 

Okay I'm sorry I'm at the Moment Not able to Write fat or cursive...

"wow! That was a very different business from what we normally do but it was Funny. I think my Friend Would have liked the old man who did that Game with His niece. He was really a man of method... And He Maid my Friend almoust fail! I mean we were already on our Way back Home As He Found the Solution. And He Said He will Never vaunt His Little Grey Cells again but I'm sure He won't face that..."

GKCfan 11 Aug 11 at 6:24 p.m. GMT

Correct!  Great job!

LauraPoirot 11 Aug 11 at 5:05 p.m. GMT

Ha just Read it: The Stymphalean Birds of the Labours of Hercule

GKCfan 11 Aug 11 at 12:28 a.m. GMT

The country in question is the fictional nation of Herzoslovakia.  So... which Poirot story features Herzoslovakia?

NightRayDuck 10 Aug 11 at 11:55 p.m. GMT

I've been trying to work out the country, but seeing as there are some Poirot novels that I haven't read, and many Poirot short stories I've forgotten, I figured I might as well post the possible-country analysis for everyone. It might be confusing, though, so read at your own risk...

These countries or nationalities are featured in The Secret of Chimneys:

Great Britain - is probably featured in many other stories over the decades.

France - might have featured in several other stories inbetween.

Herzoslovakia - I haven't seen it featured at all in any other Christie story.

The States (USA) - might have featured in several other stories inbetween.

Canada - James McGrath in Chimneys, but McGrath is not involved in the criminal dealings in that case.

several parts of Africa - ?

Congo, in Chimneys is the place where Prince Nicholas Obolovitch was reported dead. No representatives known to feature in the espionage-theft-murder in Chimneys.

any place in Africa where Anthony Cade and James McGrath may have been on the same venture - no representatives known in the Chimneys case unless one counts Cade and McGrath.

"Dutch" is used in Chimneys and a non-Poirot novel as a nickname of sorts.

GKCfan 10 Aug 11 at 9:46 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.  Remember the clue: the same country figures in both Chimneys and this story.

GKCfan 10 Aug 11 at 9:46 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.  Remember the clue: the same country figures in both Chimneys and this story.

LauraPoirot 10 Aug 11 at 7:59 p.m. GMT

Hickory Dickory Dock?

GKCfan 10 Aug 11 at 7:06 p.m. GMT

Poirot is speaking, but it's not Cat Among the Pigeons.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Aug 11 at 2:07 p.m. GMT

Cat Among The Pigeons Is Poirot Speaking?

GKCfan 08 Aug 11 at 10:35 p.m. GMT

Sorry, no.  Neither of those novels is correct.

LauraPoirot 08 Aug 11 at 10:08 p.m. GMT

Sorry I misunderstood your hint because I didn't Read quiet carefully... It's rather they came to Bagdad or Destination unknown...

LauraPoirot 08 Aug 11 at 9:19 p.m. GMT

So its the Seven Dails Mystery? 

GKCfan 08 Aug 11 at 7:37 p.m. GMT

The Secret of Chimneys is the "first case" referenced here, so that should give you all you need to figure out the "second case" that is the answer to this clue and who is speaking.

Tommy_A_Jones 08 Aug 11 at 2:50 p.m. GMT

The Secret of Chimneys

GKCfan 05 Aug 11 at 5:57 a.m. GMT

"This is the first mention of this country in a Christie story for over twenty years, since representatives of this country were involved in a big murder, theft, and espionage case a while back.  I wasn't involved in the first case, but a good friend and colleague of mine was.  It looks as if the new government hasn't been as successful as its ruler had hoped, since the country has a reputation for corruption, although it may not be that well deserved!"

NightRayDuck 04 Aug 11 at 11:36 p.m. GMT

Yes, this is "A Fruitful Sunday". Excellent work, GKCfan! Your turn. :-)

GKCfan 04 Aug 11 at 7:32 p.m. GMT

"A Fruitful Sunday?"

NightRayDuck 04 Aug 11 at 6:23 p.m. GMT

Next story up for guessing!

Look, I work in an office all week and haven't got much time with my car. It's difficult enough taking a girl for a drive on my day-off. And then this slightly creepy man sold us this ordinary-looking item which just turned our lives upside down... :(

Note: the unhappy smiley face is from the character of this story.

Wow, so I guessed a story that I've never read... o.O

Nofret 04 Aug 11 at 8:04 a.m. GMT

Case packed, taxi waiting, yes, Duck, it is N or M (gave a clue on another thread - this is a NORMAL story.( It's from the point of view of Sheila Perenna.

Your turn, see you when I get back!

NightRayDuck 03 Aug 11 at 6:50 p.m. GMT

(practicing the phrase "sod it"; sod sod sod~)

I am sorry I lost track of all the various hints that have been provided..

Is this story "The Secret Adversary"? or possibly "N or M?" These are the few Christie stories where execution is a reasonable occurrence. I am sorry, though, I haven't read either of them, so I can't tell which book, or which young woman speaking. o.O

NightRayDuck 03 Aug 11 at 6:44 p.m. GMT

"Halloween Party", from Miranda Butler's angle? That Mr. whathisname persuaded her to take the view that the murders are executions for sins committed against something or other abstract stuff.

(loads of whatsit used so I don't have to click on the spoilers... lazy today)

InspectorGrant 03 Aug 11 at 3:27 p.m. GMT

Oh, sod it - Elsa Greer is English and it's a Poirot mystery!  Enjoy your hols, Nofret - sorry about dim witted reply!

InspectorGrant 03 Aug 11 at 2:07 p.m. GMT

Is it a character from Five Little Pigs?  Elsa Greer whose portrait was being painted - my least favourite character in all Christie literature although this book is a favourite.

Nofret 03 Aug 11 at 1:02 p.m. GMT

Not They Came to Baghdad, and this story does contain some recurring characters.

mimi25 03 Aug 11 at 12:54 p.m. GMT

Perhaps a character from They came to Baghdad ?

Nofret 03 Aug 11 at 5:10 a.m. GMT

Not Sophia, and this person was much more feisty than drippy Renisenb!

Clue - the speaker is not English.

NightRayDuck 02 Aug 11 at 7:02 p.m. GMT

umm... Imhotep's daughter, in "Death Comes As the End"?

::hides behind chair::

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Aug 11 at 3:25 p.m. GMT

Sophia From Crooked House

Nofret 01 Aug 11 at 5:14 a.m. GMT

A clue - the "terrible death" was an execution.

Nofret 31 Jul 11 at 5:34 p.m. GMT

No, not Ruth Lessing, nor anyone else from Sparkling Cyanide.

mimi25 31 Jul 11 at 12:16 p.m. GMT

Ruth Lessing in "Sparkling cyanide" ?

Nofret 30 Jul 11 at 10:41 a.m. GMT

Not Mary from Ordeal by Innocence, and no-one from Murder is Easy!

NightRayDuck 29 Jul 11 at 1:31 p.m. GMT

That's a good idea, Tommy..

For "Murder Is Easy", I think maybe Miss Humbleby might think that her mother is being over-imaginative in thinking that Dr. Humbleby had been murdered. I can't quite see Miss Humbleby loudly complaining of being bored, though.

Lady who tries to talk to Scotland Yard is Miss Fullerton.

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Jul 11 at 12:21 p.m. GMT

I can't think of the specific Death so if I am right and someone else fills in the blanks they should go next but is it one of the Deaths Miss Whateverher name is is going to talk to Scotland Yard abouut in Murder is Easy?

NightRayDuck 29 Jul 11 at 8:38 a.m. GMT

I'd almost say this is "Ordeal by Innocence", the bored person being Mary; but I can't think of anybody in this story that's obviously or conceivably telling many lies. o.O

Nofret 29 Jul 11 at 7:52 a.m. GMT

Not Patrick, and Miss Marple doesn't appear in this book.

A very good question, Ray, the terrible death occurred before the story started. It was not so much the method of dispatch that was so shocking, but the reason for the death.

NightRayDuck 28 Jul 11 at 4:41 p.m. GMT

If I may ask, did the terrible death occur within the story narrative? Or did it occur before the story started? Thank you.

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Jul 11 at 2:22 p.m. GMT

Patrick A Murder Is Announced

Nofret 28 Jul 11 at 5:57 a.m. GMT

Not Sheila, and Poirot wasn't involved in solving this puzzle.

InspectorGrant 27 Jul 11 at 7:10 p.m. GMT

Was it Sheila out of Murder in Mesopotamia?

Nofret 27 Jul 11 at 5:02 p.m. GMT

I think Miss Johnson loved her work despite the tension on the dig, she'd never be bored.

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Jul 11 at 2:34 p.m. GMT

Miss Johnston Murder in Mesopotamia, Have I got the name right? she was murdered but her dieing actions told Poirot how the Murder was done.

Nofret 26 Jul 11 at 4:15 p.m. GMT

Not Pamela, but it is a young woman speaking.

NightRayDuck 26 Jul 11 at 12:04 p.m. GMT

Parker Pyne short story "Death on the Nile" as seen by the niece Pamela?

Nofret 25 Jul 11 at 5:56 p.m. GMT

Good guess, Tommy, but not Ferguson.

Tommy_A_Jones 25 Jul 11 at 2:29 p.m. GMT

Furgusson Death On The Nile

Nofret 19 Jul 11 at 2:08 p.m. GMT

Thank you, GKCfan.

God, I'm bored! I hate it here. Why does she have to tell so many lies? Yes, it was a terrible death, but it does no good to dwell on it. If only I could just escape with the one I love.

GKCfan 19 Jul 11 at 4 a.m. GMT

You are correct, Norfret!  Great work!

NightRayDuck 19 Jul 11 at 1:49 a.m. GMT

ooo I see... the story of that very very young man... that was a good one, Nofret.

no idea on GKCfan's clue yet. no surprise, no brain in the duck today. no worries.

Nofret 18 Jul 11 at 5:50 p.m. GMT

Is it Henrietta Savernake in The Hollow creating her horse sculpture to help Gerda?

GKCfan 18 Jul 11 at 6:19 a.m. GMT

"I am a perfectionist, but it's hard for me to put 100% into this effort, because I know that either I or someone else will destroy this effort.  Still, I have to do this to help someone else..."

Nofret 17 Jul 11 at 6:54 p.m. GMT

Well done, GCKfan, it is the tragic Mrs Lancaster. Your turn.

GKCfan 17 Jul 11 at 7:26 a.m. GMT

Mrs. Lancaster (NOT the crazy-old-lady-with-a-glass-of-milk) in "The Lamp!"

Nofret 17 Jul 11 at 6:04 a.m. GMT

My goodness, this thread seems to have been going for 2 months now and we're no nearer the answer!

I hope someone can throw some LIGHT on the subject

Nofret 13 Jul 11 at 8:13 p.m. GMT

No, neither The Pale Horse nor The Idol House of Astarte.  Clue - it is a woman speaking.

NightRayDuck 13 Jul 11 at 6:39 p.m. GMT

"The Idol House of Astarte", which their young and wealthy host proudly declared that he had re-built. Among the houseguests, Mrs. Mannering wasn't as affected by romantic / supernatural / fearful atmosphere as the other guests.

Mr_Battle_Brent 13 Jul 11 at 8:58 a.m. GMT

The Pale Horse(Dr Corrigan)

Nofret 13 Jul 11 at 7:23 a.m. GMT

No, it's not a Parker Pyne story - don't forget there's a supernatural element.

NightRayDuck 12 Jul 11 at 9:19 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

The Parker Pyne short story "The Gate of Baghdad"? Among the people riding on the bus, someone told an anecdote concerning a bus passenger dying of hitting his head during a bus trip on the bumpy route. Several other passengers listening to the story didn't think it could have happened this way. But at least one person hoped to pass off a murder case as some odd and tragic traffic incident of the same sort.

Nofret 02 Jul 11 at 4:32 p.m. GMT

No, it's not a Mr Quinn story but it is in a volume of short stories.

HerculeJC 02 Jul 11 at 6:25 a.m. GMT

Does this involve Mr. Satherwaite and Mr. Quinn??

Nofret 26 Jun 11 at 8:39 a.m. GMT

Good thinking, Ray, but not Endless Night. The young man just sets the scene by telling the story, then has nothing more to do with the tragic events that unfold.

NightRayDuck 26 Jun 11 at 12:18 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

perhaps Endless Night, with old Mrs. Rogers thinking about Michael's account on the death of his school friend? but I don't think Mrs. Rogers had many people close to her, (not many people close to Michael, either), only that Michael's acquaintances would believe his story. I guess this is not the right answer, then.

Nofret 24 Jun 11 at 7:10 a.m. GMT

It's not from Death comes as the End, but there is a supernatural element in the story.

NightRayDuck 24 Jun 11 at 2:44 a.m. GMT

I can't remember the details (I don't know if I even finished the book), but is this "Death Comes as the End", the umm what's the correct terminology, the grandmom or matriarch of the family, about somebody's improbable report on some girl's death?

Nofret 22 Jun 11 at 10:42 a.m. GMT

No takers yet? Another clue - the young man's story concerned a particularly tragic death.

Nofret 11 Jun 11 at 10:41 a.m. GMT

Good guess, Ray, but not Carrie Louise.

NightRayDuck 11 Jun 11 at 4:59 a.m. GMT

This might be "They Do It With Mirrors", Carrie-Louise Serrocold about the "delinquent young man" who's been staying in their house a little while and now says he totally hates Lewis Serrocold and wants to kill him?

NightRayDuck 06 Jun 11 at 6:38 p.m. GMT

It reads like a reverse of Lady Ariadne somebody's sentiments in the Parker Pyne short story "Death on the Nile". I'll have to think more on it..

Nofret 06 Jun 11 at 10:19 a.m. GMT

Back from holiday to find the site has had a makeover! So far, when trying to move from one game to another the site went offline, then while typing this reply the cursor mysteriously shifted back to the middle of a sentence! New and improved? What's the verdict?!

Anyway, it's not Hastings, in fact the speaker is a woman.

NightRayDuck 03 Jun 11 at 9 p.m. GMT

Hi Nofret.. the forum is mostly back up and running, and only Tommy has ventured a guess so far. umm. Are we getting closer to the correct answer? b/c I have no idea which story this would be..

Tommy_A_Jones 24 May 11 at 3:52 p.m. GMT

Hastings in Curtain "Those Close To me" may be his Daughter who he thinks ;loves someone she doesn't

Nofret 15 May 11 at 9:27 p.m. GMT

Thank you Ray.

I've always prided myself on being a down-to-earth, no-nonsense person, so I didn't believe a word of that young man's story. But to my dismay those close to me seem to have taken his words to heart. Surely it can't be true!

NightRayDuck 15 May 11 at 7:54 p.m. GMT

Yes, Nofret! This is The Arcadian Deer as seen from the young man's angle. Your turn. :)

Nofret 15 May 11 at 8:29 a.m. GMT

The Arcadian Deer from the Labours of Hercules.

NightRayDuck 14 May 11 at 8:03 p.m. GMT

Oh, she was lovely! We only walked out for a few days, and it's not as though either of us had made a pledge to the other. But the way that I couldn't trace her at all after she left! It may be quite all right, or maybe something happened to her. I do want to know that she's all right, and.. well.. I do wish I can see her again!

HerculeJC 14 May 11 at 5:30 a.m. GMT

Correct, NightRay, it is the short-story, "The Third-Floor Flat", and I was thinking of Jimmy Faulkener view point, though one can imagine both Jimmy and Donovan Bailey thinking this.

Now to you: Next story??

NightRayDuck 14 May 11 at 4:25 a.m. GMT

"Third-Floor Flat", Poirot story, told from those youngsters, particularly the two young men who broke into the wrong floor?

HerculeJC 14 May 11 at 3:13 a.m. GMT

Here's one:

"It's bad enough we could get in to BIG trouble, for trespassing, however unintentional this all was.   But to stumble upon a murder!!"

NightRayDuck 13 May 11 at 4:09 a.m. GMT

Quite so, my dear Hercule! Your turn for the next story puzzle. :)

HerculeJC 12 May 11 at 11:02 p.m. GMT

BLINDMAN'S BLUFF, where Tommy pretends he is blind.

NightRayDuck 12 May 11 at 8:19 p.m. GMT

a Partners in Crime story is correct. Can you identify which story? :)

HerculeJC 12 May 11 at 6:48 a.m. GMT

Then this must be from one of the PARTNERS IN CRIME stories, since N OR M was based during World War 2, when Tommy and Tuppence were much older, and both BY THE PRICKING OF MY THUMBS and POSTERN OF FATE feature the Beresfords as elderly persons.

NightRayDuck 12 May 11 at 3:39 a.m. GMT

The pranksters are Tommy and Tuppence! The story I had in mind was not "The Secret Adversary", though. Let me see... in the story I tried to describe in the clue, Tom'n'Tup were married and on a new career track that was, practically, to be a problem that the character discussing it here, and colleagues, had to come to England to solve.

HerculeJC 12 May 11 at 12:55 a.m. GMT

Tommy and Tuppence, from THE SECRET ADVERSARY??

NightRayDuck 11 May 11 at 10:24 p.m. GMT

thank you for a direct inquiry, HerculeJC! :)

Response from this character:

That little Belgian Poirot? No. If Poirot had been causing problem for us, it would have been methodical and systematic, not like the pranks and silly pretending with the youngsters we now find.

HerculeJC 11 May 11 at 9:37 p.m. GMT

Is it from a POIROT Novel?? 

NightRayDuck 11 May 11 at 8:13 p.m. GMT

NightRayDuck

Grr! The English... so childish! My colleagues and I have come all this way to look into the problems we've been having, and what do we find? A few youngsters playing make-believe, and setting up pranks for one another. Ugh!

Three hints already given, and no answer came close in any way. Oh dear. You're welcome to ask questions of the character discussing the story. The character and the colleagues feel they have a just cause for complaint, it shouldn't be difficult to get them talking..

NightRayDuck 09 May 11 at 8:54 p.m. GMT

not Dead Man's Folly. hmm. this is odd. consider the original specification of this puzzle game: to tell the story from the perspective of one character. if one were to walk down the street and hear someone give a complaint phrased in the same form as this clue (substitute any noun and adjetive that one might feel a complaint is due), surely the inference is obvious?

but, to continue with our "problem" comparison hint..

"Dead Man's Folly": swindling, and disposal of the person who had been swindled.

nope, this story does not involve swindling.

I am going to write a random example..

Hint 3: Err.. the Christie fans.. so stuck with preconceived notions! My computer and I tried so hard to log on to the forum and see the progress of the puzzle games, and what do we find? Only two of our worthy friends riffling through stories for young pranksters, and not a thought turned to the character who told the clue. Hmm. Time to log off and get lunch. 

HerculeJC 09 May 11 at 4:09 a.m. GMT

DEAD MAN'S FOLLY, regarding the college kids at the residence next door.

NightRayDuck 08 May 11 at 11:47 p.m. GMT

NightRayDuck

Grr! The English... so childish! My colleagues and I have come all this way to look into the problems we've been having, and what do we find? A few youngsters playing make-believe, and setting up pranks for one another. Ugh!

OK.. first comparison hint, on the age of pranksters and nature of prank, didn't seem to have been helpful? Second comparison hint coming up, about the nature of the problem:

"Theft of Royal Ruby": theft.

"Seven Dials Mystery": theft.

"Crooked House": murder.

"Hickory Dickory Dock": smuggling.

This story does not involve any of these problems. Hmm. What can it be?? 

NightRayDuck 06 May 11 at 9:44 p.m. GMT

not Hickory Dickory Dock, either. if I were a student at a boarding house in the UK, then regardless of my nationality, I should hope that the local police would not start their complaint with "Grrr the English"!

again, the guesses so far have not approached the nature of the problem in this story.

Nofret 06 May 11 at 4:58 p.m. GMT

Hickory Dickory Dock? Prior to Poirot's arrival some police had visited the hostel to enquire about a former resident. Celia had already started to steal from the other students, the lightbulbs had disappeared, and the rucksack had been cut up.

NightRayDuck 05 May 11 at 4:57 p.m. GMT

hm.. no, sorry, not Crooked House.

I will give a brief comparison of whether the guesses so far are "close" to the correct answer. But I notice that the guesses so far are mainly led by the age of the pranksters. I urge you to consider the nature of the "problems" in this story.. none of the guesses has come close to it yet.

The youngsters in this story are in their 20's. The make-believe and prank that they're playing amongst themselves is of a milder nature, even more harmless, than the pranks in "Theft of Royal Ruby" and Seven Dials Mystery.

HerculeJC 05 May 11 at 5:55 a.m. GMT

Let me try, again: CROOKED HOUSE

NightRayDuck 03 May 11 at 7:38 p.m. GMT

not Seven Dials Mystery. Note this sentence from the original clue.

My colleagues and I have come all this way to look into the problems we've been having, and what do we find?

Clarifications and hints available upon request.. but I'd like to wait until someone has got closer to the nature of the situation.

Nofret 03 May 11 at 6:48 a.m. GMT

Is it the Seven Dials Mystery, there was the initial prank with the 8 clocks, and plenty of sinister strangers investigating?

NightRayDuck 30 Apr 11 at 9:45 p.m. GMT

it's a good guess, HerculeJC, but not the right story. I will point out the "My colleagues and I", and "pranks for one another"; these features are not found in the christmas ruby pudding case.

HerculeJC 30 Apr 11 at 6:34 p.m. GMT

Is it THE THEFT OF THE ROYAL RUBY??  The three kids imagined playing the trick on Poirot.

NightRayDuck 29 Apr 11 at 2:22 a.m. GMT

Grr! The English... so childish! My colleagues and I have come all this way to look into the problems we've been having, and what do we find? A few youngsters playing make-believe, and setting up pranks for one another. Ugh!

Nofret 26 Apr 11 at 9:39 a.m. GMT

Well done, DK, it is indeed The Bloodstained Pavement and Joyce Lempriere's sketch of the sailor and the old inn.

Your turn.

NightRayDuck 26 Apr 11 at 4:48 a.m. GMT

hmm.. "The Bloodstained Pavement", Joyce Lempriere about the old-sailor fellow who kept chattering on about the local battle with the Spanish? the "work" in this case would be the particular sketches Joyce worked on during that trip, rather than a career in general..

Nofret 23 Apr 11 at 12:22 p.m. GMT

No, it's not a Tommy and Tuppence story.

Mr_Battle_Brent 22 Apr 11 at 1:04 p.m. GMT

The Affair of the Pink Pearl

Nofret 22 Apr 11 at 11:23 a.m. GMT

No, no-one so far has looked in the right book of short stories.

