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Twelve short stories, each underlining the remarkable versatility of the writer. Some will make you shift uneasily in your chair, others will give satisfaction.

A tense drama of jealousy and murder centred on a group of archaeologists. Poirot is called in.

An invitation to a murder turns out to be in deadly earnest, not a practical joke.

The corpse was lying face down in an open grave... a baffling mystery for all but Hercule Poirot.

An intricately plotted mystery made all the more atmospheric by the shadowy presence of Mr Harley Quin.

Bound for the Riviera, detective Hercule Poirot has boarded Le Train Bleu, an elegant, leisurely means of travel, free of intrigue. Then he meets Ruth Kettering.

The most popular detective story writer of all time here turns her hand to the subject of Christmas. The author's stories and poems capture the true meaning of Christmas.

Victoria Jones, a resourceful London typist, helps to thwart an attempt by an international network to split the civilised world into two factions.

The famous actress thought herself irresistable, but there was at least one "fan" who wanted her dead.

The story of Hilary Craven's involvement in a unique organisation which arranges the escape of scientific geniuses.

After his haystacks are burned, Farmer Harmsworth barricades the common path through Applebeck Orchard. Reliable witnesses say the arson was the work of a lantern-bearing specter.

The high school principal asks China Bayles to secretly investigate the popular football coach who led the Panthers to six state championships.

When a man dies soon after Tullie bashes his head with her cane, China's estranged mother frantically calls for her daughter's help.

Deep in Texas hill country, ex-lawyer China thinks life is hectic enough already, and then her teenaged son unearths human remains while digging in a nearby cave.

China, owner of Thyme and Seasons Herbs, relishes her membership on the planning committee for the Picklefest in Pecan Springs, Texas.