Quick Draw: Poirot Investigates | 1925

"I rather wished Poirot had been there. Some times I have the feeling that he rather underestimates my capabilities."
- Poirot Investigates, p. 40

The Sum of it All:
Poirot Investigates is the second in our current series of short story collections, but it is not short on auburn-haired ladies in distress, snappy telegrams from Poirot ("Of course black bearded man was not Havering only you or Japp would have such an idea"), and lightening fast mystery solving. The stories in this set are the first short stories featuring the dynamic duo of Poirot and Hastings, published in 1925 (in America, came out in 1924 in the UK #firstandfinest). Unlike The Thirteen Problems, these stories are not unified by a linked plot, but rather a simple set of quick cases.

The short-story format means super quick plot build up and resolution, which can provide for a nice, fast read while one is waiting through a bizarrely lengthy debate in a House Education Committee about whether or not college students should have to have records proving they've been inoculated against meningitis (I mean, I wasn't fully paying attention due to reading said book but I'm not really sure what there is to debate there...) ANYHOW BUT also the super short format can (#nooffenseagatha) mean kind of rote and less interesting plots. REGARDLESS, there are some majorly classic Agatha hits in this set. Two of my favorites include:

• The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge: A classic set-up (murdered monied uncle, discovered dead by the maid, just after a mysterious stranger called on him in the GUN ROOM [srsly]) is made a bit more complicated by Poirot being bedridden due to the flu. Hastings volunteers for a chance to show off his mystery-solving prowess on his own and joins Inspector Japp at the remote hunting lodge where the crime took place. There are DISGUISES, Poirot in a dressing gown, and twin revolvers. There's also a grisly demise for the real criminals #justdesserts #yikes

• The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb: Full disclosure, I was already familiar with this plot on account of it being one of my fave David Suchet Poirot stories. I always like the ones that take place in the Middle East because they provide a cool change of scenery and Agatha's experiences traveling in that part of the country provide for great visuals. This one involves Poirot's strong belief in the power of superstition, a potentially cursed tomb, and a series of deaths connected to an archaeological dig. Poirot soon learns that the deaths, seemingly only linked by their connection to the tomb of King Men-her-Ra, have another important thing in common. PLUS, Poirot rides a camel and is disappointed in the Sphinx ("It has not the air happy," he declared, "How could it, half-buried in sand in that untidy fashion.")!

The YOA Treatment: 
While there's not a thematic link between the short stories in this set, there is a reoccurring bit that links the stories: mocking Hastings.

Agatha wrote that while Poirot sometimes aggravated her with his fussy ways and disregard for others, she always loved Hastings. However, it's a little hard to tell that based on this set of stories because Hastings really gets called out A LOT, and it always provokes a chuckle. There are many incidences where Hastings' bragging on his own brilliant detective skills gives a solid wink at the reader because we all know that he has either missed a major detail or is just 100% off base. There's also a solid sprinkling of Poirot-to-Hastings digs. A sampling:

"Poirot," I said. "Am I quite demented?"
"No, mon ami, but you are, as always, in a mental fog."

"It's all very well," I said, my anger rising, "but you've made a perfect fool of me! From beginning to end! No, it's all very well to try to explain it away afterwards. There really is a limit!"
"But you were so enjoying yourself, my friend. I had not the heart to shatter your illusions."

"Your judgments of character are always profound, my friend."
I glanced at him uneasily, but he seemed perfectly serious. A twinkle, however, came into his eye, and he added slyly: "That is to say, when there is no question of a beautiful woman!"
I looked at him coldly.

"He's not [Japanese]," I ejaculated in a whisper to Poirot. [Edited for a more appropriate level of cultural sensitivity #1925]
"Observation was always your strong point, Hastings! Nothing escapes you. No, the man is not [Japanese]. He is an Italian."

While these quick reads are lighter fare than the more complex plots found in Agatha's novels, they're a fun set of vignettes that allow Agatha to flex her mystery muscles. Enjoy!

-E.