Mr_Battle_Brent 21 Apr 11 at 7:33 p.m. GMT

Triangle on Rhodes. (not really)

Nofret 20 Apr 11 at 8:07 a.m. GMT

Well reasoned, DK, but not Gillian West. But it is one of Christie's "eternal triangle" stories.

NightRayDuck 20 Apr 11 at 4:38 a.m. GMT

hmm... the beautiful young lady and aspiring opera singer Gillian West in "The Face of Helen"? the new friend Phil Eastney is helpful and attentive to her to a worrying extent. his type of "flamboyant" is more in terms of temperament, though, so I am not sure.

Nofret 19 Apr 11 at 12:09 p.m. GMT

Not Jane Wilkinson, nor Naomi Carlton-Smith, although it is from a short story.

HerculeJC 19 Apr 11 at 6:05 a.m. GMT

Jane Wilkerson, about Poirot, in LORD EDGEWARE DIES

NightRayDuck 18 Apr 11 at 10:40 p.m. GMT

Naomi Carlton-Smith (was that her name?) the artist, talking about the mysterious Mr. Quin whom she encountered in the short story "The World's End"?

Nofret 18 Apr 11 at 7:46 p.m. GMT

No, the speaker is a woman.

Mr_Battle_Brent 18 Apr 11 at 1:30 p.m. GMT

The Curtain,Hastings' prospective.

Nofret 17 Apr 11 at 9:24 p.m. GMT

A good guess, Gary, but the person referred to was much more flamboyant than Dr. Sheppard!

Mr_Battle_Brent 17 Apr 11 at 8:46 p.m. GMT

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Poirot's prospective.

NightRayDuck 17 Apr 11 at 12:53 a.m. GMT

Hi. Um. My internet service provider went absent without leave, again. I am not answering the puzzle yet, just some things I've wanted to blab about the disappearance of the smiley faces.

LittleMissMurder - Yep, I did think those two usernames probably belonged to the same person. I didn't find the smiley faces disturbing. The only worry I'd have would be whether this person's pranks and jokes distressed you, in which case his behavior would be unpardonable regardless of exactly the content of his posts.

I was surprised that prank posts were removed several days before spams of inappropriate links had been removed, that's all. (Those spam posts had been repeatedly reported by several users, by the way.)

Aurora - So good to see you! I think by the time I joined this thread, you'd mostly been away from the forum.

Nofret 16 Apr 11 at 12:12 p.m. GMT

Thank you, DK.

What an unusual fellow! Although at first he was very useful to me and my work, in the end I didn't like the turn his conversation took - it led me to imagine the impossible........

NightRayDuck 15 Apr 11 at 5:49 p.m. GMT

Yes, Nofret! This is the puzzled Mr. Montgomery Jones talking about the over-clever detective, in The Unbreakable Alibi. Your turn! :)

(Sorry about the delay.)

Nofret 12 Apr 11 at 11:54 a.m. GMT

I'm still looking for a man who will laugh with me and not at me!!!!

I think the detective could be a certain Mr Thomas Beresford, and the embarrassed client Mr Montgomery Jones from The Unbreakable Alibi.

Aurora 10 Apr 11 at 7:40 p.m. GMT

Is it the dentist's wife in The Cornish Mystery?

By the way, I loved the romance with andthenthereweresome and LittleMissMurder. I would say that I'm guessing they are young but as all women appreciate as you get older a man who can make you laugh is by far the best kind. They seem lovely and it's a shame the posts were wiped. Baa humbug!

LittleMissMurder 10 Apr 11 at 1:48 a.m. GMT

Dark Knight, 

                    TheButlaDidIt and Andthenthereweresome are the same person. I am very sorry about...well him in general. 

NightRayDuck 06 Apr 11 at 3:29 a.m. GMT

in any case, next story up for guessing!

I know that my problem is probably too insignificant for the attention of professional private detectives. But a friend had highly recommended this agency! And I am perfectly willing to pay all the whatnots, you know... The clever gentleman keeps asking me what my problem is, and that only makes it even more difficult for me to explain. 

Note: the "embarrassed" smiley face above is from the character describing the story here.

NightRayDuck 06 Apr 11 at 3:24 a.m. GMT

oh dear, TheButlaDidit, you're right, the posts by "andthenthereweresome", even the ones full of smiley faces, had been removed from this thread... I rather enjoyed them.  I did not report andthenthereweresome's posts as spam or abuse, by the way. Any forum moderator or admin would've spent their time better deleting the spam in the "Absent in Spring" thread than any pranks here. 

TheButlaDidIt 05 Apr 11 at 5:26 p.m. GMT

Does anyone know what happened to that poor bloke andthenthereweresome?

cameronjhw 04 Apr 11 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

Correct it is the story Accident (which by the way is one of my favorite stories by Christie). The ending got to me. Well now its your turn and good luck...

NightRayDuck 03 Apr 11 at 9:55 p.m. GMT

The short story "Accident", where the retired police inspector Mr. Evans told a friend about a woman in the neighborhood being a scheming murderer? The friend would have felt something like this after the latest death at the end of the story.. 

cameronjhw 03 Apr 11 at 8:04 p.m. GMT

I'm so sorry I have been behind on this game and I have been tied up with other projects.

darknightofrays-as to the story in question it does not feature a recurring sleuth but it does have a not-too-bright investigator....

again sorry for the delay of hints

NightRayDuck 01 Apr 11 at 8:37 p.m. GMT

aah, forum-pranking between youngsters. how, hm, adorable.

cameron - if we're not getting closer to guessing the story yet, I'd like to request a hint. Does this short story feature a recurring sleuth? Thank you.

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:41 p.m. GMT

Die, Michael, die.

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:37 p.m. GMT

Oh my God! Stop it!!!

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:35 p.m. GMT

They are going to bann me from this website and I'm going to blame you!!!

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:33 p.m. GMT

Oh my God! Leave right now!!!

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:27 p.m. GMT

How do you know I'm not in Austrailia? And I know YOU"RE not because I'm right next to you!!!!!!!

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:22 p.m. GMT

I'm not over-excited! Jeez! I would have gotten up and slapped you if I wasn't perfectly calm!!!

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:18 p.m. GMT

Michael, you're so stupid! Are you really goona cyber stalk me on an Agatha Christie website?!? Don't make me murder you!

LittleMissMurder 31 Mar 11 at 5:16 p.m. GMT

I know right!!!! Lol, why'd you put that on this blog? But it is!!!

Nofret 27 Mar 11 at 7:30 a.m. GMT

Could be The Hound of Death - Doctor Rose being the one "talking nonsense" about Marie Angelique's powers - you could only think of her as being a little simple-minded.

NightRayDuck 27 Mar 11 at 4:50 a.m. GMT

"The Girl in the Train"? sevveral young women from rather different walks of life, but very similar names.

cameronjhw 26 Mar 11 at 6:33 p.m. GMT

Not the Red Signal

NightRayDuck 25 Mar 11 at 11:35 p.m. GMT

"The Red Signal"? some confusions about which character was suspected of insanity.

cameronjhw 23 Mar 11 at 3:11 a.m. GMT

No it is not the Thumb Mark of St. Peter

Nofret 22 Mar 11 at 4:52 p.m. GMT

Is it The Thumb-mark of St Peter - the dying man seemed to be talking about "a heap of fish"?

cameronjhw 22 Mar 11 at 3:08 p.m. GMT

No, it is not Amy Leatheran.

Here is a hint-this is from a short story

Nofret 20 Mar 11 at 8:18 p.m. GMT

Is it Nurse Letheran in Murder in Mesopotamia?

cameronjhw 18 Mar 11 at 1:58 p.m. GMT

No it is not Thomas Royde.

Nofret 17 Mar 11 at 5:47 p.m. GMT

Is it Thomas Royde from Towards Zero?

cameronjhw 16 Mar 11 at 9:05 p.m. GMT

Thank you it has been awhile since I did this but I think I have a good one:

"Hard to believe that this awful thing happened...at first I thought he was talking nonsense you could never think anything of her as...but then again after this latest news maybe it's true but...no best thing to do is keep out of it...then again...

Nofret 16 Mar 11 at 4:40 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Yes, you're correct, it is Thora Grey. If she had been successful and married Sir Carmichael Clarke, then his brother would have been disinherited, so he had to kill Sir C before Thora got her claws into him! She was also indirectly responsible for the other murders.

Your turn now.

cameronjhw 16 Mar 11 at 1:08 p.m. GMT

How about the attractive blonde secretary Thora Grey-by way of Sweden who wanted at first to marry the 3rd victim Sir Carmichael Clarke and then had her eyes on Franklin Clarke in the ABC Murders or the blonde secretary to Sir Joseph Hoggin from the story the Nemean Lion

Nofret 15 Mar 11 at 11:36 p.m. GMT

Not Lady Edgeware, this person was foiled in her attempt to get her claws into a millionaire.

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Mar 11 at 3:35 p.m. GMT

I meant to say Lord Edgware Dies, Is it Lady Edgware Speaking?

Nofret 15 Mar 11 at 2:27 p.m. GMT

No, this blonde is neither French nor Italian.

NightRayDuck 14 Mar 11 at 9:43 p.m. GMT

oh, wait, who else was I thinking about... James Folliat's first wife, Italian girl, about James's mother, in Dead Man's Folly?

NightRayDuck 14 Mar 11 at 9:40 p.m. GMT

...French maid? French cook? French nanny? French governess? French student?

Nofret 14 Mar 11 at 9:49 a.m. GMT

No, neither of those, DK.

I cannot help you, Monsieur! Why would I notice such an insignificent person?

NightRayDuck 13 Mar 11 at 10:29 p.m. GMT

I thought of "Miss Pilar" in Hercule Poirot's Christmas, but there's no old lady and no more than one death... and then "Martine" (the real one) in 4.50 from Paddington - her absence allowed the murderer to use her name in the scheme, but no old lady disliking her... hm.

Nofret 11 Mar 11 at 1:27 p.m. GMT

Not Kay Strange, in fact this person has different colouring from her - in more ways than one!

NightRayDuck 11 Mar 11 at 4:03 a.m. GMT

I don't suppose Kay Strange in Towards Zero counts as foreign...?

Nofret 10 Mar 11 at 7:29 p.m. GMT

Good guess (that's me, beautiful and manipulative ) but wrong, although this person was also foriegn.

cameronjhw 10 Mar 11 at 4:05 p.m. GMT

How about the beautiful and yet manipulative concubine Nofret who after her death lead to the string of brutal and fiendish murders of Imhotep's family in Death Comes as the End

Nofret 10 Mar 11 at 10:04 a.m. GMT

Not Brenda or Gina - this person was indirectly responsible for more than one death.

NightRayDuck 10 Mar 11 at 12:04 a.m. GMT

possibly Crooked House, Brenda Leonides about Aunt Edith?

I almost forgot about Aunt Effie in A Pocket Full of Rye... I think she's more concerned about Lance than about any of the wives of the Fortescue family.

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Mar 11 at 4:17 p.m. GMT

Gina talking to Stephen in They Do It With Mirrors?

Nofret 09 Mar 11 at 2:58 p.m. GMT

No, but this person has a lot in common with Adele Fortescue.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 09 Mar 11 at 11:38 a.m. GMT

Is it Mrs Adele Fortescue talking about Aunt Effie, from A Pocket Full of Rye?

Nofret 09 Mar 11 at 9:37 a.m. GMT

Thank you, Darknight.

It's obvious that the old lady doesn't like me - I couldn't care less! If a girl has to make her own way in the world, and if she's been blessed with good looks, as I have, then she'll definitely use them to her best advantage.

NightRayDuck 09 Mar 11 at 3:47 a.m. GMT

Nofret has got the correct biography! This is Dumb Witness, as discussed by the neighbor Miss Peabody, who had a lot of fun when Poirot and Hastings interviewed her for the first time. Over to you, Nofret. 

Nofret 08 Mar 11 at 11:02 p.m. GMT

Is it Dumb Witness, when as a cover story Poirot  claims to be a biographer researching the life of General Arundell?

GKCfan 08 Mar 11 at 8:10 a.m. GMT

You're welcome!  I think that's an interesting bit of Christie trivia. 

Poirot claims he's writing a biography of Amyas Crale in Five Little Pigs, but the rest doesn't fit the story...

NightRayDuck 08 Mar 11 at 4:23 a.m. GMT

ah, I see, so that's the reason that "Cover Her Face" looked familiar when I was looking up P.D. James books... Inspector Lynley series? oddly, I'd forgotten this as part of the line from "The Duchess of Malfi", so when I tried to think of the precise line from Sleeping Murder, my thoughts went like "mine eyes dazzle"? "she died young"? "monkey's paw"?

Next story up for guessing! is being told by someone rather enjoying this conversation.

I say! This odd-looking man who asks a whole lot of questions unrelated to the biography that he says he's going to write. And this other man who looks English enough, but has nothing to say when I insult his writing ability and the school he went to. I wonder what they're doing here! Well, if they're working on the thing that's been worrying my long-time friend, they'd better get serious at some point and finish it up carefully.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Mar 11 at 4:01 p.m. GMT

What a wonderful piece of Literary Trivia GKCfan, Thankyou for it. Sleeping Murder is such a lovely book, one of my favourite Marples.

GKCfan 07 Mar 11 at 7:01 a.m. GMT

YES!  You are correct!  To clarify, the original title of Sleeping Murder was Cover Her Face, but the book was kept locked away for years and years after it was written, and in the meantime P.D. James titled one of her books Cover Her Face, never dreaming that Agatha Christie had an unpublished book with that title, so Christie's book title was changed.

NightRayDuck 07 Mar 11 at 5:50 a.m. GMT

perhaps Sleeping Murder? possibly where the stage actor in "The Duchess of Malfi" speaks his line, and in the audience some young lady starts screaming her head off?

GKCfan 07 Mar 11 at 1:10 a.m. GMT

No, sorry.  It's not a short story, it's from a novel. It helps to know more about the history of Christie's writing, as well as the careers of some other prominent mystery authors, as well as older British literature.

NightRayDuck 06 Mar 11 at 10:15 p.m. GMT

maybe "The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl", which replaced the original title of "The Mystery of the Second Cucumber", but really got published as "Mr. Eastwood's Adventure"?

GKCfan 05 Mar 11 at 10:31 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.  This person is not in service.

Bunch_Marple 05 Mar 11 at 6:39 a.m. GMT

A butler or maid?

GKCfan 04 Mar 11 at 7:45 a.m. GMT

None of those professions, sorry.

NightRayDuck 04 Mar 11 at 7:34 a.m. GMT

I am thinking about... oh, I don't really know, waitress, doctor, nurse, policeman, or any other rather minor character who is obviously doing his/her job right and making a simple observation.

I don't think my internet connection is good enough at the moment for me to look up bibliography of other authors... 

GKCfan 03 Mar 11 at 7:20 p.m. GMT

Yes, the person is human. 

No mechanical onjects are connected directly to the murders, although poison may be involved in at least one death.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 03 Mar 11 at 11:46 a.m. GMT

Well, it can't be 'Why didn't they ask Evans?' which is a cracking line but disqualified as it's the book title.  I'm going to ask an odd question - are you a human being?  Your description makes me think of a mechanical object or perhaps a poison

GKCfan 03 Mar 11 at 5:46 a.m. GMT

"You never learn my name, and in fact, only one of my lines appears in the book, but oh, what a line!  It would have been the title of this book if only some up-and-coming initialed writer hadn't decided to use it too.  Anyway, my line is so good and important that other characters in the book say it word for word.  I'm pretty good at my job, so you can imagine how shocked I and everyone else were when I was working and produced such an unexpected reaction!"

Miss_Eylesbarrow 02 Mar 11 at 10:32 a.m. GMT

Too easy!  Over to you for another corker GKC

GKCfan 01 Mar 11 at 8:35 p.m. GMT

Nicholas Ransom and Desmond Holland from Hallowe'en Party?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 01 Mar 11 at 10:32 a.m. GMT

Well, we are just a couple of modern young men really.  Into all the latest scientific research and all that.  Glad to have been of some help in that strange affair recently.  I say, if he hadn't gone the way he did, he might have had to be psycoanalysed or something? Eh?

NightRayDuck 28 Feb 11 at 10:58 p.m. GMT

Yes, Miss Eylesbarrow! This is the Unit and the scientists gathered there, as described by Dr. Louis Barron in Destination Unknown. By the way, Dr. Barron himself only discusses needing lots of money to figure out the extremely intriguing cellular processes of his bacteria of interest; however, he is the tops at bacterial research.  Over to you~

Miss_Eylesbarrow 28 Feb 11 at 10:35 a.m. GMT

In that case is it Dr Louis Barron, the guy involved in bacterial research, he was a bit older I think?

NightRayDuck 25 Feb 11 at 3:18 a.m. GMT

Not the description that Mr. Peters would give. I was away from my bookshelf when I typed up this clue, so I didn't really manage to catch the manner of speech of this character. This character has been in the profession far longer and really has got the funding cut off rather often. The new colleagues and other community members gathered that this character had been too obviously pursuing research as a puzzle-solving activity.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 24 Feb 11 at 9:29 a.m. GMT

Oh gosh, the story is easy, it's Destination Unknown, but which scientist???  He sounds American, I'm going with 'Andrew Peters' as my first guess.

NightRayDuck 24 Feb 11 at 3 a.m. GMT

Say... I am glad I never cared about creed or ideals. I always need a whole lot of money to do my research, and getting together with my peers and exchanging ideas certainly helps. While here, I had both the money and the peers. I knew the place would go down one day. Well, when I did my work at more ordinary locations, my funding was often cut off, too. Those peers who came here and then argued about politics and welfare and so on and so forth, rather than taking advantage of the workspace and the funding and no sponsors checking up whether the project was "of interest"... well, those peers were being silly!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 23 Feb 11 at 9:19 a.m. GMT

Yes, Darknight, Dolly Bantry in The Miror Crack'd.  Over to you

NightRayDuck 22 Feb 11 at 7:25 p.m. GMT

umm, I really don't remember anything from that story other than the victim, the killer, the sleuth, and the motive. I am not even certain which coppers worked with the sleuth on that case. hmm. I mean, I am not messing around if my guess turns out to be ludicrously incorrect.

If the "good friend" is Miss Marple, then the character discussing the case may have been Dolly Bantry? That is, if the "star-spotting" really was the gathering at the beginning of The Mirror Crack'd.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 22 Feb 11 at 11:21 a.m. GMT

We need a character, Darknight......

NightRayDuck 21 Feb 11 at 4:40 p.m. GMT

This might possibly be the beginning of The Mirror Crack'd? I haven't read it in a long time, though, so I can't identify the character precisely. 

Miss_Eylesbarrow 21 Feb 11 at 10:21 a.m. GMT

Thanks Darknight...

I only went along to have a good look round the place, and perhaps a bit of 'star spotting' at the same time, I really didn't expect to get caught up in a crime!  What will my good friend say?

NightRayDuck 17 Feb 11 at 7:23 p.m. GMT

Yes, Miss Eylesbarrow. Perfect answer! Your turn. 

Miss_Eylesbarrow 17 Feb 11 at 9:43 a.m. GMT

Okay, I reckon the person speaking is Edith de Haviland from Crooked House about her 'twisty' brother-in-law, the wonderful character Aristide Leonides.

NightRayDuck 17 Feb 11 at 6:54 a.m. GMT

Well, that man was perfectly disgusting, practically despicable! Sure he was successful, but simply by being so unscrupulous and twisty in his dealings, that anything he made money from, the government promptly started making laws about that type of business. I could never figure out how he ended up as my in-law. His offsprings are rather odd, too... incompetent or moody sons, temperamental brats most of his grandchildren. I don't think that's heredity from my side of the family... And I think his lack of scruples and of sympathy has grown far out of proportion in at least one of the offsprings...

NightRayDuck 17 Feb 11 at 1:10 a.m. GMT

Thanks, InspectorGrant! I had, quite frankly, entirely forgotten who it was, among Mark Easterbrook's family or relatives, that did the "Mark's Girlfriend [inverted commas]". I did remember Mark's complaint, but I forgot who said it.

Good luck on finding Three Blind Mice! The events and setting of the novella is very much the same as the stage play, but some details of the characters' possibly-guilty past are altered. I think it would be very worth looking up and acquiring a copy.

I'll be back with my puzzle within the day~

InspectorGrant 15 Feb 11 at 3:52 p.m. GMT

You are right, Darknightofrays - it is Hermia Redcliffe in The Pale Horse - Mark Easterbrook gets annoyed with his sister for her habit of referring to Hermia as 'Mark's Girlfriend' in inverted commas, although his sister never makes an appearance in the novel. 

Thanks for the information about the novella version of The Mousetrap being called Three Blind Mice - must check with Amazon to see if they have this.

Over to you....

NightRayDuck 15 Feb 11 at 1:41 a.m. GMT

The novella version of "The Mousetrap"... also called the "short story" but it's nearly 100 pages long - is better known as "Three Blind Mice", and hadn't been published in the UK. I wonder if it's been published there by now.

Your clue makes me think of Miss Hermia Redcliffe in "The Pale Horse", talking about Mark Easterbrook possibly, but I don't recall anything of a sister, so I guess that's not it...

InspectorGrant 12 Feb 11 at 10:24 a.m. GMT

Thanks, Darknightofrays ;)  I didn't know that there was a novella version of 'The Mousetrap' - must look out for a copy.  See how you go with this one:

I do try to be intellectually challenging.  People have said that I am inclined to be a bit high-brow, and I suppose this is true, up to a point.  I really wish that he would make something of himself, instead of frittering away his life in those peculiar little coffee bars which he has been frequenting of late.  His remarks about my profile make me feel like P.G. Wodehouse's Honoria Glossop, but slightly less attractive.  I do love Glyndebourne, though, and Shakespeare is heaven.   His sister is a bitch.

NightRayDuck 09 Feb 11 at 1:40 p.m. GMT

Yes, InspectorGrant! This is "The Mousetrap", either the stage version or the novella version is fine, I did not try to put in details that would be found in only one version and not the other. Your turn!

Yes, Miss Eylesbarrow! The bad weather refers to somewhere in the UK. It's difficult for a young couple to run a guest house in a very snowy winter, while attempting to sneak off to London to purchase a little something for that special someone~

InspectorGrant 09 Feb 11 at 12:13 p.m. GMT

Is it The Mouse Trap?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 09 Feb 11 at 9:51 a.m. GMT

Hmmm, does the 'bad weather' reference indicate a new business in Britain?  I'm guessing an hotel or guest house in the UK somewhere?

NightRayDuck 07 Feb 11 at 11:20 a.m. GMT

We're excited to be starting our own business, but I'll admit it is a little nerve-wrecking! New place, cranky people, bad weather, worrying about food, and a surprise visit from a rather unique policeman...

