The Harlequin Tea Set And Other Stories

"Brings together nine rare ... tales of murder and detection that span nearly half a century of [Christie's] storytelling [abilities]"--Back cover.

Agatha Christie demonstrates her unparalleled mastery with Three Blind Mice and Other Stories—a classic compendium of mystery and suspense, crime and detection, whose title novella served as the basis for The Mousetrap, the longest running stage play in the history of the London theater. A blinding snowstorm—and a homicidal maniac—traps a small party of friends in an isolated estate. Out of this deceptively simple setup, Agatha Christie fashioned one of her most ingenious puzzlers, which in turn would provide the basis for The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in history. From this classic title novella to the deliciously clever gems on its tail (solved to perfection by Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple), this rare collection of murder most foul showcases Christie at her inventive best, proving her reputation as "the champion deceiver of our time" (New York Times).

When Mr. Satterthwaite visits a new exhibit at the Harchester Galleries, there is one painting that bears an unusual likeness to a mysterious acquaintance of his, Mr. Quin. In one bold move he purchases the canvas on the spot, and in another invites the artist of “The Dead Harlequin” to dine with him that night, with an empty place at the table set for Mr. Quin. Dinner conversation soon turns to the setting of “The Dead Harlequin,” the doomed and ghostly house Charnley, where many have perished under tragic circumstances. But when a new guest is announced, it is not Mr. Quin but famed comic stage actress Aspasia Glen, who demands that she be given that very painting. Then comes a frantic telephone call from Alix Charnley herself, and Alix has the same request. What is the meaning of the painting, and can it shed any light upon the happenings at Charnley?

Previously published in the print anthology The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories. Alan Everard, a successful modernist painter, is married to the beautiful society girl Isobel Loring, who eagerly promotes her husband's work. At one of her tea parties, to which she invites the London art critics, she unveils her husband's latest masterpiece—a portrait of herself. But Alan realizes the picture is lifeless. However, a sketch he has done of his daughter's godmother, Jane Haworth, is full of life and honesty. Alan soon discovers that the real contribution Jane has made to his life is not just her artistic judgment.

Previously published in the print anthology The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories. Frank Oliver returns to England after years of overseas service only to realize he no longer knows anyone there. On visiting the British Museum, he encounters the “lonely god,” who seems to be experiencing the same sense of isolation he is. Will this strange deity help relieve him of his loneliness?

Previously published in the print anthology The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories. Two cousins, Fenella Mylecharane and Juan Faraker, are engaged. When their eccentric uncle dies, they eagerly return to the Isle of Man for the reading of the will. Having grown up hearing tales of buried treasure on the island, they are excited when the will reveals that their uncle found it. But where?

Hercule Poirot is joined by the mysterious problem solver Harley Quin in the pages of The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories—a collection of ingenious short masterworks of mystery and suspense that showcase the legendary Agatha Christie at her very best. A grand treasure for fans of the grande dame of mystery, The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories brings together nine rare and brilliant Christie tales of murder and detection that span nearly half a century of her storytelling genius. In The Mystery of the Spanish Chest, Hercule Poirot unravels the psychological conundrums that motivate a killer. . . . In The Actress, a great star's shady past becomes the plaything of a blackmailer. . . . In The Harlequin Tea Set, Mr. Harley Quin helps a man save his loved ones from the greedy hand of murder. These and six other stories of danger and detection complete this stellar collection.

A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time as an ebook.

A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time as an ebook.