The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie

In this Christmas treat, Hercule Poirot agrees to spend the holiday in the last place he would choose - the English countryside with a family, children's stockings, pudding and Christmas crackers. Never mind that Kings Lacey is a draughty old fourteenth century manor - and there may be snow.

Mr. Jesmond of the Home Office has discreetly asked him to retrieve a rare ruby lost by an Eastern prince. A historical possession of great importance, he allowed his girlfriend to wear it one night only, and she never returned.

Colonel and Mrs. Lacey introduce him to Sarah (the granddaughter they raised), her son Colin and his friend, niece Bridget, young friends David and Diana, and Sarah's beau Desmond, whom no one likes. A mysterious note warns Poirot off eating the Christmas pudding, traditionally baked with small 'prizes' inside, like a ring or a thimble. Intrigued by the detective, the children devise an entertainment for Poirot, pretending Bridget has been 'killed', dramatically found lying in the snow complete with red paint, but the jest may go horribly wrong.

This has everything mystery lovers want in a countryside Christmas - plus clever deception and the observant Poirot. A quick read, but well worth it. Someone in the group knows about the ruby, and it may appear in a surprising way. Poirot himself may tell you, his undertaking a mission is almost synonymous with success.

This was first published in 1923 as Christmas Adventure (available in the collection While the Light Lasts), and was expanded under the title The Theft of the Royal Ruby (available in the collection Double Sin and Other Stories).

Republished now, it is easily available in all formats.

1923 / Tradeback / 55 pages

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