GKCfan - personally, I prefer to fancy that the young lady in question might start a few private detectives and lawyers to cut any ties with the crook, and to see if there's more serious dirt in his past to warrant a risk of publicity. this young lady, at least, seems to know more about how the world works than the similar character in Sparkling Cyanide does. able to secure the attention of the greatest private detective at a moment's notice! I think she'll do alright.

GKCfan 07 Feb 11 at 1:22 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Yes, that's correct!  Great work!  Personally, I thought that it was stupid of Pauline not to have him prosecuted, because he was definitely an attempted murderer and possibly the actual killer of his wife.  I know it's unlikely that she would get her embezzled inheritance back, but still, he might have hurt or cheated someone else...

NightRayDuck 06 Feb 11 at 9:31 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

oh! when Pauline said she wouldn't start prosecution on her brother-in-law Barton Russell for attempting to poison her, in "Yellow Iris"? an attempted poisoner who possibly had stolen a kid's money that's under his guardianship... a very unsatisfactory brother-in-law, this Mr. Russell.

GKCfan 05 Feb 11 at 8:55 p.m. GMT

No, it's not from Labors of Hercules, sorry.

Bunch_Marple 05 Feb 11 at 12:26 p.m. GMT

Shelia/General Grant from The horses of diomedes?

GKCfan 05 Feb 11 at 5:03 a.m. GMT

No, but it is from a Poirot short story.

Bunch_Marple 04 Feb 11 at 11:36 p.m. GMT

Is it from the short story, The Cornish mystery?

GKCfan 04 Feb 11 at 11:32 p.m. GMT

No, sorry, but it is a Poirot tale.  Anyway, it's implied that the cocaine dealers were arrested after the events of the novel.

NightRayDuck 04 Feb 11 at 9:10 p.m. GMT

I think maybe I am missing some point, because I got a whole list of possible answers that could fit the clue and I couldn't eliminate any of them. First up was Frederica Rice allowing her cocaine dealer to go free simply because the detectives didn't like to be concerned with it for the moment, in Peril at End House. 

GKCfan 02 Feb 11 at 8:10 p.m. GMT

Good questions, darknightofrays!  I don't know about the royalties, but Poirot is deleted and Sarah King does most of the detection.

Note: the speaker could be most of the characters in this story, so just guess the tale, not the anonymous speaker.

"That girl made a bad decision.  That man may or may not be a killer, but he is a crook, and she's letting him go free!  Justice is more important than bad publicity..."

NightRayDuck 02 Feb 11 at 7 p.m. GMT

Yes, GKCfan! This is the family lawyer's angle on the Leonides case in Crooked House. The family asking him what happened to the will, and the police asking him why old Leonides would do such hocus-pocus for his will.

I wonder if the producers used the plot from the play version of Appointment with Death, would they have to pay additional royalty? Besides, (although I don't know for a fact whether Poirot appeared in the adaptation you have in mind), it'd be rather difficult to plop M. Poirot between two doctors who are quite sharp-eyed and two politicians who are rather silly.

GKCfan 01 Feb 11 at 8:28 p.m. GMT

Aristide Leonides' solicitor in Crooked House?

I thought that the play version of Appointment  was very interesting- if they had to change up the story like they did in the recent wretched TV adaptation, why couldn't they have used Christie's own alternative ending?

GKCfan 01 Feb 11 at 8:28 p.m. GMT

Aristide Leonides' solicitor in Crooked House?

I thought that the play version of Appointment  was very interesting- if they had to change up the story like they did in the recent wretched TV adaptation, why couldn't they have used Christie's own alternative ending?

GKCfan 01 Feb 11 at 8:28 p.m. GMT

Aristide Leonides' solicitor in Crooked House?

I thought that the play version of Appointment  was very interesting- if they had to change up the story like they did in the recent wretched TV adaptation, why couldn't they have used Christie's own alternative ending?

NightRayDuck 01 Feb 11 at 6:01 p.m. GMT

Well, it was most irregular! Keeping his real will in such a dodgy manner and keeping me in the dark. He's an old friend, and I'd been the most respectable among the attorneys he had ever used. It surprises me and, I have to say, rather stings. But looking at the fact that he was suddenly murdered like that... maybe his secretive manner was more than the over-cautious habit of a foreigner.

Thanks, GKCfan. I enjoyed reading the stage script of Appointment with Death very much! The most worthwhile read in the play script compilation I bought, I think, other than The Mousetrap script.

GKCfan 01 Feb 11 at 6:22 a.m. GMT

Great job, darknightofrays, you're right!

NightRayDuck 31 Jan 11 at 6:01 a.m. GMT

ah! if we're by any chance including Christie's own stage adaptation of her novels... "Alderman Higgs" v. "Lady Westholme" in the upcoming election for Member of Parliament, in the stage version of Appointment with Death?

GKCfan 31 Jan 11 at 5:46 a.m. GMT

No, not Frankfurt.  The fight in question is nothing more a simple, honest, democratic election, with nothing more violent than enthusiastic campaigning.

NightRayDuck 31 Jan 11 at 5:33 a.m. GMT

Does persuading people toward or away from bloody revolution count as strictly non-violent? I am thinking of Sir Stafford Nye and the scary wealthy old lady who heads the propaganda campaign in Passenger to Frankfurt.

GKCfan 30 Jan 11 at 8:02 p.m. GMT

No, it's not from Dead Man's Folly.  The two characters are both people in positions of power, but their "fight" is a strictly non-violent one.

Remember, think about EVERYTHING Christie wrote.

Bunch_Marple 30 Jan 11 at 10:29 a.m. GMT

Is this someone who is in a position of power? Do they mean fight in a more general sense (ie war)?

NightRayDuck 30 Jan 11 at 8:03 a.m. GMT

I thought of James Folliot and his mother in Dead Man's Folly, but you said the two characters were not related... so maybe James's first wife Elsa, and James's mother? James and Elsa needed to convince many people that the husband was a self-made rich man, that the wife was half-witted, and that there's no more Folliots at Nasse House.

GKCfan 30 Jan 11 at 2:05 a.m. GMT

No, it's not from a Miss Marple tale.

Bunch_Marple 29 Jan 11 at 10:25 p.m. GMT

Lettice Prothroe about her stepmother in Murder at the Vicarage? She planted evidence so people would re-suspect Anne.

GKCfan 29 Jan 11 at 9:06 p.m. GMT

Definitely not.  Neither of them has any romanic feelings towards the other.  The tale in question is not a short story.

NightRayDuck 29 Jan 11 at 8:24 p.m. GMT

...do the two characters end up wanting to get married by the end of the story?

It reminds me of the short story "The Golden Ball", but the young man in that story doesn't have many people to convince, if I remember correctly.

GKCfan 27 Jan 11 at 8:02 p.m. GMT

The two characters definitely are NOT married, and they're not related, but for a short time they stayed in the same building.

Bunch_Marple 27 Jan 11 at 8:37 a.m. GMT

Is the fight a personal one or more outside the home? I love you brainteasers!

GKCfan 26 Jan 11 at 10:11 p.m. GMT

"I do not like bossy women, so it feels good to take her down a peg or two.  She thinks she can push anyone around, but I like a good fight.  It looks like we'll have a bit of a fight coming up soon when we get back home, but I might be able to come out on top if I can get a bunch of people to change their minds..."

Hint: You may need to think outside the box a bit for this one...

NightRayDuck 26 Jan 11 at 12:56 p.m. GMT

Well done, GKC! Yes, this is the event in They Do It With Mirrors as might be described by any of the delinquent boys. I had wondered if any of our friends would skip over the hint of illiteracy and fix on something like that group of well-fed scientists in Destination Unknown. 

GKCfan 26 Jan 11 at 5:41 a.m. GMT

Is this from They Do It With Mirrors?

NightRayDuck 25 Jan 11 at 11:06 p.m. GMT

yay! 

oops, didn't really try to think of one. well then here it goes.

So! Those self-important people herd us in here and say they're giving us such wonderful opportunities! That might be true for some of us, and I have to admit we get food and shelter and that's an easier life for many of us. But all their experts scrutinizing us all the time and spouting a lot of nonsense about our persik-puhsyk-ugh things in our heads. Now one of these important gents is murdered! Only goes to show, people who look into solving other people's problems might have even worse problems of their own.

Note: the word that this description tried to say but couldn't get right was "psychology". This particular mispronunciation does not appear in the story (I think), but any character likely to describe the events in this manner is likely to have difficulty with jargon vocabulary.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 25 Jan 11 at 10:25 a.m. GMT

Bingo!  Well done Darknight.  Your turn

NightRayDuck 24 Jan 11 at 7:13 p.m. GMT

oh! "The Case of the Perfect Maid"? The local girl Gladys Holmes gets bossed around by her fussy new employer, and then "let go" on alleged suspicion of theft.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 24 Jan 11 at 2:41 p.m. GMT

no, the person suspected is a woman

Bunch_Marple 24 Jan 11 at 11:05 a.m. GMT

Is it the young man suspected of drowing the girl in Death by drowning?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 24 Jan 11 at 10:08 a.m. GMT

Neither of those, I'm afraid.  It is a Miss Marple short story and involves a question of identity......

NightRayDuck 21 Jan 11 at 7:20 p.m. GMT

 "The Affair at the Bungalow"? According to the plan, the young man would've got a few hours of infamy as a burglary suspect...

For a moment I forgot this puzzle was about a short story, and I hadn't seen the hint that it's indeed a Miss Marple story, and I thought to myself: "Ah! Peril at End House as summarized by Ms. Frederica Rice!" 

Nofret 21 Jan 11 at 1:08 p.m. GMT

The slimy Vivian Dubois from A Pocket full of Rye, tired of his affair with Adele Fortescue?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 21 Jan 11 at 10:49 a.m. GMT

Neither of those, but it is from a Miss Marple story....

NightRayDuck 21 Jan 11 at 5:50 a.m. GMT

"The Tape-Measure Murder"? When Mrs. Spenlow is killed at home, her husband Arthur Spenlow and some young "preacher" Ted Gerard are thought of as possible motives or possible murderers.

Nofret 20 Jan 11 at 9:05 a.m. GMT

George Pritchard, suspected of murdering his wife in The Blue Geranium?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 19 Jan 11 at 10:48 a.m. GMT

No, Nofret, sorry...

Nofret 17 Jan 11 at 4:51 p.m. GMT

Is it Martin Wylde from The Sign in the Sky?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 17 Jan 11 at 12:52 p.m. GMT

Thanks Bunch Marple!

this is a short story...

I think that I've been treated shabbily, and I didn't do anything, honest!  I think I've been, how do they say it in the gangster films? I know, 'framed' that's it!  Still, on reflection, perhaps I am better off not running about after her all day....

Bunch_Marple 15 Jan 11 at 1:34 a.m. GMT

Haha Miss_Eylesbarrow well done!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 14 Jan 11 at 11:17 a.m. GMT

Is it Count Foscatini from the Adventure of the Italian Nobleman?

Bunch_Marple 14 Jan 11 at 8:51 a.m. GMT

Yay! I usually get them wrong!

They say dinner was ordered.. but it wasn't by me. How odd. They say help was called for, but I doubt I would have done that! Strange. At least I know I can trust my staff...

Which story do I appear?

GKCfan 14 Jan 11 at 7:05 a.m. GMT

Yes!  It's "The Man Who Was Number 16!"  We never find out if Number 16 is actually the original Number 4 from The Big Four or not, and Tommy only knew that Tuppence was in danger at first, and then he found out that she was pregnant, and then several months later they had twins!

Bunch_Marple 13 Jan 11 at 7:25 a.m. GMT

Or The man who was no 16...given that Tuppence was pregnant when she was kidnapped and hidden?

Bunch_Marple 13 Jan 11 at 6:39 a.m. GMT

Mr Carter- A pot of tea?

Sorry Im not too familar with these stories! GKC you must be from more exotic climes to be up at this hour! It 6:30 am here in cold old London!

GKCfan 13 Jan 11 at 6:17 a.m. GMT

None of those mentioned so far, sorry!  You're almost there!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 12 Jan 11 at 2:52 p.m. GMT

I've had a look through, and narrowed it down to one of three stories I think.  Let's try Blind Man's Bluff - is it that one?

Bunch_Marple 12 Jan 11 at 2:08 p.m. GMT

darknightofrays perhaps you read Postern of fate, which is supposed to be Agatha Christie's weakest offereing? I know some scientists analysed it a while ago to attempt to prove She may have has memory decline..

Miss_Eylesbarrow 12 Jan 11 at 9:22 a.m. GMT

Going to have to re-read that one, I don't know those so well .  The only story which I remember the plot of is The Perfect Alibi, and it's not that!

NightRayDuck 12 Jan 11 at 4:40 a.m. GMT

Bunch_Marple - I similarly haven't read any Tommy and Tuppence, and have been repeatedly told that they are very good.  I think I did read one of the later full-length Tommy and Tuppence novels, but it was a long time ago and I don't remember much from it.

Bunch_Marple 11 Jan 11 at 10:53 p.m. GMT

Ive never read Tommy and Tuppence, are they any good?

GKCfan 11 Jan 11 at 7:59 p.m. GMT

Yes, it is a Tommy and Tuppence short story!  So it must be from Partners in Crime...

Miss_Eylesbarrow 11 Jan 11 at 9:22 a.m. GMT

Silly me, should have re-ready your last post.  So not a Poirot short story.  Is it a Tommy & Tuppence short story?  It doesn't sound like a Miss Marple.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 11 Jan 11 at 9:20 a.m. GMT

Are you Captain Hastings?

GKCfan 08 Jan 11 at 8:30 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.  The character from The Big Four is not Countess Vera Rossakoff.  The short story in question is not a Poirot story.

Nofret 08 Jan 11 at 2:25 p.m. GMT

I'm still stumped. Is it The Capture of Cerberus?

GKCfan 05 Jan 11 at 8:18 p.m. GMT

Yes, the "prominent chartacter" is from The Big Four!  So the story in question should be much easier to guess now...

Nofret 05 Jan 11 at 12:51 p.m. GMT

Is the character from The Big Four?

GKCfan 02 Jan 11 at 11:22 p.m. GMT

Heh!  Let me know if I should give a hint...

Nofret 02 Jan 11 at 6:05 p.m. GMT

This is a tough one, GKCfan! All I can think of is that Inch and Young Inch must have been homicidally bad drivers!!!!!!

GKCfan 30 Dec 10 at 8:24 p.m. GMT

NOTE: This is from a short story:

"It's not really clear if a prominent character from an earlier tale really reappears or if it's someone totally different who may or may not be following the legacy of that original person.  Whatever the truth of the matter, that person put people close to me in danger, and thankfully three innocent people weren't harmed, although I only knew that one person was in danger at the time, that two people had been in danger a day or so later, and that three people had been in danger some months later."

Miss_Eylesbarrow 30 Dec 10 at 3:23 p.m. GMT

Yes, gkc.  Your turn 

GKCfan 28 Dec 10 at 9:54 p.m. GMT

Tuppence in N or M?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 28 Dec 10 at 4:26 p.m. GMT

Clue anyone?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 24 Dec 10 at 9:58 a.m. GMT

If he thinks that he's going off to solve this case on his own then he is wildly mistaken!  I've got as many brains as he has AND I'm big on common sense.  A bit of sea air will be a nice change and I'll have to think up a new name....

NightRayDuck 24 Dec 10 at 2:43 a.m. GMT

Yes, Miss Eylesbarrow!  This is Raymond West propounding the Ingots of Gold problem that seems to him extremely puzzling. I figured that sitting with friends and aunt, telling stories by a fireplace, might be in keeping with the holiday spirits. Your turn.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 23 Dec 10 at 9:35 a.m. GMT

This is, perhaps, Ingots of Gold a story told by Raymond West at the Tuesday Night Club?

NightRayDuck 23 Dec 10 at 7:22 a.m. GMT

"It was a queer little case... so I brought it up, hoping that between us we could figure out the truth. I mean, a whole lot of valuable stuff getting pinched, the obvious suspect having a pretty good alibi. But after I finished talking about this incident, my friends and my hostess promptly figured out the mystery, and in addition pointed out how naive I had been. Eh, worst story-telling I've ever done in my life."

GKCfan 23 Dec 10 at midnight GMT

Yes!  Great job!

NightRayDuck 22 Dec 10 at 9:59 p.m. GMT

old Mrs. Rogers from Endless Night, discussing her son Michael Rogers and the watch that he took for himself by drowning a school friend, many years ago?

GKCfan 22 Dec 10 at 9:48 p.m. GMT

"I've done my best with him, but I don't think that there's anything else I can do to protect him and those around him.  I think it's already much too late, I've known it ever since I saw that wretched item all those years ago..."

Aurora 22 Dec 10 at 12:29 p.m. GMT

Yes, well done! Just reread it as part of a Murder For Christmas collection and I'd forgotten how good it is.

Over to you.

GKCfan 21 Dec 10 at 10:13 p.m. GMT

From "The Theft of the Royal Ruby," Annie the housemaid talking about Poirot's gift.

Aurora 21 Dec 10 at 6:13 p.m. GMT

An easy one for Christmas:

I only did what I thought was right but he was ever so grateful. He bought me a vanity case fit for a really posh lady as a thank you.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 20 Dec 10 at 9:15 a.m. GMT

Well done Aurora.  It is Tim Allerton.  Over to you....

Aurora 17 Dec 10 at 7:11 p.m. GMT

Is it Tim Allerton in Death on the Nile?

I'm so chuffed everyone is stil playing my game so far in.

Thank you and Happy Christmas!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 17 Dec 10 at 9:12 a.m. GMT

Not there yet Darknight.  The person in question is a thief.

NightRayDuck 17 Dec 10 at 5:58 a.m. GMT

I've thought of that young man Garfield in Sittaford Mystery, always scraping and moping around the place to please his aunt, but as far as I could recall, he's got the aunt with a forceful personality, has recently met a pretty girl, and hasn't got anyone else to be uncomfortable with his situation. O.o

I'd like to randomly guess that this may possibly be somebody in At Bertram's Hotel...

Miss_Eylesbarrow 16 Dec 10 at 10:44 a.m. GMT

Another clue?  The pretty girl has family issues of her own.

NightRayDuck 15 Dec 10 at 7:37 p.m. GMT

I thought about Micky Argyle in Ordeal by Innocence, when he gets tired of being rebellious, but, again, can't think of a pretty girl that he doesn't already know. 

Miss_Eylesbarrow 14 Dec 10 at 9:33 a.m. GMT

Not Crooked house, but your summary was pretty accurate.  Clue: we are not talking about the murder here.

NightRayDuck 14 Dec 10 at 2:39 a.m. GMT

I would almost say Crooked House as discussed by Roger Leonides, but I don't think there's a dashed pretty girl in that story that would give Roger pause. 

NightRayDuck 14 Dec 10 at 2:35 a.m. GMT

I don't suppose it's Leonard or anyone else in Appointment with Death, either?

There's someone with a strong personality and lots connections..

There's someone uncomfortable but with the wrong end of the stick..

There's a dashed pretty girl..

And there's lots of deception in this character's life. hmm. 

Miss_Eylesbarrow 13 Dec 10 at 9:24 a.m. GMT

Good guess and I can see how you got there, but not right I'm afraid.

GKCfan 10 Dec 10 at 10:12 p.m. GMT

Raymond in Appointment With Death?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 10 Dec 10 at 9:48 a.m. GMT

I'm heartily sick of all this deception, I wish that I could leave this life and go straight, but I'm trapped into it by this person in my family who is such a strong personality and has all the connections.  I know that someone close to me is uncomfortable with the situation, but she's got the wrong end of the stick.  Hang on, what a dashed pretty girl that is over there.....

Miss_Eylesbarrow 09 Dec 10 at 11:30 a.m. GMT

Thanks Nofret, I'll get back to you with a question, just wanted to hide the spoiler in your answer above!!

Nofret 08 Dec 10 at 9:51 p.m. GMT

Yes, of course, the guilty Nurse Harrison. Over to you!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 08 Dec 10 at 10:56 a.m. GMT

Nurse Harrison?  I'm running out of characters!

Nofret 08 Dec 10 at 10:24 a.m. GMT

No, try again!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 07 Dec 10 at 4:18 p.m. GMT

Jean Moncrieffe then?

Nofret 07 Dec 10 at 4:07 p.m. GMT

Right story, wrong character!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 07 Dec 10 at 2:14 p.m. GMT

Is it the servant girl Beatrice fromthe Poirot short story, Lhe Lernaean Hydra?

Doctor Charles Oldfield's wife is thought to have died from her gastric ulcer, and there is LOTS of gossip!

Nofret 05 Dec 10 at 9:17 p.m. GMT

No,  it's not How does your Garden Grow, but it is a short story.

If brain congealing I prescribe a nice lie down in a darkened room, and avoid reality TV shows! Get well soon!!!!

NightRayDuck 05 Dec 10 at 9:06 p.m. GMT

I don't want to further congeal my brain with flipping through the books, so I'll have to hazard a guess without going and reading the actual story... is this about the death in the Poirot short story "How Does Your Garden Grow?" ? The problem is, I can't remember if the victim had an existing medical condition, or if some random mushroom or tinned lobster at dinner had been blamed....

Nofret 04 Dec 10 at 9:20 a.m. GMT

It wasn't Poirot or old Mrs Rogers. And the death in question was originally certified as being from an existing medical condition.

NightRayDuck 03 Dec 10 at 8:11 p.m. GMT

It couldn't be M. Poirot in Appointment with Death? There wasn't a "something else that seemed very odd at the time"...

Most of the cases that I can think of where some persons were observed as making plans... the causes of death were all obviously violent, gunshot or hit on the head or such...

How about old Mrs. Rogers discussing the causers of Ellie's death, in Endless Night?

Nofret 03 Dec 10 at 4:55 p.m. GMT

Not Halloween party - clue, the speaker was well aware that the death was not a natural one!

MissQuin 03 Dec 10 at 4:52 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it Halloween Party? Mrs. Llewellyn-Smythe died, Olga Seminoff suspected the murderers.

Nofret 03 Dec 10 at 4:39 p.m. GMT

Could possibly be David Hunter talking about Rosaleen - but it isn't.

Tommy_A_Jones 03 Dec 10 at 4:32 p.m. GMT

Taken At The Flood?

Nofret 03 Dec 10 at 8:37 a.m. GMT

No, neither of those.

cameronjhw 02 Dec 10 at 10:36 p.m. GMT

Is it the Mysterious Affair at Styles or Dumb Witness

Nofret 02 Dec 10 at 8:41 a.m. GMT

Thank you, Miss E. Try this one.

I knew it ! She didn't die a natural death! I tried to protect her, but they were too clever for me. Oh, yes, I'm not one to gossip, but I overheard them making their plans. And I've just remembered something else - it seemed very odd at the time......

