
A brisk London street becomes the stage for a glittering dilemma when the celebrated American actress Mary Marvell steps into Poirot’s world, her fame trailing a cascade of admirers. Fresh from a glamorous arrival with her husband, the couple brings with them the famed “Western Star,” a priceless diamond that has already sparked gossip and envy. Poičtr’s keen eye, however, sees beyond the flash of fur and jewels, sensing a deeper current of danger that has followed the star into the city’s quieter lanes.
When Marvell confides in Poirot, she produces three ominous letters, each repeating a cryptic warning about the diamond’s rightful place. The messages, printed on cheap paper yet oddly precise, hint at an ancient curse and a looming threat that could endanger the actress and anyone near her. As Poirot and Hastings begin to untangle the clues, the case promises a blend of Hollywood glamour, high‑society intrigue, and the detective’s signature blend of logic and psychological insight.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (292K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer.
Release date
2020-01-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1890–1976
Best known for ingenious mysteries and unforgettable sleuths, this English writer became one of the most widely read authors in history. Her stories about Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, along with the play The Mousetrap, helped define modern crime fiction.
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