Miss_Eylesbarrow 01 Dec 10 at 9:54 a.m. GMT

Yes of course Nofret.  Good to have you back.  Over to you :)

Nofret 30 Nov 10 at 1:39 p.m. GMT

Is it Midge Hardcastle from The Hollow?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 29 Nov 10 at 2:02 p.m. GMT

It's lovely to be living a life of luxury again, but I know it won't be for long.  I love my family, but they can be a bit exasperating at times.  Sometimes I dream that it's me he loves, but I know that I'm just kidding myself.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 29 Nov 10 at 11:47 a.m. GMT

Thanks Darknight, I've just got to think of something now

NightRayDuck 26 Nov 10 at 3:03 a.m. GMT

Miss Eylesbarrow, you should take this one, this being the guess-the-story game. Looking forward to your puzzle! 

I am going over to steal a spot in some of the other games. 

GKCfan 25 Nov 10 at 7:01 p.m. GMT

darknightofrays is correct!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 25 Nov 10 at 9:03 a.m. GMT

Of course, that makes more sense than my guess darknight - I'm sure you are right.

NightRayDuck 25 Nov 10 at 2:14 a.m. GMT

I don't feel certain about this one at all, but if Crooked House is the story, Great-Aunt Edith is more likely the character describing it here?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 24 Nov 10 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

Not sure about this one.  Hmmm, could it Aristide Leonides from Crooked House?

GKCfan 24 Nov 10 at 6:27 a.m. GMT

"What I do, I do out of love.  Many of the people close to me are not particularly pleasant people, but I love them all, with two notable exceptions.   I may be perpetuating a lie and causing two deaths, but that is far preferable to doing nothing.  Better the lie and the deaths now than more lies and tragedies later."

NightRayDuck 24 Nov 10 at 5:28 a.m. GMT

Yes, GKC! This is Jane's story of her Bungalow incident. Thank you for not grumbling about the puzzle being too easy. Please have fun making the next puzzle for us! 

GKCfan 23 Nov 10 at 6:29 a.m. GMT

Jane Helier from The Thirteen Problems?  The "special story" is "The Affair at the Bungalow."

NightRayDuck 23 Nov 10 at 6:23 a.m. GMT

So... I am expected to be the dumb one at this gathering of friends, just because of my gender, age, and profession. Heh, they want to take turns telling stories and having the rest of the dinner party guess the truth of the events. Well... I am going to tell a special story. Let's see if anyone can figure it out! If they can't... then I'll go ahead and carry out my plan. 

Note: the winking smiley is from the character discussing the story.

NightRayDuck 23 Nov 10 at 6:13 a.m. GMT

Somehow I managed to use the opening scene of The Body in the Library for a writing exercise of "omit words from a prose paragraph to write a poem" in middle school...

OK, this story puzzle is probably too easy, but there are several Poirot stories that I want to do and I won't have any time to re-read them to check up on facts, so I am afraid I'll have to go with this one.

Mr_Graves 23 Nov 10 at 6:08 a.m. GMT

Oh, well done! Yes, I rather liked AC's note in this book, that she had tried to put her own slant on a common theme, a "body in the library". And Mrs Bantry's loved one was of course Arthur Bantry, her husband. Anywho, your turn.

NightRayDuck 23 Nov 10 at 5:17 a.m. GMT

How about the energetic Mrs. Bantry trying to get the elderly Miss Marple into playing detectives after there appeared in the Bantrys' house a Body in the Library?

Mr_Graves 22 Nov 10 at 8:59 p.m. GMT

Not "Crooked House" either, I'm afraid... But thank you for not giving away the solution!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 22 Nov 10 at 11:37 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it Crooked House from the point of view of Sophia?  I can say whose guilt is determined but I know that there are some on the forum who haven't read the book yet.

Mr_Graves 22 Nov 10 at 7:04 a.m. GMT

A very good thought, darknight... Unfortunately, you are incorrect. 

NightRayDuck 22 Nov 10 at 5:39 a.m. GMT

This might be 4.50 from Paddington, which is also published under the more exciting title What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw! from the point of view of Alexander Eastley.

Mr_Graves 20 Nov 10 at 3 a.m. GMT

I enjoyed this mystery- I think with Poirot it would be more comic. The character of Eve Leathern was written very well, I thought.. Here's my clue...

This sounds like a classic detective case- the title at least. And I admit that my good friend and I enjoyed being detectives. But there was always an unsettling side to this, which was determining the guilt of somebody I love dearly..

GKCfan 19 Nov 10 at 10:47 p.m. GMT

YES!  It is "The Regatta Mystery!"  The original story contains Poirot.  The Parker Pyne version is almost exactly the same, with nearly the same dialogue (the French idioms are deleted) transferred to Pyne instead of Poirot.

Mr_Graves 19 Nov 10 at 9:49 a.m. GMT

I believe "The Regatta Mystery" was originally a Poirot story? Am I right? If so, this seems to fit the "gang of criminals" bit. 

NightRayDuck 18 Nov 10 at 6:57 a.m. GMT

Whew! OK, so there are tales that aren't included in the editions that I have acquired or that are readily available in the local market. I have more Christie tales to hunt down. Yay! 

GKCfan 18 Nov 10 at 6:32 a.m. GMT

No, I'm afraid it's not "Death on the Nile."  To clarify, the Poirot version of the story came first, and then the Parker Pyne story.

NightRayDuck 18 Nov 10 at 5:45 a.m. GMT

Hold on!! Are we discussing Poirot Death on the Nile and Parker Pyne "Death on the Nile" ??? The criminals in the Poirot novel aren't exactly a gang, but I know nothing about the Parker Pyne case, so it could be that Poirot might have felt better suited for the gang in the Parker Pyne story?

If that is the answer and my garbled guess had misled some of our friends who have read both of the stories in question - I am sorry! But I did say that I knew nothing of Parker Pyne stories and that my guess focused on the particular short stories only due to hearsay from an imperfect reference book. 

GKCfan 18 Nov 10 at 5 a.m. GMT

It's not "Discontented Soldier."  Neither Miss Lemon nor Mrs. Oliver is in this tale. 

darknightofrays, if only you had a later edition of "The Complete Short Stories!"

NightRayDuck 18 Nov 10 at 1:51 a.m. GMT

Ah, this is a very informative puzzle. Neither in my incomplete reference book nor in my "Complete Poirot Short Stories" omnibus (G.P. Putnam of New York, 1989 edition) can I find any story with the same name between Parker Pyne and Poirot. (List of Parker Pyne stories taken from table of contents of the U.S. edition of Parker Pyne Investigates.) Yay! It's always good to know the shortfalls of one's current source of info. 

Btw... what is the other story of the same name between Parker Pyne and Poirot? I would like to try and find it. In any case, I got the detectives and the mutual friends sorted out, not a bad showing seeing as I haven't read the stories in question or any bit of Parker Pyne, eh?  Thanks also for going through my garbled guess and letting me know which portions were correct.

Mr_Graves 18 Nov 10 at 1:13 a.m. GMT

This could only be two stories, and I will opt for the most likely one: "The Case of the Discontented Soldier".

GKCfan 17 Nov 10 at 11:20 p.m. GMT

darknightofrays, you are correct in saying that this Poirot speaking, referring to a Poirot story that got turned into a Parker Pyne story.  The two characters who are mutual friends are, of course, Miss Lemon and Ariadne Oliver.  However, the short story in question is neither "Problem at Pollensea Bay" or "Problem at Sea."  The short story in question has the same title in both the Poirot and the Pyne version.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 17 Nov 10 at 9:07 a.m. GMT

So we are looking for a short story where in one version Poirot plays the detective and in another, perhaps more familiar version, Poirot is replaced by a male character who is friends with two other characters Poirot also knows in other stories?  Not that that gets me any nearer to the solution....

NightRayDuck 17 Nov 10 at 8:04 a.m. GMT

Um, er, oops, several sorry.s before I advance my garbled guess...

Sorry #1, so is this indeed Poirot talking to the author about his role in one story being taken by another character in a story with some striking similarity?

If it is so, then a possibility is, Sorry #2, this is only hearsay from a reference book that's not completely reliable, and Sorry #3, I forget which story goes with which character. The possibility, detectives: Poirot, and Mr. Parker Pyne, and stories: Problem at Pollensa Bay, and Problem at Sea.

I have no confidence in this guess at all, because Sorry #4, I haven't read any Parker Pyne story, so I don't know whether it's a gang of criminals that's in any Parker Pyne story that could possibly have similarity with a Poirot story.

but if it is so, mutual friends could be Mrs. Oliver and Miss Lemon... both used to work with Parker Pyne, I hear?

GKCfan 17 Nov 10 at 6:04 a.m. GMT

Sorry, that's not it.  Think of people who Poirot knows who have lives outside of him and his work...

Mr_Graves 17 Nov 10 at 5:25 a.m. GMT

He was replaced by Colonel Race in the extended "Yellow Iris" story, "Sparkling Cyanide", but then if the mutual friends are not policemen, I can't think who they are.

GKCfan 17 Nov 10 at 4:13 a.m. GMT

The two friends are NOT policemen.  It is a case where Poirot is replaced, but it's not The Hollow... or any other play.

Mr_Graves 16 Nov 10 at 7:20 p.m. GMT

Hmmmm. A thorough knowledge of Christie's work... That does not sound like me at all!

But I have a little idea that Poirot may be addressing Agatha Christie herself. Could this be an instance in which Poirot is replaced? Such as in the play adaptation of "The Hollow"? But then, I can't think who the mutual friends may be...

Miss_Eylesbarrow 16 Nov 10 at 9:38 a.m. GMT

I'm guessing that the mutual friends are not in any way policemen?

GKCfan 16 Nov 10 at 6:32 a.m. GMT

It is Poirot speaking, but not regarding any of the cases any of you mention.  A hint– it helps to have a REALLY thorough knowledge of Christie's work.  And think about who the "mutual friends" might be...

Mr_Graves 16 Nov 10 at 6:06 a.m. GMT

I couldn't be from "The Big Four", could it?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 15 Nov 10 at 11:16 a.m. GMT

It does sound like M Poirot, but I would choose Three Act Tragedy.  Is M Poirot talking of Sir Charles Cartwright & Egg Lytton-Gore?  However the reference to a 'gang' of criminals makes me think otherwise....

NightRayDuck 15 Nov 10 at 5:51 a.m. GMT

It sounds like a possible sentiment of the magnificent M. Hercule Poirot with regard to the case and suspects in Cards on the Table. I am not sure I get the number of mutual friends correctly, though.

GKCfan 15 Nov 10 at 4:53 a.m. GMT

It is an insult!  How dare she think that he would do a better job solving that crime than I?  I have nothing against him– our two mutual friends assure me that he is a decent fellow, but if anyone is to round up a gang of criminals, it should be me!

NightRayDuck 15 Nov 10 at 3:33 a.m. GMT

Yes, GKCfan! Great work. Over to you for the next puzzle.

GKCfan 14 Nov 10 at 7:30 a.m. GMT

"The Thumb Mark of St. Peter," spoken by the elder Mr. Denham.

NightRayDuck 13 Nov 10 at 8:31 p.m. GMT

Ah, my son, he's a foolish and ungrateful brat. He's always trying to have me shut away. His wife, now, is a nice girl, always defending me, getting so unhappy arguing with him about what to do with me. Heh, the brat is dead now, hahahahaha!! His wife only gets more unhappy. I don't quite know why, and I don't know that I really care.

GKCfan 12 Nov 10 at 5:22 a.m. GMT

Correct!  Excellent!

NightRayDuck 11 Nov 10 at 5:42 p.m. GMT

A Pocket Full of Rye as discussed by the credulous housemaid, Gladys Martin?

GKCfan 11 Nov 10 at 4:24 a.m. GMT

I have just met the love of my life, and now I'm going to help him get justice for when a nasty man did him wrong.  The truth will be known!  Oh, I'm sure that nothing will go wrong, but on the off chance that something does not go according to plan, I'm sure that my former employer will fix things.

GKCfan 11 Nov 10 at 4:23 a.m. GMT

I have just met the love of my life, and now I'm going to help him get justice for when a nasty man did him wrong.  The truth will be known!  Oh, I'm sure that nothing will go wrong, but on the off chance that something does not go according to plan, I'm sure that my former employer will fix things.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 10 Nov 10 at 9:43 a.m. GMT

Quite correct GKCFan, it is Victoria from Carribbean Mystery.  Over to you...

GKCfan 09 Nov 10 at 6:48 p.m. GMT

Victoria Johnson from A Carribean Mystery?

MissQuin 09 Nov 10 at 4:43 p.m. GMT

 Could be Lily in Sleeping Murder?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 08 Nov 10 at 11:09 a.m. GMT

Thanks Christie, it happens to be one of my favourites!  So, now I have to exercise the 'little grey cells' and come up with a good one....

I thought at first that what he did was perfectly okay, but now I've got to thinking about it, I'm not so sure.  I still can't figure out why, but I reckon there is some money to be made here.  What do you think?

christie_greece 06 Nov 10 at 3:34 p.m. GMT

Wow!!That was fast!! I thought it would be more difficult...So, well done Miss Eylesbarrow! Your turn.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 05 Nov 10 at 9:30 a.m. GMT

Hi Christie_greece!  It's Jerry Burton from The Moving Finger, and he's five years older than his sister, Joanna.  xx

christie_greece 04 Nov 10 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

Can I set the next puzzle?? Well..

"I am five years older than ******. I can remember as a child the big white shabby untidy house we had with the fields running down the river. I can remember creeping under the nets of raspberry canes unseen by the gardener, and the smell of white dust in the stable yard and an orange cat crossing it, and the sound of horse hoofs kicking something in the stables."

This is a flashback of a man. Name the story in which this man appeared.

NightRayDuck 04 Nov 10 at 12:08 p.m. GMT

::sneaks out of hiding::

ahem! "My uncle died of fright from seeing a glowing hellhound outside his house-" oops, sorry, that's one of the original Sherlock Holmes novels. I think I did most of the Marple and Poirot novels that I have read within the last decade, and I find it very difficult to distinguish between any of the Poirot short stories once I've read more than five Poirot novels. 

Will someone kindly take up the puzzle-setting? Thank you.

::sneaks back to sleep::

Mr_Graves 04 Nov 10 at 1:50 a.m. GMT

The story is "The Soul of the Croupier", from "The Mysterious Mr Quin". Good job, Darknight! Your turn...

NightRayDuck 03 Nov 10 at 11:45 p.m. GMT

It might be "The Soul of the Croupier", told by the croupier about seeing the last gambles of his estranged wife...

::runs into hiding::

Mr_Graves 03 Nov 10 at 7:30 p.m. GMT

You seem suspiciously familiar with some uncanny features of this case. Why don't you tell us the story you are thinking of? It sounds awfully similar to the one I am thinking of!

NightRayDuck 03 Nov 10 at 7:08 p.m. GMT

Not especially thrilling, but very emotional for the persons involved... some foreigners in Monte Carlo, and some young, more innocent American tourists?

Mr_Graves 03 Nov 10 at 4:59 a.m. GMT

Oh, most assuredly! Although, I admit, the circumstances involving this case are not especially thrilling. I enjoyed it, all the same.

NightRayDuck 02 Nov 10 at 8:28 p.m. GMT

It mighta been due to the astonishing nature of the events and the heightened emotions...

Mr_Graves 02 Nov 10 at 6:54 p.m. GMT

Yes, it is a short story. But as to it being a Poirot story I cannot say...

I agree, I did sound rather theatrical... The character from whose perspective I am speaking is not a particularly theatrical person themselves...

MissQuin 02 Nov 10 at 3:08 p.m. GMT

I'm pondering this one the speaker seems a little theatrical. It could easily be Poirot but as for the story I'm uncertain. is it a short one?

Mr_Graves 01 Nov 10 at 7:44 p.m. GMT

A very good guess Miss Quin, but it is not "The Double Clue".

MissQuin 01 Nov 10 at 5:43 p.m. GMT

Let's see what Mr Graves say's. Countess did need the money and Poirot did think she was a remarkable woman.

NightRayDuck 01 Nov 10 at 5:17 p.m. GMT

MissQuin! Do you not think this may have been a Mr. Quin & Mr. Satterthwaite story set in an exotic locale? Then perhaps I am wrong... but I don't want to try to guess because my brain is full of an original Sherlock Holmes novel, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tended to make each Holmes novel into a four-fold story of past secrets and revenges. I'll have lots difficulty coming up with a "story" puzzle here...

By the way, any good guesses on the "guess character" yet? I'll head over and look.

MissQuin 01 Nov 10 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

I'm here! Ive been reading these posts, but haven't had any guesses.

Is the story The Double Clue? Because Poirot's admiration for the Countess might fit.

NightRayDuck 31 Oct 10 at 8:34 p.m. GMT

I wonder where MissQuin and our other old friends are... busy with Halloween, possibly? 

Mr_Graves 31 Oct 10 at 3:47 a.m. GMT

Here it is.

I felt sorry for the woman- more than that, I pitied her. So proud, never will she admit that she is broke. That's why I did what I did. And then her pride, such pride! That gesture she made, it was impressive. What a woman!

NightRayDuck 31 Oct 10 at 1:06 a.m. GMT

Yes, Mr. Graves. This is the short story "Yellow Iris", a similar setup as the one in "Sparkling Cyanide", but rather different characters involved. I especially enjoy the way that Tony of the short story has no secret pasts of his own, and gets to complain about his miserable day without reserve. Well, over to you for the next puzzle. 

Mr_Graves 31 Oct 10 at 12:14 a.m. GMT

This appears to have a striking resemblance to "Sparkling Cyanide". Could it be the short story of which it was an extended version, the Hercule Poirot "Yellow Iris"?

NightRayDuck 30 Oct 10 at 5:20 p.m. GMT

Thank you, Mr. Graves! I had forgotten about Miss Emily Barton when I posted up my guess.  Well, next story up for guessing...

I've been miserable all day, but this now is horrible! A replay of a dinner party from some time ago, the host making some very astonishing allegations, and then, the lights are up and my young lady is lying dead at the table! Why did the host play the little drama if he really knew what he's talking about? And how could my famous old friend who happened to stop by fail to save the young lady!?

Mr_Graves 29 Oct 10 at 10:06 p.m. GMT

"The Moving Finger" it most certainly is, but Aimee Griffiths I was not referring to. I was writing from the perspective of Mrs Barton, owner of "Little Furze". But the story was correct, so it is your turn.

NightRayDuck 29 Oct 10 at 6:55 p.m. GMT

Possibly the poison-pen letter spree and the associated deaths in The Moving Finger, as experienced by Miss Aimee Griffiths, who becomes the suspect for a while?

Mr_Graves 29 Oct 10 at 2:21 a.m. GMT

I think a hint is in order.

I was raised the old-fashioned way, good and proper. I'm much older than I should be, I suppose. I really am appalled by this wicked business going on, and it was even suggested that I enjoy it! The impertinence!

Mr_Graves 26 Oct 10 at 10:21 p.m. GMT

Your puzzle was a fine one, Darknightofrays! Let me see what I can come up with....

Dear me, what a horrible business this has been! Such nosiness as well- people can never seem to mind their own business. And to think that I'm involved in it all! Shameful! I begin to wish it never arose. Even so... I very much wonder who is behind it all...this curiosity cannot be helped...

NightRayDuck 26 Oct 10 at 9:22 p.m. GMT

Great job, Mr. Graves! Yes, it is They Do It with Mirrors, the sweet old lady meaning Carrie-Louise Serrocold. I fancy the puzzle would have been better if I simply had the last sentence of the hint included in the original clue...

Mr_Graves 26 Oct 10 at 8:59 p.m. GMT

I fancy it may be "They do it with Mirrors", referring to Carrie-Louise Serrecold, and her other children. She had a fair few marriages, did our Carrie-Louise...

NightRayDuck 26 Oct 10 at 8:51 p.m. GMT

darknightofrays

Allow me to take this up...

It's rather odd... being here with my large family but really we are not all related... but most of us so devoted to the old lady... and wondering who in the world could wish to do her harm.

Well... I am not familiar with this Miss Blacklock that you speak of. Let me see how I can explain this large, really quite large family... we don't all live here, of course. The old lady is really very sweet, allowing any of us to visit and stay awhile. She has only one child of her own, but she's also very good friends with her step-children and some offspring of an adopted child. Really it's hard to imagine who would wish to murder her! And yet, someone got killed for knowing there's a plot for her death...

MissQuin- I saw your answer. It's not correct, either. Keep guessing.

Please feel free, everyone, to request any specific clue that you feel might help. 

Mr_Graves 25 Oct 10 at 8:56 p.m. GMT

A large family... Not all related. And a woman somebody perhaps wishes harm? This is starting to sound like A Murder is Announced. Was Miss. Blacklock very old?

MissQuin 25 Oct 10 at 8:09 p.m. GMT

Ordeal By Innocence?

NightRayDuck 25 Oct 10 at 7:37 p.m. GMT

Not Sparkling Cyanide or Towards Zero. Examine the number of family members and if / how they are related. 

ivi21 22 Oct 10 at 1:12 p.m. GMT

Or Towards Zero?

Mr_Graves 22 Oct 10 at 2 a.m. GMT

Could it be Sparkling Cyanide?

NightRayDuck 22 Oct 10 at 1:31 a.m. GMT

Allow me to take this up...

It's rather odd... being here with my large family but really we are not all related... but most of us so devoted to the old lady... and wondering who in the world could wish to do her harm.

cameronjhw 10 Oct 10 at 5:47 p.m. GMT

Correct it is the Adventure of the Clapham Cook.

Hope you come up with a really good one

fiona_m 09 Oct 10 at 8:35 a.m. GMT

Hmmm... tricky one! Is it Eliza Dunn speaking, from "The Adventure of the Clapham Cook"?

cameronjhw 07 Oct 10 at 7:44 p.m. GMT

All right, here's one that I hope will be a puzzler:

"Oh, mercy me what an unusual business this has been. All I know was that I was to leave my mistress and go to the country. I wasn't quite sure at first but I guess it was all right. At least I got a new house out of it.....although I did not realize this would all center on a murder!"

christie_greece 07 Oct 10 at 5:10 p.m. GMT

 So, cameron, this means that you go next. I can't wait to use my little grey cells (oh I really like this phrase!)

cameronjhw 07 Oct 10 at 4:26 p.m. GMT

If no one minds could I do the next one I have been thinking up several ideas and I would like to try one of them out. Please let me know if I can do it.

NightRayDuck 07 Oct 10 at 6:06 a.m. GMT

I can come up with half a dozen puzzles based on non-serial short stories, but I'd rather not do that until I've had some proper sleep...

Puffinjill 07 Oct 10 at 5:19 a.m. GMT

Anyone want to jump in and take a turn? I'm all out of puzzles right now!

christie_greece 06 Oct 10 at 3:53 p.m. GMT

I haven't read towards zero yet but I'm sure that I've read this sentence...  I really like this game....

MissQuin 05 Oct 10 at 1:32 p.m. GMT

Yes!! Puffinjill is right is Mary in Towards Zero

Mary said "oh I plan things, in my mind you know. I like experimenting sometimes upon people. Just seeing, you know if I can make them react to what i say in the way I mean.

But drak night you had everything concisely written, with order and method that would make poirot proud. So your turn again Jill.

Puffinjill 05 Oct 10 at 5:32 a.m. GMT

How about Mary Aldin from Towards Zero?

NightRayDuck 04 Oct 10 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

I am only flummoxed in the sense that I can't think of someone who is a cool customer and owns travel books, but I am befuddled by the way that our friends are starting to come up with guesses that are fitting the clue less and less well. Allow me, my friends, to do a recap of my own...

Character's self description: I love to observe people. It's a quirk of mine. Not an awful lot has happened to me in my life, maybe that's why I watch reactions so. Well alot's happening now and I can't help but feel afraid, but I don't know who of..

Additional hints given for this character: is murder suspect, female, cool customer, owns travel books. story has been made into adaptation in the last 5 years.

Eliminated from guesses stated as incorrect: Miss Marple, Megan Hunter, Mr. Satterthwaite, Judge from ATTWN, Caroline Sheppard, Mary Debenham, anyone from 4.50 from Paddington, A Pocketful of Rye, A Murder is Announced, Mirror Crack'd, Crooked House, Destination Unknown, or anyone from a Poirot story.

By the way, I think Hilary Craven wouldn't fit the "not a lot has happened to me in my life"; it's true that she's feeling bored, but it's more a reaction from the turmoils of death of a child and then a divorce. Also, there's no obvious murder case in Destination Unknown, so Hilary couldn't have been thought of as a murder suspect.

If I try to eliminate a few more random guesses myself? Non-Poirot-story females... I think I'll eliminate Victoria Jones from "They Came to Baghdad", "Mary Ann" from "Passenger to Frankfurt", and Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent from "Secret of Chimneys" and "Seven Dials Mystery" due to them not fitting various portions of the clue and hints.

MissQuin 04 Oct 10 at 3:06 p.m. GMT

To help you- I think it's best to think of indivdual characters, go through them and see which fits the clues given.

No it's not Mirror Crak'd.

christie_greece 04 Oct 10 at 2:40 p.m. GMT

The Mirror Cracked from side to side?

MissQuin 04 Oct 10 at 2:26 p.m. GMT

No it's not from Murder Is announced. But it has been made into an adapation in the last 5 years...

christie_greece 04 Oct 10 at 2:24 p.m. GMT

Could it be from A Murder is Announced?

MissQuin 04 Oct 10 at 2:10 p.m. GMT

If you check the other posts I said it wasn't a Poirot, was female and a murder suspect. I was just recapping everyone.

No, as i said before Not the charming Mr Satterthwaite. But it's not Destination Unknown either.

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Oct 10 at 2:07 p.m. GMT

Do you mean it isn't A Poirot Story or a Female Character or a Murder Suspect? If the answer is yes then the answer is  Mr Satterthwaitte. but if it is a Lady it is Hilary Craven from Destination Unknown.

MissQuin 04 Oct 10 at 1:16 p.m. GMT

It's not Rye or Crooked house....

This lady owns travel books

Clues so far: I love to observe people. It's a quirk of mine. Not an awful lot has happened to me in my life, maybe that's why I watch reactions so. Well alot's happening now and I can't help but feel afraid, but I don't know who of...

It's not a Poirot story, a female chaarcter, a murder suspect..

NightRayDuck 03 Oct 10 at 7:05 p.m. GMT

Oh! How about Brenda Leonides from Crooked House?

NightRayDuck 03 Oct 10 at 7 p.m. GMT

Does Jennifer Fortescue from A Pocketful of Rye count as cool customer? hmm. 

MissQuin 02 Oct 10 at 9:51 a.m. GMT

Nope! This books not a Poirot.

cameronjhw 01 Oct 10 at 8:53 p.m. GMT

Mary Debenham from Murder on the Orient Express

MissQuin 01 Oct 10 at 1:31 p.m. GMT

No. I'm trying to give another clue, without making it too easy.

This person is described as a cool customer.

christie_greece 01 Oct 10 at 1:08 p.m. GMT

Caroline Sheppard from The murder of Roger Ackroyd?

MissQuin 30 Sep 10 at 5:28 p.m. GMT

No it's the not the Judge. This character is female

christie_greece 30 Sep 10 at 3:02 p.m. GMT

Is it from And then there were none? It could be Justice speaking...

MissQuin 30 Sep 10 at 12:37 p.m. GMT

All good guesses but no it's not Miss Marple, Megan or Mr Satterthwaite, Nor any characters from 4.50.

This person's a murder suspect.

Puffinjill 30 Sep 10 at 4:59 a.m. GMT

I wouldn't be Three Act Tragedy from the point of view of Mr Satterthwaite, would it? He was a great observer of those around him.

cameronjhw 29 Sep 10 at 8:09 p.m. GMT

Could it 4:50 from Paddington 

NightRayDuck 29 Sep 10 at 7:48 p.m. GMT

I can't articulate my reasons at the moment, but I think it might be Megan Hunter in The Moving Finger.

christie_greece 29 Sep 10 at 2:38 p.m. GMT

I'm sure I've seen this somewhere but I can't remember the book...I think that Miss Marple is talking but I'm not sure. However I strongly believe that it's a Marple story.

MissQuin 29 Sep 10 at 9:34 a.m. GMT

Thank you my friend! yes it was a good holiday.

I love to observe people. It's a quirk of mine. Not an awful lot has happened to me in my life, maybe that's why I watch reactions so. Well alot's happening now and I can't help but feel afraid, but I don't know who of...

Puffinjill 28 Sep 10 at 6:36 p.m. GMT

YES, YES, YES!!!!!! Well done, MissQuin! Your turn once again. Oh, and lovely to have you back after your break. Hope it was a good one!

MissQuin 28 Sep 10 at 1:39 p.m. GMT

Lily in Sleeping Murder?

Puffinjill 28 Sep 10 at 6:54 a.m. GMT

OK, have a try at this one -

I don't want to get mixed up in any funny business and it was a long time ago, but there are some things I could say on the subject. I wish I had someone I could ask advice from. My husband's no good! He just tells me to 'leave it be!' You never know, there may be some money in this for me. Perhaps I could write to someone from that time and ask them what I should do.

NightRayDuck 27 Sep 10 at 5:16 p.m. GMT

congrats Puffinjill is correct! The story is The Listerdale Mystery, the "cousin who does the enormous charitable tomfoolery" is Lord Listerdale, and the character who's been discussing it here is Colonel Maurice Carfax.

I do think Lord Listerdale is still a selfish devil in some respects... having such a good time hiding away in good work, allowing even his tenants to wonder and worry about him. 

christie_greece 27 Sep 10 at 2:47 p.m. GMT

holiday....I miss holidays....

I also believe that Puffinjill is right, so I'll wait for the next puzzle...

MissQuin 27 Sep 10 at 2:09 p.m. GMT

Ive been on holiday, with no internet whatsoever!!! But I'm also here now, so I'll check back soon, I'm quite flumoxed by the clue!  Puffinjill could be correct though.

Puffinjill 27 Sep 10 at 5:40 a.m. GMT

I'm here, darknightofrays!! I've just been a bit flummoxed by your puzzle. Thank you for posting some extra clues. Now I think I can have a guess at who the character might be. Is it Colonel Maurice Carfax, who is mentioned but never appears in the short story The Listerdale Mystery? He is aware of the new, altruistic life Lord Listerdale is trying to lead but, because Lord Listerdale's strange disappearance gives the impression of foul play, he falls under suspicion of being instrumental in his vanishing.

NightRayDuck 26 Sep 10 at 6:39 p.m. GMT

I do know this type of material may be obscure or inaccessible to some readers. Indeed, I hadn't read this story until a few months ago. But I thought old players like MissQuin, PuffinJill, GKCfan, cameron, and others would enjoy this one... I wonder where they all are. 

NightRayDuck 26 Sep 10 at 6:36 p.m. GMT

The character telling the story on this forum wishes to assure everyone that no foul play or crime has been committed in that story. However, he wishes to make a few clarifications:

The enormous tomfoolery - and the enormous charitable action - have been on-going in many parts of England for over a year, dealing with many different persons - but they are people who, in my cousin's mind, are of the same class and in the same dilemma. My cousin interacted with those people, I did not. I just stayed back home and acted like I was minding his affairs for him. There's just been a short, interesting incident - I guess my cousin will be "coming back home" soon with a new addition to his family. Really, to be honest, one might say that my cousin has been acting far younger than his age. Only his peerage title and wealth allowed people to always mark him "eccentric" rather than, say, foolish. He's an admirable man, though. Of course he is.

Huge hint: This is a non-serial short story, and the personality telling this story on this forum has been mentioned repeatedly in the short story, but has not personally made an appearance. Except in jurisdictions where "wasting the time of the police" or "impersonation without intent to deceive for gain" is a criminal offense, no crime has been committed in this story.

christie_greece 26 Sep 10 at 12:14 p.m. GMT

Is it from Peril at End House? The only cousin I can think of...

NightRayDuck 25 Sep 10 at 2:25 a.m. GMT

darknightofrays

I wonder where Heisei is.. oh well, permit me to jump in with the next puzzle.

My cousin had a change of heart and plunged into this charity scheme. Well, sure looks like fun and happiness for all who are directly involved. And yet, disappearing and giving the appearance that I've been put in charge of things? Allowing the rumors to grow and spread, allowing the police to feel worried? I might say my cousin is just as selfish as ever.

seeing that no one has guessed the dilemma yet, the character discussing the story adds:

I mean, the scheme itself is composed of an enormous amount of deception, even though no crime is committed and no ill is ever intended. So many nasty rumors have come up, some saying that my cousin had gone mad and run away, and some saying that I had murdered my cousin and stuffed the body behind some panel in some house. Jolly awkward for us who are holding up the show and dealing with the publicity, you know, while my cousin enjoys that good feeling of doing charitable work hands-on.

NightRayDuck 22 Sep 10 at 7:08 p.m. GMT

hi cameron. no, sorry, it is not Dead Man's Folly. frankly, I had to do a bit of pondering to see that the clue could indicate that novel. I think the major difference is in the second portion of the third sentence of this clue. enjoy. 

correction: second portion of the third sentence of this clue.

cameronjhw 22 Sep 10 at 6:42 p.m. GMT

Is it Dead Man's Folly

NightRayDuck 21 Sep 10 at 7:55 p.m. GMT

I wonder where Heisei is.. oh well, permit me to jump in with the next puzzle.

My cousin had a change of heart and plunged into this charity scheme. Well, sure looks like fun and happiness for all who are directly involved. And yet, disappearing and giving the appearance that I've been put in charge of things? Allowing the rumors to grow and spread, allowing the police to feel worried? I might say my cousin is just as selfish as ever.

NightRayDuck 11 Sep 10 at 6:10 p.m. GMT

oh, I see. that was a good one, cameron! :D

cameronjhw 11 Sep 10 at 4:34 p.m. GMT

HeiseiHolmes-You are correct. It is the Cretan Bull, Hugh Chandler is supposedly "mad" and blamed for the gruesome murders of some sheep, a cat, and a parrot and he would have killed himself if it had not been for the clever Hercule Poirot. This was one of my favorites in the collection. Now it's your turn...

christie_greece 11 Sep 10 at 4:03 p.m. GMT

I looked at almost every book that may has an animal in. I suggest Next to a Dog. It's a short story.

HeiseiHolmes 11 Sep 10 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it from "The Cretan Bull"? Where that guy killed all the animals?

ivi21 11 Sep 10 at 11:26 a.m. GMT

Is it from the short story?

christie_greece 11 Sep 10 at 11:16 a.m. GMT

What? Oh...

cameronjhw 10 Sep 10 at 5:44 p.m. GMT

No, it is not from the King of Clubs.

Hint-The victim(s) in this story are not exactly "human"

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 4:23 p.m. GMT

The Adventure of the King of Clubs???

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 4:18 p.m. GMT

Too good to be true... I'm not good at guessing...

well..hmmm.....How about a 2nd hint???:D

cameronjhw 09 Sep 10 at 4 p.m. GMT

Nope, I'm afraid it is not 1, 2, buckle my shoe.

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 11:20 a.m. GMT

Is it One,two buckle my shoe??? I haven't read that, I'm just guessing....

cameronjhw 07 Sep 10 at 2:27 a.m. GMT

Sorry both answers are not correct.

Hint-It comes from a Poirot story

christie_greece 06 Sep 10 at 11:03 a.m. GMT

Could it be Hercule Poirot's Christmas?

NightRayDuck 06 Sep 10 at 4:44 a.m. GMT

Could it have been Appointment with Death, from the perspective of any of the Boynton family members or their old or new friends? It's very interesting the way they suspected one another and felt it necessary to hold back various facts.

cameronjhw 05 Sep 10 at 8:48 p.m. GMT

"A lot of nonsense this foreigner is making. I almost think he is almost mad as a hatter just like....yet I suspect he might be on to something and I wonder how much he knows. If I keep quiet it might be for the best or it could led to more blood and tragedy...I must not let him know what I know...

GKCfan 02 Sep 10 at 10:38 p.m. GMT

Yes!  That's right!

cameronjhw 02 Sep 10 at 9:38 p.m. GMT

Is it The Flock of Geryon from the Labors of Hercules

GKCfan 02 Sep 10 at 8:42 p.m. GMT

I'm afraid not.  It is a Poirot story, though.

cameronjhw 02 Sep 10 at 2:58 p.m. GMT

How about Yellow Iris or Strange Jest

GKCfan 02 Sep 10 at 5:44 a.m. GMT

No, sorry.

cameronjhw 01 Sep 10 at 9:47 p.m. GMT

Is it The Case of the Missing Will

GKCfan 01 Sep 10 at 8:31 p.m. GMT

Hint: this is from a short story:

It's nice to see him so friendly towards me.  I didn't know how he'd treat me after the last time we met.  But I am so worried... I know that there's danger approaching but it'll be worth it.  There are so many strange people here...  I do hope my friend understands my hidden message... it's really a special circumstance.  Really, this whole business is against everything I really believe in...

MissQuin 01 Sep 10 at 10:12 a.m. GMT

MissQuin

GKC is correct! Over to you mon ami.

NightRayDuck 29 Aug 10 at 3:17 p.m. GMT

arr, once more from a book that I haven't read in a long time, and that I have just recently got a copy into my bookcase. yay! 

MissQuin 29 Aug 10 at 10:18 a.m. GMT

GKC is correct! Over to you mon ami.

fiona_m 28 Aug 10 at 10:35 p.m. GMT

Could it be Mrs Folliatt from Dead Man's Folly? It's a tough one

GKCfan 28 Aug 10 at 8:52 p.m. GMT

How about Charles Vyse from Peril at End House?

christie_greece 28 Aug 10 at 4:05 p.m. GMT

has anybody guessed at least the book??? Or it's none of the above????

MissQuin 28 Aug 10 at 9:31 a.m. GMT

None of those guesses are correct. This person might be seen as rather stuffy.

cameronjhw 28 Aug 10 at 7:11 a.m. GMT

Could it be from Ordeal by Innocence and refering to Jacko Argyle or possibly Bess Sedgwick from At Bertram's Hotel

NightRayDuck 28 Aug 10 at 5:24 a.m. GMT

I am going to guess from a quite different angle. Josie Turner in The Body in the Library, who got her cousin Ruby a job in the neighborhood, but became increasingly bothered by the friends that Ruby was making?

christie_greece 27 Aug 10 at 3:06 p.m. GMT

The murder of roger ackroyd??? (I don't think so, but....)

could you give us a hint???

MissQuin 27 Aug 10 at 2:28 p.m. GMT

One guess at a time please! Sorry to sound like a stern scoolmistress.

none of those

cameronjhw 27 Aug 10 at 2:22 p.m. GMT

Could it be 4:50 from Paddington and the character speaking is Harold Crackenthorpe, Hercule Poirot's Christmas (George Lee), A Pocket Full of Rye (Percival Fortescue), or Crooked House (Philip Leonides)

MissQuin 27 Aug 10 at 10:42 a.m. GMT

Ok

It's very distasteful to mixed up in this unpleasant murder. Plus it being a family member. Well, I hope there's no stain on my character. Ive already had to try to kerb my relatives wild lifestyle. Our family will get a bad name.

cameronjhw 26 Aug 10 at 10:49 p.m. GMT

Excellent! MissQuin you have done it. It is the American tourist Mr. Schwartz from the Erymanthian Boar (one of my personal favorites in that book). He was sick at the sight of the murdered man and helped in saving Poirot's life from being butchered by some unsavory looking cut-throats. I hope it was not too confusing I wanted to do one that would not be too too easy. Anyway good job now it's your turn...

NightRayDuck 26 Aug 10 at 5:51 p.m. GMT

I agree, Schwartz fits the bill. I had overlooked him because I thought the clue indicated an inveterate gossip, but now that I re-read the story, I found that Schwartz would be very interested in talking about this case. He, an American, takes a gun with him while vacationing in Europe; his friends had made fun of him "you're not going into the jungle!"; but now Schwartz and his gun help save Poirot from an attack, and keep the attackers locked up.

MissQuin 26 Aug 10 at 4:19 p.m. GMT

Schwartz was nearly sick in The Erymanthian Boar story, might be him?

cameronjhw 26 Aug 10 at 3:19 p.m. GMT

You are right MissQuin it is from the Labors of Hercules but it is not from the Flock of Geryon.

christie_greece 26 Aug 10 at 2:24 p.m. GMT

oh, it's definetely from that book!!! But I haven't read that...

A very smart title!

MissQuin 26 Aug 10 at 1:36 p.m. GMT

Labours Of Hercules- Is is Amy Carnaby in the Flock story?

cameronjhw 25 Aug 10 at 6:44 p.m. GMT

It is a nice try but I'm afraid it is not the traitorious agent Mrs. Vanderlyn. I will give another hint: Poirot + Greek Myth

christie_greece 25 Aug 10 at 2:46 p.m. GMT

I haven't read thet book but I've got a feeling

Is it Mrs Vanderlyn from "the incredible theft" (murder in the Mews) ???

I don't consider myself lucky but....

cameronjhw 24 Aug 10 at 5:35 p.m. GMT

No, it is not Miss Robson.

Hint: This comes from a short story

Miss_Eylesbarrow 24 Aug 10 at 10:19 a.m. GMT

Cornelia Robson from Death on the Nile?

cameronjhw 23 Aug 10 at 7:26 p.m. GMT

Both great guesses but neither of them is the correct answer.

NightRayDuck 23 Aug 10 at 6:55 p.m. GMT

Or perhaps Mrs. Gardener from Evil Under the Sun? I think I am wrong, though. I can think of the picnic trip as helping reveal the murderer, but I don't recall Mrs. Gardener or anyone feeling very sick when they saw the victim.

Don't mind me. The more I cogitate, the more my little grey cells congeal.. 

Miss_Eylesbarrow 23 Aug 10 at 4:25 p.m. GMT

Is it Jefferson Cope in Appointment with Death?

cameronjhw 23 Aug 10 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

While the description seems to match Amy Leatheran I'm afraid this does not come from Murder in Mesopotamia.

Ok Here is a hint-The person speaking is an American

I will give occassional hints when there are more guesses. Good Luck

christie_greece 23 Aug 10 at 2:50 p.m. GMT

oh, I believe that too. Miss Letheran fits perfectly!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 23 Aug 10 at 1:35 p.m. GMT

Is it Nurse Letheran from Mesopotamia?

christie_greece 23 Aug 10 at 12:59 p.m. GMT

cameronjhw

Defintely it is a Poirot but it is not from Death in the Clouds.

If anyone needs a hint please let me know

yes, give us another hint!!!!

cameronjhw 22 Aug 10 at 8:03 p.m. GMT

Defintely it is a Poirot but it is not from Death in the Clouds.

If anyone needs a hint please let me know

MissQuin 22 Aug 10 at 9:53 a.m. GMT

Mr Pye didn't seem at all repressed in that adapt, that's for sure!

"What a exciting holiday I had! Wait till they hear how I helped that funny foreign little man in one of his most dangerous cases. I must admit my stomach turned me sick when I saw the victim knocked off like that. But all this time there was a ruthless and cold-blooded killer right under our noses."

It's a Poirot ;) Could it be Jane Grey in Death In The clouds?

NightRayDuck 22 Aug 10 at 2:03 a.m. GMT

Ah, seems like a more outgoing Mr. Pye in the adaptation. 

MissQuin 21 Aug 10 at 7:49 p.m. GMT

Ah Mr Pye, I chose him because he's so intriguing. He was refered to as "a certain type of man" which gives the reader something to muse over. I think he may have felt severely repressed by the narrow mindedness of society of that time. As he was called a spinster and not really quite fitting in with the other people in the village. That's probably why he invited friends round which Miss Barton remarked "were very strange visitors". She didn't elaborate on why they were odd. I assume she meant unconventional.

That's why he was pleased at younger, open minded people coming to live in the village. I think the murders were rather a way of releasing  his pent up feelings against the village and it's smallmindness. It was also something scandalous, to shake up the old maids in the village.

On the other hand Mr Pye, could have lived elsewhere if he wanted to. But then he wouldn't have people at such close proximity, to observed human nature, as Miss Marple says!

Ive only seen the McEwan version where Mr P was shown as acid tounged, arch and clearly homosexual. He made a double intended comment "I like the Greeks" with a coy look at Jerry. Refrering to there being homosexuality in the Greek myths.

NightRayDuck 21 Aug 10 at 5:57 p.m. GMT

I don't have an answer yet, but I want to talk about Mr. Pye a bit.. yes, I think he's a bit like Rycroft and like Captain Wyatt in that respect, they feel broadminded, knowledgeable on a variety of subjects, and when something out of the ordinary happens, they profess a keen interest or quite an advanced amateur study in the subject. I think they're just quite bored with village life, and being formerly men of the world, find a "keen interest in the subject" more acceptable to themselves and to others than "I am bored I am curious I want to nose into your affairs". 

But Mr. Pye as a *spinster*.. amazing. I wonder if that adaptation still managed to capture the slightly sinister / secretive air of Mr. Pye? hmm.

cameronjhw 21 Aug 10 at 4:11 p.m. GMT

Thank you, I think Mr. Pye is one of the most bizarre and unique characters Christie ever created. He mentioned near the end of a chapter that he was interested in criminal abnormalities. However, try this:

"What a exciting holiday I had! Wait till they hear how I helped that funny foreign little man in one of his most dangerous cases. I must admit my stomach turned me sick when I saw the victim knocked off like that. But all this time there was a ruthless and cold-blooded killer right under our noses."

MissQuin 21 Aug 10 at 10:11 a.m. GMT

Yes it's Mr Pye! I don't recall him having an interest in crime though. But he was excited over the murder. When he tells Jerry and his Joanna that he likes people to be broadminded. What he means by this, we can only guess at!

your turn Cameron

cameronjhw 20 Aug 10 at 8:57 p.m. GMT

Is it the effeminate and eccentric Mr. Pye from the Moving Finger who has a keen interest in crime

MissQuin 20 Aug 10 at 11:38 a.m. GMT

Sorry, I meant to type this person was described as a spinster, although that wasn't correct.

MissQuin 20 Aug 10 at 10:38 a.m. GMT

No, it's not. But this person was descibed as a spinster, even though was wasn't correct.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 20 Aug 10 at 8:50 a.m. GMT

Is it one of the fussy old ladies from the Murder at the Vicarage?

NightRayDuck 20 Aug 10 at 5:33 a.m. GMT

It couldn't possibly be the wonderful old lady with the amazing sense of justice, in her first full-length novel appearance?

I thought of Miss Emily Barton in "The Moving Finger", and then I remembered that her village has been having some excitements even before the obvious murder. And also I don't think she'd quite say things such as prosaic or broadminded.. that's how I got my attention switched to Mr. Rycroft..

I don't mean to argue, I am simply often unduly interested in others' line of reasoning. 

cameronjhw 19 Aug 10 at 9:01 p.m. GMT

How about Tommy or Tuppence Beresford from the Secret Adversary or By the Pricking of my Thumbs

MissQuin 19 Aug 10 at 3:42 p.m. GMT

No.

This character has been discussed on here a few times, because a portrayl of them in an adaptation.

ampman 19 Aug 10 at 11:22 a.m. GMT

How about Edmund Swettenham in A Murder is Announced.

MissQuin 19 Aug 10 at 9:17 a.m. GMT

One guess at time gentleman! No it's not of these. This person was not like any of the chaarcter's sugeested so far.

NightRayDuck 19 Aug 10 at 1:07 a.m. GMT

I feel that Cameron's answers from Evil Under the Sun are better than my current idea, but I'll throw it in just in case.

Mr. Rycroft, Captain Wyatt, or Ronnie Garfield in The Sittaford Mystery.

cameronjhw 19 Aug 10 at 12:13 a.m. GMT

Is it Horace Blatt or Major Barry from Evil Under the Sun, or Miss Van Schyeler from Death on the Nile, or Mr. Rafiel from A Caribbean Mystery 

MissQuin 18 Aug 10 at 8:58 p.m. GMT

No, it's not. Ive not read Crooked house actually.

It'd hard to give clues without given it away! This person is a suspect, not a victim.

cameronjhw 18 Aug 10 at 7:17 p.m. GMT

Is is from Crooked House and the person is Josephine, 

MissQuin 18 Aug 10 at 4:20 p.m. GMT

I'm glad these are harder, you lot are too good at these! No it's not Murder In Mes.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 18 Aug 10 at 1:47 p.m. GMT

Oh gosh Miss Quin, you are being very criptic with your questions today!  Another guess for Murder in Mesopotamia, Nurse Letheran this time?

MissQuin 18 Aug 10 at 9:42 a.m. GMT

Ok, anything to help!

Oh, I know I shouldn't say this...but this murder is really quite exciting! It's the most interesting thing that's ever happened here. Of course, alot of people don't see it that way. But then they have very narrow, prosiac minds. I prefer people to be be broadminded.

Puffinjill 18 Aug 10 at 8:05 a.m. GMT

I'm pleased I was right but not pleased that it is my turn to set the next one again!! I'm snowed under trying to pack for my holiday next week and I just don't have time to think about the next puzzle. Will one of you kind souls out there jump in and have a go for me? I shall be very, very grateful!!!!!!

GKCfan 17 Aug 10 at 6:52 p.m. GMT

You are correct!

Puffinjill 17 Aug 10 at 6:51 a.m. GMT

It isn't Curtain, is it? It sounds a little like Elizabeth Cole to me.

GKCfan 17 Aug 10 at 5:08 a.m. GMT

I'm afraid it's not Elephants Can Remember, either.

NightRayDuck 17 Aug 10 at 2:59 a.m. GMT

I do not know the answer of my own knowledge, because I am fairly certain that I haven't read the later books. But I think I've got a feel for which one it could be, after reading through my Christie reference book on a rainy afternoon. It's a Poirot novel, perhaps, with an animal in the title, not based on any nursery rhyme? I think Cameron can take it from there. ;)

Disclaimer: I think the character fits somewhat, but I do not know at all how many characters died "in the last few weeks".

GKCfan 16 Aug 10 at 9:56 p.m. GMT

No.  Keep going forward, and look at the previous clues,

cameronjhw 16 Aug 10 at 8:58 p.m. GMT

The Clocks

GKCfan 16 Aug 10 at 8:41 p.m. GMT

No, but you're going in the right direction chronologically...

cameronjhw 16 Aug 10 at 8:24 p.m. GMT

Is it from Hercule Poirot's Christmas or After the Funeral or Third Girl

GKCfan 16 Aug 10 at 8:18 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.  Hint: It's from a Poirot novel, not a short sotry.

cameronjhw 16 Aug 10 at 3:26 p.m. GMT

Is it from the Poirot short story The Cretan Bull

GKCfan 16 Aug 10 at 2:12 p.m. GMT

Sorry, no... but it IS a Poirot story.

NightRayDuck 16 Aug 10 at 4:57 a.m. GMT

Could it be the Poirot short story, "The Horses of Diomedes", as perceived by the character Sheila Grant? although, at the moment, I can't remember if the doctor character fits the bill of "has been through so much".

GKCfan 14 Aug 10 at 11:29 p.m. GMT

No... wrong book. but you're still on the right track.

cameronjhw 14 Aug 10 at 8:29 p.m. GMT

Is it Marthe Daubreril, her mother, or Bella Duveen

GKCfan 13 Aug 10 at 10:27 p.m. GMT

None of these are correct, but ampman is very, very close!  Keep thinking!

cameronjhw 13 Aug 10 at 9:21 p.m. GMT

Could it be Renisenb from Death Comes as the End or Sophia from Crooked House

Miss_Eylesbarrow 13 Aug 10 at 11:46 a.m. GMT

Is it Flora Ackroyd?

ampman 12 Aug 10 at 11:05 a.m. GMT

Is it the girl Captain Hastings fell in love with in Murder in he Links ? Did he call her Cinderella ?

GKCfan 11 Aug 10 at 9:11 p.m. GMT

Could anyone ever love me if they knew what one member of my family has done?  I don't think so, and yet... that nice man has been through so much, and he seems so kind, and his friend is trying to help us both.  It doesn't matter that he's a bit older than I am.  I would like to be able to live after so much death... three deaths in the last few weeks...

Puffinjill 11 Aug 10 at 2:47 p.m. GMT

Yes, right again, GKCfan!!! I'm afraid my brain struggles to set these puzzles first thing in the morning. Over to you for a better effort!!

GKCfan 11 Aug 10 at 8:40 a.m. GMT

Mrs. St. Vincent from "The Listerdale Mystery."

Have a great vacation, Nofret!

Puffinjill 11 Aug 10 at 7:11 a.m. GMT

Have fun, Nofret! We'll miss you!

Try this one - Life has been rather difficult of late but this marvellous chance that has arisen is almost to good to be true! Atmosphere and breeding tells - and now my daughter's future happiness is decided, thanks to this place. But I wish my son wouldn't be so suspicious. Could he be right? Is this too good to be true?

I'm no good at this!

NightRayDuck 10 Aug 10 at 7:39 p.m. GMT

I thought of Molly Kendal, too. Now I am really itching to get hold of a volume containing "The Hound of Death". yikes.

Nofret 10 Aug 10 at 4:33 p.m. GMT

Yes, well done Puffinjill, your turn now, and I'll see you all in a couple of weeks. Have fun!

Puffinjill 10 Aug 10 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

Is it the title story in The Hound Of Death from the point of view of the Nun, Marie Angelique?

Nofret 10 Aug 10 at 12:13 p.m. GMT

It's a short story. Are you going to hound me for any more clues?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 10 Aug 10 at 9:19 a.m. GMT

Is it a short story or novel Nofret?  I'm really stumped.

Nofret 10 Aug 10 at 9:13 a.m. GMT

You fell into my little trap, MissQ, it's not A.B.Cust! And it isn't Molly Kendal. Clue, this person is talking to God.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 10 Aug 10 at 9:10 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I think it's Molly in A Caribbean Mystery

MissQuin 09 Aug 10 at 10:18 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is is AB Cust in ABC murders?

Nofret 09 Aug 10 at 9 a.m. GMT

Try this one:

He has been so kind to me that I feel I must help him. But I am so confused - it is as if I live two separate lives. Which one is real? Dear God, did I really kill all those people?

NightRayDuck 07 Aug 10 at 9:36 p.m. GMT

Thanks. I was thinking perhaps Miss Stormer would simply need to tell her assistant to ring up her manager, and for her manager to ring up the other actress.

I have some ideas for the next one, but I am running out of brains to set it up properly at the moment. Would somebody please take a turn? Thanks. 

cameronjhw 07 Aug 10 at 6:44 p.m. GMT

You are right it is from the story The Actress (a very good one to read by the way). The number she wanted for a fellow actress to play the victim to scare the blackmailer. Good job. Your turn

NightRayDuck 06 Aug 10 at 11:49 p.m. GMT

I've been thinking it could be Olga Stormer / Nancy Taylor in the short story "The Actress", but I can't think of whose phone number she would be wanting. I suppose there are many more blackmail victims in Christie works than I can remember.. 

cameronjhw 05 Aug 10 at 3:12 p.m. GMT

A very good guess but I'm afraid it is not the distinguished Alastair Blunt from OTBMS.

I will give you two hints:-It is from a short story and it is a woman speaking

Nofret 05 Aug 10 at 1:42 p.m. GMT

Is it Alastair Blunt in One, Two, Buckle my Shoe thinking about the blackmailer Amberiotis?

cameronjhw 04 Aug 10 at 1:07 a.m. GMT

What am I to do? He will not leave me in peace. My career and reputation is at stake. If only there is some way..I have it. I think I know what I can do. It will require a lot of risk and planning. Now I will need to find that phone number and get a gun...

Nofret 03 Aug 10 at 4:42 p.m. GMT

Yes, well done Cameron, it's Rowley, and whatever the rest of you may think about the TV adaptation you've got to admit that Rowley was very tasty indeed!!!

Your turn.

cameronjhw 03 Aug 10 at 3:21 p.m. GMT

Could it be Rowley Cloade from Taken at the Flood

Miss_Eylesbarrow 03 Aug 10 at 11:23 a.m. GMT

Perhaps Mr Cust in ABC murders?

MissQuin 03 Aug 10 at 10:28 a.m. GMT

Is it creepy Gregory in After The funeral?

Nofret 03 Aug 10 at 10:08 a.m. GMT

Yes, a very ingenious plot - very astute of Christie to publish it in that particular volume..........!

So now there will be no wedding. Is it my fault? I've done all I can, though I know I haven't been myself recemtly - these thoughts that keep coming into my head - how it aches! How long until I'm arrested and tried for murder?

cameronjhw 03 Aug 10 at 2:30 a.m. GMT

Yes it is the scheming nephew Charles from the story Wireless aka Where There's a Will. Great story and one of my favorites. Your turn

Nofret 02 Aug 10 at 6:05 p.m. GMT

Is it Charles from the short story Wireless?

cameronjhw 02 Aug 10 at 2:55 p.m. GMT

I am in a hole. I need to figure out how I am going to get the money. No one must find out. If only there were....of course that's it I know just what I can do. It will require nerve and subtle planning. Most important she must not catch on. Actually this could be fun

GKCfan 01 Aug 10 at 9:53 p.m. GMT

cameronjhw, you are correct!

cameronjhw 01 Aug 10 at 8:32 p.m. GMT

Is it from Halloween Party where Miranda Butler talks about Joyce's murder?

cameronjhw 01 Aug 10 at 8:32 p.m. GMT

Is it from Halloween Party where Miranda Butler talks about Joyce's murder?

Nofret 01 Aug 10 at 12:32 p.m. GMT

Could it be Claire Halliwell from The Edge?

GKCfan 01 Aug 10 at 4:06 a.m. GMT

I'm responsible for her death– I shouldn't have said what I did to her, and now I must make the ultimate sacrifice in order to make amends.  I've been sitting still a lot lately, but it's all for good reason.  I must listen to him and do what he tells me, if I do that everything will be all right.  If they had only noticed me a while back, who knows what might've happened...

cameronjhw 01 Aug 10 at 3:59 a.m. GMT

GKCfan you are right it is the lawyer Andrew Lippincott worrying about Ellie and her husband Michael Rogers.

Good job

Your turn

Nofret 31 Jul 10 at 11:49 a.m. GMT

Is it Christian Gulbrandsen thinking about Carrie Louise in They do it with Mirrors?

GKCfan 31 Jul 10 at 3:36 a.m. GMT

Is that either the lawyer or the neighbor thinking about Ellie Guteman Rogers in Endless Night?

cameronjhw 31 Jul 10 at 3:23 a.m. GMT

Here's one

I don't know why but I can't shake off the feeling that something awful will happen to her. I care for her deeply as a close personal friend as well as in terms of business. I try to warn her subtly but she does not get it. That's the danger of money. I have an idea how I can prove it but it will be risky and may not work.  

NightRayDuck 31 Jul 10 at 3:03 a.m. GMT

perfect answer, Cameron! got it in one! Yes, it's Evil Under the Sun as experienced by Linda Marshall.

your turn. 

cameronjhw 31 Jul 10 at 2:42 a.m. GMT

Is it Linda Marshall from Evil Under the Sun

NightRayDuck 31 Jul 10 at 12:25 a.m. GMT

Thank you, Nofret. I took some time to read all of the posts in this game. It's difficult to describe the story using a point of view that's not the murderer (or, say, the criminal for the main crime under investigation), victim, or detective! I start thinking of a story that I want to describe, and then I realize that most of the characters in the particular story are either detectives (the professionals and the amateurs with much gusto and true insight) or victims (especially the amateurs with much gusto but insufficient insight, who get killed for their efforts). Aww well here goes my first try:

"I don't know why my dad took us on a seaside vacation. I am not pretty and I look awkward even when I am simply taking a walk! My stepmother had been annoying, as usual. Things got a bit better when we ran into dad's old flame, she's a really nice lady. But now that I HAVE SUCCEEDED in murdering my stepmother, things are getting even worse! I think dad and his lady friend know that I was the killer.."

Ok that looks kind of weird. Please let me know if you want any clarification or hints at any time. 

Nofret 30 Jul 10 at 9:51 a.m. GMT

Well done, newcomer Darknight, it was indeed devious Raymond Starr, who posed as being from an aristocratic background in order to impress Adelaide Jefferson.

Your turn now.

NightRayDuck 28 Jul 10 at 9:07 a.m. GMT

from The Body in the Library, when Raymond Starr wasn't being completely truthful about his family background?

cameronjhw 27 Jul 10 at 6:44 p.m. GMT

Is it from the Hollow or Sad Cypress

Nofret 27 Jul 10 at 10:06 a.m. GMT

This person appears in a novel.

cameronjhw 26 Jul 10 at 9:34 p.m. GMT

Is it from a novel or a short story

Nofret 26 Jul 10 at 6:37 p.m. GMT

No, but like Maude Williams this person is not being entirely truthful.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 26 Jul 10 at 12:53 p.m. GMT

Is it Maude Williams speaking from 'Mrs McGinty's Dead'?

Nofret 25 Jul 10 at 11:08 a.m. GMT

One at a time, Cameron! But I see your train of thought, it's none of those books.

cameronjhw 24 Jul 10 at 9:26 p.m. GMT

Is it ATTWN, Dead Man's Folly, Five Little Pigs, or Towards Zero

Nofret 24 Jul 10 at 8:58 p.m. GMT

Rubbish, PJ, I think we're all very evenly matched! Anyway -

Where do I come from? Well, the family home was in Devon, my brothers and I spent an idyllic childhood there, until that awful thing happened - oh, you've heard about it. There was nothing I could do, and somehow I ended up here. Perhaps it's the hand of fate that's brought us together?

Puffinjill 24 Jul 10 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

Yes! Got it again Nofret!!!!! All of you out there are SOOOOOOO clever and also much better at setting these than me! Well done! Waiting for your next one...

Nofret 24 Jul 10 at 10:42 a.m. GMT

Is it Colonel Carbury from Appointment With Death?

Puffinjill 24 Jul 10 at 7:22 a.m. GMT

Facts! That's what I like. Nice, orderly facts! Just because I look a bit disheveled doesn't mean I don't have a tidy mind. And now this problem has arisen and I need someone to help me straighten it out.

Apologies in advance for the poor effort but I find it much harder to set these puzzles than to guess them! Have a good weekend, all!!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 23 Jul 10 at 9:34 a.m. GMT

Spot on Puffinjill!  'You are the goods' as Japp would say :)  Over to you...

Puffinjill 22 Jul 10 at 7:13 p.m. GMT

Is it Dick Windyford thinking about Alix Martin from Philomel Cottage?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 22 Jul 10 at 10:49 a.m. GMT

Sorry guys, none of the above, although that's a really good guess Nofret.  Hint: it's a short story.

Nofret 22 Jul 10 at 10:03 a.m. GMT

Is it Hugo McLean talking about Adelaide Jefferson frm The Body in the Library?

cameronjhw 21 Jul 10 at 7:31 p.m. GMT

Is it from the Moving Finger, Death Comes as the End, or Destination Unknown

Miss_Eylesbarrow 21 Jul 10 at 3:33 p.m. GMT

Oh, gosh.  I wasn't expecting to get that right.  Let me think...

I am so stupid, I should have asked her to marry me before now, she is so lovely and now she may be in danger. I'll keep in touch and see if there is ever anything I can do to help her....

Nofret 21 Jul 10 at 2:15 p.m. GMT

Yes, indeed, Miss E, it is Eve Carpenter from Mrs McGinty's Dead, worried that her past as a call girl would be discovered.

Your turn.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 21 Jul 10 at 11:07 a.m. GMT

Is it the politician's wife (Carpenter?) from Mrs McGinty's dead?

Nofret 20 Jul 10 at 8:36 p.m. GMT

It's not from ATTWN.

cameronjhw 20 Jul 10 at 7:46 p.m. GMT

Is it someone from And Then There Were None or a Poirot novel

Nofret 20 Jul 10 at 7:01 p.m. GMT

No, it's not from MOTOE.

Thomasino66 19 Jul 10 at 11 p.m. GMT

Is it someone from murder on the orient express?

Nofret 19 Jul 10 at 9:29 p.m. GMT

Here we go then -

Oh, for goodness sake, why bother me with all those stupid questions! That sordid affair obviously had nothing to do with us. But what if they turn up that little episode from my past? I'm in danger of losing everything.

MissQuin 19 Jul 10 at 4:48 p.m. GMT

Yes! Right agin Nofret. Take it away maestro!

Nofret 19 Jul 10 at 12:22 p.m. GMT

Is it Canon Pennyfather from At Bertram's Hotel?

MissQuin 19 Jul 10 at 9:53 a.m. GMT

Actually I'm afraid Cameron your wrong! The character isn't from any of those books.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 19 Jul 10 at 9:50 a.m. GMT

I'm sure you'r right Cameron, that's got to be Murgatroyd from A Murder is Announced!

Catch you at the review of 'Brown Suit', Miss Q :) 

cameronjhw 18 Jul 10 at 6:35 p.m. GMT

Is it Helen Abernethie from After the Funeral or Miss Murgatroyd from A Murder is Announced or Mrs. Boynton from Appointment with Death

MissQuin 18 Jul 10 at 4:38 p.m. GMT

I doubt this is tough enough for you all, but it's the best I could do!

"What was I saying? Oh, I forget.... Well never mind, I suppose it wasn't important. But I can't help wonder, maybe...that my memory might be my undoing one day. But it's important I remember a certain event, alot hinges upon it."

MissQuin 16 Jul 10 at 4:03 p.m. GMT

Was it Tuppence? or Tommy?

Ah my turn again. I'll try come up with something HARD!!

cameronjhw 16 Jul 10 at 3:36 p.m. GMT

You are correct it is N or M?

MissQuin 16 Jul 10 at 3:24 p.m. GMT

N or M said by Tuppence Beresford?

Oh and Miss E, would love to know your views on Man in the brown suit on that post. I'm considering if to read it some time.

cameronjhw 16 Jul 10 at 3:20 p.m. GMT

I actually like her she was clever, funny, and wanted seek adventure and excitement. A great novel. But I digress how about this:

Feels good to be working despite this War. This assignment sounds intriguing and challenging. This will require observation and discretion. Now the question is which of them...

Miss_Eylesbarrow 14 Jul 10 at 8:58 a.m. GMT

Of course, the true 20's heroine Anne Beddingfield who seems to have no family feeling and a over active sense of adventure.  A pity the crocodiles didn't get her!  Over to you Cameron :)

cameronjhw 13 Jul 10 at 7:12 p.m. GMT

Is is from The Man in the Brown Suit

Miss_Eylesbarrow 13 Jul 10 at 4:27 p.m. GMT

Doesn't hte rhyme end up '...on the bedroom floor' and get stopped there by the Vicar?  I love Dennis, he's a great character.

Oh gosh, I'm running out of ideas.

here goes: Poor old Daddy, never mind.  What a wheeze, less than £100 in my pocket and I'm off to see the world!

MissQuin 13 Jul 10 at 3:59 p.m. GMT

AHHHHH! Yes indeed, the loud, toothy Miss Glady's Clam (whose under garmets are observed by the vicar!! naughty) it is. She even has a ryhme made up about her by Dennis.

Oh no, it was too easy! Well then Miss E it's your turn again.

Miss_Eylesbarrow 13 Jul 10 at 3:57 p.m. GMT

Murder at the vicarage?  There's Mr Stone's (?) secretary, is it her.  What's her name?  Gladys or something.

MissQuin 13 Jul 10 at 3:51 p.m. GMT

Well there's a couple of village stories, but yes it's a Marple. But which character and story?

HarleyBarley 13 Jul 10 at 3:44 p.m. GMT

Something Miss Marple, it seems. And unfortunately I've little to say about Miss Marple stories...

MissQuin 13 Jul 10 at 3:36 p.m. GMT

Ok, I'm going to try and come up with one.

HAHAHAHA!!! I do love a good laugh. That's just what a girls needs. Some drama and life! Really, it's so dull coming to live in this village. Gossips the only thing that's remotely interesting. But seeing as there's been a murder...well things should get more exciting!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 13 Jul 10 at 3:09 p.m. GMT

You are too good for me MissQ!  Over to you....

MissQuin 13 Jul 10 at 2:59 p.m. GMT

Is it Pilar in Hercule Poirot's Christmas?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 13 Jul 10 at 12:55 p.m. GMT

Thanks Cameron. 

Okay how about this one:  What an awful few months I've had, but at least I'm here now.  I wonder what the future will hold for me?  I hope that I can get this right and be accepted by everyone there, so much hangs on it.  What a horrid country England is!

cameronjhw 12 Jul 10 at 5:31 p.m. GMT

You are right it is Mrs. Gardener from Evil Under the Sun

Miss_Eylesbarrow 12 Jul 10 at 4:24 p.m. GMT

Evil under the Sun?  The American lady - I forget her name....

cameronjhw 12 Jul 10 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

I would like to do one:

What a beautiful place to spend my restful vacation.  I have met some interesting people here including that funny little foreign man. He seems nice. Little did I dream that murder would strike

Puffinjill 12 Jul 10 at 3:07 p.m. GMT

Thank you, Miss Eylesbarrow, but I really shouldn't guess these as I can never think of ones to set!!! If anyone wants to go ahead and set the next one, then please do so, and I'll get thinking for next time. I'm sure my brain is shrinking....

Miss_Eylesbarrow 12 Jul 10 at 11:06 a.m. GMT

Well done Puffinjill, yes, Mary Cavendish from Styles.  Youth turn. xox

Nofret 10 Jul 10 at 4:48 p.m. GMT

Jennifer Fortescue in A Pocket full of Rye?

Puffinjill 10 Jul 10 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

Is it The Mysterious Affair At Styles from the point of view of Mary Cavendish?

cameronjhw 09 Jul 10 at 2:37 p.m. GMT

Is is Mrs. McGinty's Dead or Three Blind Mice?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 09 Jul 10 at 8:54 a.m. GMT

I'm so miserable, my marriage seems to have been one big mistake although I really thought I could make it work.  Now this murder happens on top of everything else.  The house is in total confusion with doors locked and crockery missing, and everyone is upset. 

Hurrah!  Thanks Cameronjhw.  Yes, I agree a great novel and one which gets better the more I listen to it.  How about we leave my rather poor attempt above as the next one?

Have a good day

cameronjhw 08 Jul 10 at 8:27 p.m. GMT

You are correct. It is from Destination Unknown where Jessop follows Hilary because she plans to end her life. A great novel to by the way.

Your turn

Miss_Eylesbarrow 08 Jul 10 at 4:13 p.m. GMT

No, I've just re-read your paragraph, it's not from Third Girl, could it be from Destination Unknown?  The british agent who follows Hilary Craven round all the chemist shops?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 08 Jul 10 at 3:59 p.m. GMT

Hi Sorry Cameronjhw, I didn't see your post - should have updated my screen.  Ignore mine and I'll have a stab (!) at yours...

is it Ariadne Oliver from Third Girl?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 08 Jul 10 at 3:57 p.m. GMT

I'll jump in then Puffinjill, this is off the top of my head so it's bound to be really easy...

I'm so miserable, my marriage seems to have been one big mistake although I really thought I could make it work.  Now this murder happens on top of everything else.  The house is in total confusion with doors locked and crockery missing, and everyone is upset. 

cameronjhw 08 Jul 10 at 3:56 p.m. GMT

I would like to do another one. Try this:

I keep wondering about this woman. I keep on following her to see what she is up to.  She seems pretty and yet sad about something. Maybe she might try to...

Puffinjill 08 Jul 10 at 2:32 p.m. GMT

Oh, blimey, I can't think of one at the moment. I think I've left my brain somewhere. Anyone out there who can think of one to set, then please do jump in and have a go or all you lovely people will be waiting for some time until I can think of another one!

Nofret 07 Jul 10 at 8:58 a.m. GMT

Got it in one, PJ! Your turn now!

Puffinjill 07 Jul 10 at 8:02 a.m. GMT

I think it's the maid, Annie Bates, from The Adventure Of The Christmas Pudding, who leaves a note for Poirot warning him off eating the Christmas Pudding after she fears others are plotting to poison him with it.

cameronjhw 06 Jul 10 at 10:27 p.m. GMT

Is it from Endless Night, By The Pricking of My Thumbs, or from The Secret Advesary

Nofret 06 Jul 10 at 10:20 p.m. GMT

Try this one -

Oh, Lor', what am I going to do? I thought that pair looked like wrong 'uns, but murder! And he's such a nice gent, despite his funny ways. I've got to warn him somehow!

(PS I was only joking about the baby!)

MissQuin 06 Jul 10 at 3:24 p.m. GMT

No, I think the teacher's baby did die. Elieen was shown in a sypathetic light. If she was baby murderer, AC wouldn't surely have Miss Rich have a happy ending?

Anyway good to see you Nofert. Come up with a real puzzler for us!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 06 Jul 10 at 2:23 p.m. GMT

Perfectly correct, Nofret!  I'd never considered your suggestion of filicide (had to look that one up!), but now you mention it.......

Your turn for a description.

Nofret 06 Jul 10 at 11:48 a.m. GMT

Eileen Rich in Cat among the Pigeons - she took time off teaching to have an illegitimate child (shock horror!) Anyone else suspect that she might have done the little mite in so she could get back to her job?

Miss_Eylesbarrow 06 Jul 10 at 8:58 a.m. GMT

okay, how about this:

I'm so glad to be back again, but some people are behaving very strangely this year.  I was so sorry not to be here last year, but I had troubles of my own which no one need know about.  I think that she is really too wonderful, so capable in every way but if I were her I might do things perhaps a little differently?

 LOL!

Puffinjill 05 Jul 10 at 9:52 p.m. GMT

Oh go on then, I won't be mean and demand the whole name!! Yes, Miss Eylesbarrow, it IS Edna Brent, the not-particularly-bright typist from the Cavenish Secretarial Bureau in The Clocks.

It's over to you, my girl....

Miss_Eylesbarrow 05 Jul 10 at 3:55 p.m. GMT

It's the girl in The Clocks, oh what's her name!  The one on the typing agency with Sheila Webb whose shoe got caught in the grate.  Is it Edna?

Puffinjill 05 Jul 10 at 6:47 a.m. GMT

No, not Miss Murgatroyd, GKCfan.

GKCfan 04 Jul 10 at 8:21 a.m. GMT

Miss Murgatroyd in A Murder is Announced?

Puffinjill 04 Jul 10 at 7:30 a.m. GMT

Sorry, MissQuin, it isn't Rhoda.

MissQuin 03 Jul 10 at 10:48 a.m. GMT

Could it be Rhoda is Cards On The Table??

Puffinjill 03 Jul 10 at 7:26 a.m. GMT

OK, have a go at this -

I'm so confused. I didn't think anything was wrong but now I know she has lied. I was there at the time and I know what she has said can't be true. But what does it mean? I'll try to talk to one of the others and see if they can help me.

cameronjhw 02 Jul 10 at 4:36 p.m. GMT

You are correct. Now it's your turn.

Puffinjill 02 Jul 10 at 2:49 p.m. GMT

Mr Treves, from Towards Zero, who recognises a murderer from the past and, in consequence, finds his holiday ends in a rather abrupt way.

cameronjhw 02 Jul 10 at 2:34 p.m. GMT

Ok here's one that I hope will work:

"I consider myself an expert in crime.  I have considered a certain and somewhat bizarre theory on the subject. I know many cases where the criminal was guilty all right. But I am on holiday and must relax and enjoy myself but I must also take care of my bad heart.

MissQuin 01 Jul 10 at 3:47 p.m. GMT

Ah, so Cameron's turn it is. Make it really hard Cameron, as these lot are very clever!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 01 Jul 10 at 3:45 p.m. GMT

no worries Miss Quin.  And you were correct, of course!

MissQuin 01 Jul 10 at 3:32 p.m. GMT

Clarissa Spiders web??

Hello Miss E and your welcome join in, as is everyone.

Although the general rules is that whoever guesses correctly, then gets there turn. Is that ok? I'm pretty sure Ive got my guess correct, so if I have I give my turn to Cameron for getting his guess correct, whoo, i hope that makes sense!!

Miss_Eylesbarrow 01 Jul 10 at 3:29 p.m. GMT

Hi Puffinjill and everyone, can I join in please?

Here's one: "I must keep my head and work out what to do about the situation before my husband gets back.  I'm sure my friends will help me.  If only I can keep the police away from questionning the child."

Puffinjill 01 Jul 10 at 6:44 a.m. GMT

No it isn't Lucy, MissQuin. I'm afraid you wre beaten by the guess before! Yes, cameronjhw! It was Mrs Oliver in Dead Man's Folly, as ahe began to doubt the real reason why she had been called to Nasse House and thought she had better take some expert advice from a certain friend of hers.

Well done, cameronjhw! Over to you for the next (and much better) one!

MissQuin 30 Jun 10 at 3:13 p.m. GMT

I think that's a good effot Puffinjill, I'm quite puzzled. Is it Lucy in 4.50 from Paddington?

cameronjhw 30 Jun 10 at 2:52 p.m. GMT

Is is Ariadne Oliver from Dead Man's Folly?

Puffinjill 30 Jun 10 at 8:19 a.m. GMT

OK! I'm a bit out of practice at this so don't hold your breath!! Anyway, try this -

There's something not quite right here but I can't put my finger on what is wrong. I've been invited to this beautiful house and asked to work out something to keep everyone entertained but I can't shake the feeling that everything is not how it seems. I think I'll see if I can get a little extra help from a friend.

Oh dear, not a great effort, sorry!!

MissQuin 29 Jun 10 at 3:21 p.m. GMT

Yes, your correct Puffinjill. Your turn!

Puffinjill 29 Jun 10 at 6:43 a.m. GMT

Would it be Jane Cleveland, who features in the short story Jane In Search Of A Job from The Listerdale Mystery?

cameronjhw 28 Jun 10 at 4:47 p.m. GMT

Is it Tommy or Tuppence Beresford in The Secret Adversary

MissQuin 28 Jun 10 at 4:19 p.m. GMT

Nope!

cameronjhw 28 Jun 10 at 2:33 p.m. GMT

Is it either Victoria Jones from They came to Baghdad or Anne Beddingfeld from The Man in the Brown Suit?

MissQuin 27 Jun 10 at 12:59 p.m. GMT

Ok here goes it

Isn't is beastly the way everything revolves around money? But I have none! I may not be skilled, but I have the courage to try any adventure to get the money I need.

cameronjhw 23 Jun 10 at 2:35 p.m. GMT

Yes, it's Clemency Leonides

MissQuin 22 Jun 10 at 5:18 p.m. GMT

Clemency Leonides?

MissQuin 18 Jun 10 at 9:08 p.m. GMT

Ive found out who the crooked house killer was by mistake. Ive not guessed the chaarcter as Ive not read it.

cameronjhw 18 Jun 10 at 6:54 p.m. GMT

You're right it is Crooked House I hope I haven't spoiled it for you it's a great book

MissQuin 18 Jun 10 at 4:57 p.m. GMT

Was Mrs Boynton likeable? Not to me!

Could be crooked house, which I havent read.

HarleyBarley 18 Jun 10 at 3:32 p.m. GMT

Appointment with Death, perchance?

cameronjhw 18 Jun 10 at 3:12 p.m. GMT

For those who are stuck on this clue here are two hints that might help:

1. Features a dysfunctional family

2. The victim seemed likable to everyone except of course to the person who did the murder

cameronjhw 16 Jun 10 at 9:23 p.m. GMT

Try this:

"All I want is for the police to be done with their questions so I can go away with my husband who I love more than anything. He's easily gets angry and I want him all to myself so I can take care of him"

Nofret 16 Jun 10 at 4:35 p.m. GMT

Well done, it is the matriarch Esa, thinking about the look on Henet's face when she talked about the brothers' poisoning. The one she loves is of course Renisenb.

Your turn.

cameronjhw 16 Jun 10 at 2:22 p.m. GMT

Is it either Esa or Hori from Death Comes as the End?

Nofret 16 Jun 10 at 12:45 p.m. GMT

Don't think Joyce Reynolds lived in Ancient Egypt!

cameronjhw 15 Jun 10 at 3:44 p.m. GMT

Is it Joyce Renyolds

Nofret 11 Jun 10 at 12:31 p.m. GMT

Not Halloween party, but -

Right story, wrong character!

cameronjhw 10 Jun 10 at 4:41 p.m. GMT

Is Judith Butler or her daughter Miranda talking about Rowena Drake in Halloween Party or is it Hori from Death Comes as the End

Nofret 10 Jun 10 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

No, it's not Josephine or Edith de Haviland, but her final words about "one in the litter who is not quite right" would also apply here.

cameronjhw 09 Jun 10 at 9:22 p.m. GMT

I'm not sure but is it either Jospehine or Edith de Haviland from Crooked House.

I hope I got it right

Nofret 06 Jun 10 at 2:57 p.m. GMT

Well, Lavinia Pinkerton would certainly fit the "look on her face". But it's not her, although you're right about it being an older person.

Onapi11 06 Jun 10 at 6:22 a.m. GMT

hmm stuck for ideas....

what about mrs pinkerton from murder is easy, she dosent quite fit but its worth a try

Nofret 04 Jun 10 at 1:12 p.m. GMT

Very good guess, Onapi, Philip Durrant would fit the bill, but no. However, like Philip, this person fatally underestimated the murderer's cunning

Onapi11 04 Jun 10 at 10:57 a.m. GMT

is it that guy in the wheelchair from ordeal by innocence?

Nofret 03 Jun 10 at 1:39 p.m. GMT

Good guess, but no. This person was rather quicker on the uptake than Luke, who didn't catch on till virtually the last page!

Puffinjill 03 Jun 10 at 5:54 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I am probably WAY out, but is it Luke Ftizwilliam talking about Miss Waynfleet in Murder Is Easy?

Nofret 02 Jun 10 at 3:30 p.m. GMT

Try this one:

When I saw that look on her face I realised who was the guilty party. And the more I thought about it all the evidence seems to confirm their guilt. So, someone I love is in danger from a very real source, and I intend to set a trap for the killer.

MissQuin 28 May 10 at 3:36 p.m. GMT

Got it in one guess! Either is was too easy, or your too good as this nofret. Anyway, yes it was the melodramatic Hester, who had a liking for doctors!

Nofret 28 May 10 at 3:33 p.m. GMT

Hester Argyle in Ordeal by Innocence?

MissQuin 27 May 10 at 3:40 p.m. GMT

Thanks puffinjill. I was reading about Parker Pyne, as I want to read them. Well these are so tricky to come up with, I'll try this one:

 People think I'm too melodramatic! But my life has been so tragic, I really feel such despair. I tried to go into acting, but it didn't work out. Nothing in my life ever works out. Suicide seems the right idea...

Puffinjill 27 May 10 at 5:52 a.m. GMT

Oh blast!!! I knew it wouldn't take one of you very long to guess that one! Yes, MissQuin, it is indeed a Parker Pyne story and it is indeed Mrs Packington from the short stort The Case Of The Middle-Aged Wife.

So well done, MissQuin, especially if you haven't even read the stories yet! i would certainly recommend them. And it's lovely to see you too!!!

MissQuin 26 May 10 at 2:25 p.m. GMT

Nice to see you puffinjill. It sounds like a Parker Pyne although Ive not read them yet...

Mrs Packington?

Puffinjill 25 May 10 at 2:51 p.m. GMT

SORRY!!!!! I completely forgot it was my turn. Let's see what I can think up. Ummmm, how about this....

All I wanted was for my husband to take a little less interest in that young girl and a little more interest in me. Now, however, after all this pampering and attention from an attractive young man, I'm not sure I care WHAT my husband does! It's so wondeful to feel young and attractive again...

Well, that's the best I can do off the top of my head!

MissQuin 08 May 10 at 3:50 p.m. GMT

Your turn Puffinjill!

MissQuin 03 Apr 10 at 3:14 p.m. GMT

Yes, your correct Puffinjill. I love that story and I'm story Ive not come up with anything fiendishly puzzling. I think it's because my efforts gone into my short story puzzles on here. your turn Puffinjill.

Puffinjill 03 Apr 10 at 3:05 p.m. GMT

Alix Martin from Philomel Cottage? One of my favourite short stories.

HeiseiHolmes 03 Apr 10 at 3:04 p.m. GMT

Is it Gwenda from Sleeping Murder? Maybe...?

MissQuin 02 Apr 10 at 6:50 p.m. GMT

I find them really hard to come up with...

Ive worked hard all my life until in my mid 30's. Ive now got enough money for my dream home in the country. It's what Ive always wanted, but the gardener's casual remark bother's me- I don't know why.

Nofret 02 Apr 10 at 5:50 p.m. GMT

I said these were difficult as it's so easy to give too much away! Of course you are right, MissQ! Your turn!

MissQuin 02 Apr 10 at 4:55 p.m. GMT

Is it Mrs Rival in The Clocks?

Nofret 01 Apr 10 at 5:02 p.m. GMT

These are more difficult than they seem - it's so easy to give too much or too little away. Try this one:

I don't understand! It seemed so easy at first, just a little white lie, and God knows, the money came in handy! But now, if what that copper says is true - oh, I could be in real trouble! I'll have to ask for advice.

Puffinjill 01 Apr 10 at 6:14 a.m. GMT

Spot on, Nofret!!! You've got it again!!!! It certainly is One, Two, Buckle My Shoe from the viewpoint of the unfortunate Mr Morley.

Well done, my friend. Get thinking on the next one!

Nofret 31 Mar 10 at 3:52 p.m. GMT

Is it Mr Morley the dentist in One, Two Buckle my Shoe?

Puffinjill 31 Mar 10 at 8 a.m. GMT

Thanks, MissQuin! OK, try this one-

"Busy day again today and I shall have to manage on my own. Most inconvenient! This would happen on a day when I have so many people to see and a VERY important one later on too."

Happy guessing!!!

MissQuin 30 Mar 10 at 2:56 p.m. GMT

Correct, that didn't take long di it? It was probably too easy! Your turn Puffinjill :)

Puffinjill 30 Mar 10 at 6:04 a.m. GMT

Hilary Craven in Destination Unknown?

MissQuin 29 Mar 10 at 7:51 p.m. GMT

I LOVE The labours of Hercules and Miss Carnaby is a great character. An seemingly innocent older lady with the brains of criminal mastermind!

ok.. Just when I thought my life couldn't get any worse, I was given the oppotunity for it to get better. Ive had more excitement and danger in a few days, than Ive had in my whole life. But if I should die, I'll die for a good cause...

Nofret 28 Mar 10 at 3:55 p.m. GMT

Exactly right, MissQ! One of my favourite books and favourite characters. She always said that little Augustus was so intelligent, and she was about to con the unpleasant pair Lady Hogg, who was rude and disagreeable, and Sir Joseph who had already embarked on his plan to murder her!

Your turn now!

MissQuin 28 Mar 10 at 11:14 a.m. GMT

It could be Labours of Hercules, Miss Carnaby with her partner in crime being her dog! She cons money out of unpleasant people, it was against the law. But her sister was depending on her?

Nofret 28 Mar 10 at 9:28 a.m. GMT

No, Tommy, it doesn't fit Wargrave, who worked alone, unless you're thinking of Morris, who helped recruit the others to the island.

MissQ, the crime is eventually solved by one of our two favourite sleuths!

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Mar 10 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

And Then There Were None.

MissQuin 27 Mar 10 at 3:42 p.m. GMT

Nofret

Thank you GKCfan. Here goes -

"I know what I'm about to do is against the law, even though they're very unpleasant people. But others are depending on me, so off I go. How fortunate that my partner-in-crime is so intelligent!)

I'm stumped. Sounds like it could be a non seires book.

Nofret 24 Mar 10 at 4:49 p.m. GMT

Aha, you fell into my little trap, MissQ! No, it isn't Tuppence!

MissQuin 24 Mar 10 at 4:22 p.m. GMT

Is it Tuppence Burford?

Nofret 24 Mar 10 at 4:01 p.m. GMT

Thank you GKCfan. Here goes -

"I know what I'm about to do is against the law, even though they're very unpleasant people. But others are depending on me, so off I go. How fortunate that my partner-in-crime is so intelligent!)

GKCfan 18 Mar 10 at 7:42 p.m. GMT

I don't understand– I believe I posted a response months ago, but for some reason it's not there....  Anyway, I'm sorry for the delay, but the good news is– Norfret is completely right!  It's Black Coffee.

Aurora 18 Mar 10 at 6:33 p.m. GMT

I agree with Nofret. Please put us out of our misery!

Nofret 05 Jan 10 at 11:36 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it "Black Coffee" and the scientist's formula hidden in the spills on the mantelpiece reminding Poirot of a similar occurrence in "The Mysterious Affair at Styles"?

GKCfan 05 Jan 10 at 7:12 a.m. GMT

No, sorry. You are right that it is a Poirot tale, but it's one that's unique in the Christie canon.

HerculeJC 05 Jan 10 at 5:11 a.m. GMT

The Case of the Missing Will, from POIROT INVESTIGATES

GKCfan 03 Jan 10 at 7:43 a.m. GMT

All right... first of all, I'm sorry to say that none of the responses are correct.  I'm sorry that I've been away from this one for so long– I completely forgot that it was my turn to post it. 

Here are some crucial hints:

1)As you can tell by the clue, the speaker is a recurring character who does detective work and that character has friends who also recur.

2)Stop thinking "novel" and start expanding your thoughts to Christie's other work.

3)The "valuable object" is not made of precious metals, is not jewels, is not a rare antique, and is not money.  In fact, by the end of the story in question the valuable object is destroyed.

Puffinjill 03 Jan 10 at 7:10 a.m. GMT

A small clue would be most helpful, GKCfan. I can't get this at all. I keep thinking about The Adventure Of The Christmas Pudding but then fall down at the part about friends who have helped with previous cases.

Nofret 02 Jan 10 at 6:29 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

It's driving me potty trying to figure this one out! I've got a crazy idea that it's something to do with Three Act Tragedy, and the poison that was hidden in the bottom of the cut crystal glass. Didn't someone discover a missing diamond necklace similarly hidden in a decanter? Can't remember what story it was. though!

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Dec 09 at 1:18 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it Cat Among The Pigeons? referring to the Jewels found in the Cricket Bat?

HerculeJC 22 Dec 09 at 5:13 a.m. GMT

Could it be THE MIRROR CRACK'D, noting the Bantry's Mansion?

GKCfan 20 Dec 09 at 9:24 a.m. GMT

What a coincidence!  The valuable object that I've been looking for has been hidden in exactly the same way that the crucial clue was disguised in a totally different case several years ago.  I must be very careful what I drink here.  I'm just glad that the friends who helped me with the previous case are here again now to assist me.

Puffinjill 20 Dec 09 at 8:52 a.m. GMT

Going to set another one, GKCfan?

Puffinjill 17 Dec 09 at 7:31 a.m. GMT

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Got it again, GKC! It was Emily Brent from And Then There Were None!

GKCfan 16 Dec 09 at 7:45 p.m. GMT

Emily Brent, from And Then There Were None.

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Dec 09 at 4:58 p.m. GMT

Nemesis?

Puffinjill 16 Dec 09 at 4:49 p.m. GMT

No, sorry!

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Dec 09 at 3:36 p.m. GMT

A Pocketful of Rye?

Puffinjill 16 Dec 09 at 9:34 a.m. GMT

No, I'm afraid not Tommy. Have another guess.

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Dec 09 at 3:51 p.m. GMT

The Hollow?

Puffinjill 09 Dec 09 at 8:03 a.m. GMT

Here's another one..

I do wish people could write clearly. I can't make out the name. But I feel I need a break in a nice respectable place, away from all this lax behaviour nowadays. But what strange company I seem to be in.

HerculeJC 08 Dec 09 at 2:32 p.m. GMT

Yes, it is DEATH ON THE NILE.

I made it a general observation statement, for any of the passengers, except for Linnett Doyle.

Puffinjill 08 Dec 09 at 6:50 a.m. GMT

Death On The Nile? Could be any of the passengers, I suppose.

HerculeJC 08 Dec 09 at 6:15 a.m. GMT

NEXT ONE:

"Many exciting and interesting places to see!  A good time to relax and take it easy, chat with the others.

"By the way, I think I spotted some crocodiles over there.

"What??  OH MY!!  We've, also, had a murder commited!"

Puffinjill 07 Dec 09 at 8:09 a.m. GMT

Spot on! Yes, Iris thinking about the changes in George Barton from Sparkling Cyanide. Over to you, chaps!

HerculeJC 06 Dec 09 at 8:20 p.m. GMT

I'll go with GKCFan.

I think it is IRIS, thinking about GEORGE.

GKCfan 06 Dec 09 at 7:42 p.m. GMT

Sparkling Cyanide?  It could be any of the suspects...

Puffinjill 06 Dec 09 at 7:18 p.m. GMT

Right then, here's another one...

How dreadful to be here again, a year later, in the same place with the same people. Will I ever be allowed to forget? (Character's name) is acting very strangely. But history can't repeat itself, surely?

Not a very good one, I'm afraid, but give it a go. I must try harder!!

HerculeJC 04 Dec 09 at 6:39 p.m. GMT

Correct, Puff.

It is THE MOVING FINGER, noting that Megan learned what happened to Agnes, who had earlier gone missing.

Puffinjill 03 Dec 09 at 6:52 p.m. GMT

Megan Hunter from The Moving Finger?

HerculeJC 03 Dec 09 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

Let me try one, using my narrative description for part of the story.

Here goes: 1st Person Narrative used:

"It may be interesting to see what might come in today's post. 

"In the meantime I don't want to be late for my day with ('story character').

"Okay, I have my favorite gloves, so now I'll get my other things from the closet: my hat, my coat, a scarf.   Here they all are, along with....

THE BODY OF OUR MAID!!!  AAAAAAAHHH!!!!!"

Aurora 30 Nov 09 at 1:41 p.m. GMT

Well done Bundle, it's Lord Edgware Dies. I was thinking of Brian Martin but, you're right, it could be lots of characters.

Your turn!

HerculeJC 29 Nov 09 at 1:48 a.m. GMT

The alternative: Jennifer Fortescue suspecting Adele of Rex's death, in A POCKET FULL OF RYE.

Bundle_ 28 Nov 09 at 6:26 p.m. GMT

HJ made a good guess. But if it's not that then, how about Lord Edgware Dies? *SPOILERS* Lots of the characters couldn't stand Jane Wilkinson.

HerculeJC 28 Nov 09 at 5:21 p.m. GMT

How about FIVE LITTLE PIGS.

At least two persons despised ELSA GREER

Aurora 28 Nov 09 at 12:33 p.m. GMT

Sorry, no.

GKCfan 26 Nov 09 at 7:03 p.m. GMT

Lettice Protheroe referring to stepmother Anne in "The Murder at the Vicarage?"

Aurora 26 Nov 09 at 5:32 p.m. GMT

She is so ruthless. I wish I could expose her. I'm sure she did it, I just don't know how to prove it.

Puffinjill 21 Nov 09 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

YES!!!!! Well done, Aurora! It is Miss Lemon pondering on her sister, Mrs Hubbard, and her situation in Hickory, Dickory, Dock.

Over to you for the next puzzle....

Aurora 21 Nov 09 at 12:02 p.m. GMT

Is it Miss Lemon in Hickory Dickory Dock?

Puffinjill 21 Nov 09 at 7:39 a.m. GMT

No, sorry, HerculeJC, that's not the right answer either! Would a small clue help? Mmmm, what to say without giving it away?

How about this.....It's the thoughts of one sister about another.

See if that helps.

HerculeJC 21 Nov 09 at 5:34 a.m. GMT

How about THE PALE HORSE.

The narrative could be that of Mark Easterbrook, regarding Ginger Macalister.

Puffinjill 20 Nov 09 at 6:34 a.m. GMT

Sorry, Bundle and GKC, neither of those is right. Keep guessing!!

GKCfan 19 Nov 09 at 8:50 p.m. GMT

Is it Miss Blacklock referring to Miss Bunner in A Murder is Announced?

Bundle_ 19 Nov 09 at 6:37 p.m. GMT

I've posted a few comments here and there. But I'm well and very much looking forward to Thanksgiving!! Especially because that means a vacation from school!

Back on topic :0): Another wild guess...Is it referring to Nick Buckely from Peril at End House?

Puffinjill 19 Nov 09 at 6:04 p.m. GMT

No, my friend, I'm afraid not! Haven't heard from you in a while Bundle, hope you are well! Glad it isn't just me who wants to keep puzzling!!

Bundle_ 19 Nov 09 at 12:38 p.m. GMT

Is it They Came to Baghdad? Perhaps this is Dr. Pauncefoot's reaction to Victoria Jones...

Puffinjill 19 Nov 09 at 6:29 a.m. GMT

Hooray!!!! I was beginning to think I was playing on my own as no one else seemed to be interested anymore in these games. I do like a puzzle as they keep my little grey cells active!! So I suppose it is now my turn to set a clue...

OK, try this. It's probably rather simple because it's a bit early in the morning to get all those cells working together but here goes..

"Dear me!! I'm so very worried about her. I thought this job would be a very suitable thing for her to do but it seems I was wrong. Indeed, all my concern for her seems to now be affecting the way I do MY job. What shall I do?"

Give that one a go.

HerculeJC 19 Nov 09 at 3:47 a.m. GMT

Actual Puffinjill, you are correct.

It is They Do It With Mirrors, and I used the viewpoint of Miss Marple, speaking of her friends, the two sisters, Ruth Van Rydock and Carrie Louise Serrocold.

Puffinjill 18 Nov 09 at 7:34 a.m. GMT

Nobody seems to be playing anymore!! I'll have a guess then, though I'm pretty sure I've not got the right answer. Could it possibly be They Do It With Mirrors from the viewpoint of the wonderful Miss Marple?

HerculeJC 04 Nov 09 at 2:51 p.m. GMT

Actually, I will try one more:

"Seeing dear friends, again, is such a joy!! I hope, though, that all will be okay for them, and their families".

HerculeJC 04 Nov 09 at 6:38 a.m. GMT

Puffinjill is correct!!

#2 is A CARIBBEAN MYSTERY.

I was thinking of the perspective of Molly Kendall, observing the Colonel's rambling to Miss Marple, and to the Hillingdons and the Dysons.

To Puffinjill and Go_Leafs: you two should go next!!

Puffinjill 04 Nov 09 at 5:58 a.m. GMT

The second one is A Caribbean Mystery from the viewpoint of either Tim or Molly.

HerculeJC 04 Nov 09 at 5:09 a.m. GMT

Great job, go_leafs!!!

Yes, #1 is A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED.

Perhaps I should have left out the second sentence.

Good luck at #2!!

go_leafs_nation 04 Nov 09 at 4:12 a.m. GMT

#1: A Murder is Announced?

HerculeJC 04 Nov 09 at 4:07 a.m. GMT

Let me try these ones:

1. "I must make sure the evening is free, later this week.  That way I can head over to observe the unusual event planned at my neighbor's house.

"Funny how they made such an unusual announcement about it".

and

2. "I hope this business venture does take off, for me and my spouse.

"However, I have noticed some tension involving those two couples who recently arrived, and now that old man is jabbering away, boring everyone with his assorted stories....".

Puffinjill 03 Nov 09 at 6:59 p.m. GMT

YES!!!! It was Towards Zero from the viewpoint of Audrey Strange! You are becoming a master at this, HerculeJC!

Once more it falls to you to show the rest of it how it's done! So, come on now, roll out the next one...

HerculeJC 03 Nov 09 at 3 p.m. GMT

TOWARDS ZERO.

Superintendent Battle mentioned Hercule Poirot at one point in the story.

The character viewpoints could be those of Audrey and Neville.

Puffinjill 03 Nov 09 at 6:22 a.m. GMT

Sorry, HerculeJC, but still not the right answer. It's definately not a Marple book and, although it doesn't feature Poirot, it certainly mentions him.

I hope that helps. I'm useless at giving clues.

HerculeJC 03 Nov 09 at 5:50 a.m. GMT

I haven't read it fully, but, "Here goes!!": SPARKLING CYANIDE

Another guess: A CARIBBEAN MYSTERY, as it relates to the Hillingdons and the Dysons, if not the Kendalls.

Puffinjill 02 Nov 09 at 6:54 p.m. GMT

Nope. How about a small clue? One that doesn't confuse anyone even more, I hope! Here goes - Strictly speaking, this ISN'T a Poirot book.

Any help?

HerculeJC 02 Nov 09 at 2:43 p.m. GMT

I'll try THE HOLLOW

Puffinjill 01 Nov 09 at 6:39 a.m. GMT

Sorry, HerculeJC, neither of those is the right story or character.

Have another go!

HerculeJC 01 Nov 09 at 12:38 a.m. GMT

Now I'm thinking: no, I think it's THREE-ACT TRAGEDY, with the comment made about Sir Charles Cartwright.

HerculeJC 31 Oct 09 at 7:35 p.m. GMT

Louise Leidner, in MURDER IN MESOPOTAMIA.

Puffinjill 30 Oct 09 at 7:50 a.m. GMT

No, Enoch, I can see where you are coming from, but that's not the story or the character I meant. Sorry!

Enoch_Arden 29 Oct 09 at 8:13 p.m. GMT

Anne Meredith in the Cards?

Puffinjill 29 Oct 09 at 6:27 p.m. GMT

My go! Can you guess this?

How I wish I hadn't come. But how could I refuse? I felt obliged as he was so decent in the past, but his behaviour frightens me. Something bad is going to happen, I can feel it. And I feel it may happen to me. I'm trapped and I can see only one way out.

Bundle_ 29 Oct 09 at 11:26 a.m. GMT

Jill is a hardcore AC fan :0). You're description wasn't that easy, Enoch. Good job to you both!

Enoch_Arden 29 Oct 09 at 8:02 a.m. GMT

Puffinjill

Taken at the Flood from Lynne Marchmont's point of view?

Wow, you must be a hardcore AC fan... Or possibly my question was just too easy. Yes, correct.

Puffinjill 29 Oct 09 at 6:43 a.m. GMT

Taken at the Flood from Lynne Marchmont's point of view?

Enoch_Arden 28 Oct 09 at 10:08 p.m. GMT

This game sounded so fun I decided to intrude. I realize it's Puffinjill's turn, so if you want to give it a try, then everybody just ignore me.

Anyway, here it is:

He's been waiting for me all these years and I've been waiting for him, and now what? Are we getting married? I just can't. I don't love him. I hate him! The one I really love is an arrogant man who'd never make me happy, but I can't help it.

HerculeJC 28 Oct 09 at 2:16 p.m. GMT

Puffinjill is correct.  It is Hercule Poirots' Christmas.

Poirot aired his thoughts to Inspector Sugden about the possbile effects of too much holiday celebrating, especially with tensions in people's backgrounds. 

This was before they were notified of Simeon Lee's murder.

thedoctor98 28 Oct 09 at 10:32 a.m. GMT

The adventure of the christmas pudding?

Puffinjill 28 Oct 09 at 6:59 a.m. GMT

Hercule Poirots' Christmas?

HerculeJC 28 Oct 09 at 3:45 a.m. GMT

That should have been "... HALLOWEEN PARTY is NOT the story".  (My goof) 

Therefore, keep guessing.

HerculeJC 28 Oct 09 at 2:58 a.m. GMT

Sorry, Tommy, but HALLOWEEN PARTY is the story.

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Oct 09 at 1:13 p.m. GMT

Ariadne Oliver in Halloween Party

HerculeJC 27 Oct 09 at 4:59 a.m. GMT

I'll try one more story:

"I have often thought: this time of the year is not always as pleasant a time as others make it out to be.

"Now, it turns out, I am correct, tragic as that is".

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Oct 09 at 1:01 p.m. GMT

I can't think of one at the moment, someone else have a go, I have an idea but only because I have seen the JH Adap I haven't read tghe book so I might when I have read it.

Aurora 04 Oct 09 at 11:44 a.m. GMT

Yes, well done! Go on, have a go.

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Oct 09 at 4:26 p.m. GMT

Sleeping Murder.

Aurora 02 Oct 09 at 4:12 p.m. GMT

Sorry, still not there. Think "dark passions".

HerculeJC 27 Sep 09 at 2:57 a.m. GMT

THE MURDER AT THE VICARAGE

Tommy_A_Jones 26 Sep 09 at 11:23 a.m. GMT

A Pocketful of Rye?

Aurora 26 Sep 09 at 10:47 a.m. GMT

Again, sorry. A clue, like my character I hate Webster because I had to study him for A level.

HerculeJC 25 Sep 09 at 9:09 p.m. GMT

4:50 FROM PADDINGTON

HerculeJC 25 Sep 09 at 5:25 p.m. GMT

NEMESIS

Tommy_A_Jones 25 Sep 09 at 3:13 p.m. GMT

They Do It With Mirrors

HerculeJC 23 Sep 09 at 6:37 p.m. GMT

THE MOVING FINGER

HerculeJC 23 Sep 09 at 6:36 p.m. GMT

A CARRIBEAN MYSTERY

Aurora 23 Sep 09 at 3:40 p.m. GMT

Sorry again.

HerculeJC 23 Sep 09 at 3:17 a.m. GMT

THE MIRROR CRACK'D

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Sep 09 at 3:06 p.m. GMT

At Bertrams Hotel

HerculeJC 21 Sep 09 at 5:21 p.m. GMT

A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED

Aurora 21 Sep 09 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.

HerculeJC 19 Sep 09 at 7:19 p.m. GMT

Hmm, "the old dear" must be Miss Marple.

Three stories come to mind; will do "process of elimination".

How about "THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY".

Aurora 19 Sep 09 at 3:19 p.m. GMT

I'll have a go:

"I hate Webster! The pain he has returned to me! I just hope the old dear can sort it all out."

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Sep 09 at 2:30 p.m. GMT

Like Frndorfoe, I don't think I would be good at setting a Guess The story so if anyone wants to have the next go, jump in, I might when I have got tips by seeing what others do.

HerculeJC 16 Sep 09 at 3:49 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Correct, Tommy. 

#1 is CURTAIN, as noted by Captain Hastings.

The story begins as Hastings returns to Styles Court, and Hercule Poirot was settled in as a lodger.  Thus, my note that my posts noted Hastings' view, since one notes Hastings recollection of approaching Styles Court in both stories, and who is observed doing the gardening work.  

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Sep 09 at 10:56 a.m. GMT

Is #1 Curtain from Hasting's viewpoint?

HerculeJC 15 Sep 09 at 3:51 a.m. GMT

I tried to post my reply, earlier, but the Site was unavailable during the Weekend.

HerculeJC 15 Sep 09 at 3:50 a.m. GMT

Let me first say that #1 is not from Hercule Poirot's viewpoint.

You're correct that #2 is NEMESIS, from Miss Marple's viewpoint. 

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Sep 09 at 12:50 p.m. GMT

Is the !st Curtain from Poirot's point of view? I agree about the 2nd being from Nemesis.

Frndorfoe 11 Sep 09 at 6 a.m. GMT

Is the 2nd story Nemesis from Miss Marple's point of view?

HerculeJC 11 Sep 09 at 4:06 a.m. GMT

Okay, then, let me try again.

This time I will use two descriptions.  See if you can guess these stories:

1. "Yes, life goes on.  However, I feel alone.  Now, to that place I return...,";

and

2. "It is his wish that I go, so I will do so.  However, to where I am going I really do not know, but I know that HE will want me to find out what happened".

Frndorfoe 06 Sep 09 at 12:57 p.m. GMT

Oh, I don't know about that, GKCfan. I'm no good at describing anything. I'd rather just stick to guessing the stories.

GKCfan 06 Sep 09 at 5:26 a.m. GMT

FrndorFoe, why don't you do the next one?

HerculeJC 06 Sep 09 at 4:10 a.m. GMT

Good job, Frndorfoe!!  Yes, "Murder in Mesopotamia", spoken from the viewpoint of Amy Leatheran.

To GKCFan or Frndorfoe: "It's All Yours"!!

Frndorfoe 06 Sep 09 at 3:55 a.m. GMT

Murder in Mesopotamia?

HerculeJC 06 Sep 09 at 3:19 a.m. GMT

I would also like to try one more story, then "take a break and let everyone else 'indulge themselves'".

'My story':

How interesting this situation is!!  I came here to attend one person, but I think it would be prudent to observe and record the emotions of everyone here.  The more I reside with them the more I feel that a tragedy may occur, due to the increased tension I sense.

HerculeJC 06 Sep 09 at 3:16 a.m. GMT

Congratulations, GKCfan!!!

It was "Elephants", the last story featuring Ariadne Oliver, with Mrs. Burton-Cox as "that obnoxious female".

BTW, could anyone see either Judi Densch, Imelda Staunton ('Dolores Umbridge' in the "HARRY POTTER" films) or Julia Walters ('Molly Weasley') playing that role. 

GKCfan 06 Sep 09 at 2:52 a.m. GMT

Elephants Can Remember?

HerculeJC 05 Sep 09 at 11:27 p.m. GMT

Everyone is "on the right track", as you have noted who "my little friend" is.

However, none of the answers are correct, though Bundle's guess is closest.

Bundle_ 05 Sep 09 at 9:25 p.m. GMT

Third Girl?

GKCfan 05 Sep 09 at 7:20 p.m. GMT

One, Two Buckle My Shoe?

HerculeJC 05 Sep 09 at 4:58 p.m. GMT

Sorry, but "Evil Under the Sun" is not the correct title.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Sep 09 at 1:32 p.m. GMT

Evil Under The Sun?

HerculeJC 04 Sep 09 at 6:07 p.m. GMT

Let me try this; forgive me if I get it slight wrong.

"Here goes":

Oh, why did that obnoxious female have to make that inquiry of me!!!  That event was such a long time ago, but now it is preying on my mind, and it has also affected, again, that dear sweet person who just wants to move forward.

"I hope my little friend can help me".

Adam_Scarlet 02 Sep 09 at 7:19 a.m. GMT

Correct! Your turn. :D

Bundle_ 01 Sep 09 at 6:32 p.m. GMT

The Body in the Library?

Adam_Scarlet 01 Sep 09 at 6:32 p.m. GMT

No, but you're on the right track. :)

Tommy_A_Jones 01 Sep 09 at 11:35 a.m. GMT

4.50 From Paddington?

Adam_Scarlet 31 Aug 09 at 10:30 a.m. GMT

(Kinda easy)

"It's truly terrible to think that she's dead. I find it very curious that she's been murdered so suddenly after I announce my plan of giving her a share of my fortune once I'm gone. Truly awful. She was an amazing dancer. So young, beautiful and care-free."

Aurora 31 Aug 09 at 10:21 a.m. GMT

Yes it was The Sitaford Mystery. Your turn.

Adam_Scarlet 29 Aug 09 at 4:55 p.m. GMT

The Sittaford Mystery?

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Aug 09 at 10:26 a.m. GMT

Murder On The Orient Express?

Aurora 28 Aug 09 at 2:45 p.m. GMT

Sorry again. The snow is critical to the plot.

Tommy_A_Jones 26 Aug 09 at 1:09 p.m. GMT

Hercule Poirot's Christmas?

Frndorfoe 25 Aug 09 at 6:03 p.m. GMT

You said snow. So, I will just go out on a limb and ask, is it The Mousetrap?

Aurora 25 Aug 09 at 4:26 p.m. GMT

Sorry, no but think snow.

Tommy_A_Jones 25 Aug 09 at 12:46 p.m. GMT

A Murder Is Announced?

Aurora 24 Aug 09 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

It isn't Nemesis but there is a big house involved.

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Aug 09 at 1:25 p.m. GMT

You could give hints like;

saying who the Detective is and saying if any of the Characters besides the Detective are in other books, I think giving hints make people more inclined to want to play the game, another hint could be; The Title comes from a piece of Poem/Play/Nursery Rhyme etc but hints must only be given after a lot of guesses (say 2 pages) and should get easier like a latter clue could be set in a big house BTW is it Nemesis?

Aurora 23 Aug 09 at 9:50 a.m. GMT

I'll have another go and try not to give anything away. A bit harder this time.

"I may be an elderly invalid but I never miss a trick. I know all my neighbours comings and goings and I'm a shrewd judge of character. If they drop so much as a luggage label I'll spot it."

go_leafs_nation 22 Aug 09 at 5:10 p.m. GMT

If you don't mind, I'd prefer to stay out of writing hints. I don't want to spoil any books, and the only hints I can think of hint at the nature of the solution.

Aurora 22 Aug 09 at 4:08 p.m. GMT

Well done GLN! Your turn!

go_leafs_nation 22 Aug 09 at 11:26 a.m. GMT

MOTOE, if I'm not mistaken.

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Aug 09 at 10:38 a.m. GMT

After The Funeral?