Hercule Poirot Series / Peril at End House / Agatha Christie

Poirot and Hastings are staying at a holiday resort in Cornwall. Talking to Magdala “Nick” Buckley, Poirot believes that someone is out to kill her, which is confirmed when he finds a bullet that Nick had mistaken for a wasp passing by her head. Poirot explains his concern to Nick. Poirot suspects someone in Nick’s inner circle. Nick’s closest living relative is a lawyer cousin, Charles Vyse, who has arranged for her to restructure End House in order to raise much needed funds. Their housekeeper is Ellen, and the cottage near End House is leased from Australians Mr and Mrs Croft. George Challenger has a soft spot for Nick. Nick’s two closest friends are Freddie Rice, an abused wife, and Jim Lazarus, an art dealer who is in love with Freddie. When Nick had surgery six months earlier, the Crofts suggested she make a will.

It is not clear who wants Nick dead. None of this is worth killing for. On Poirot’s advice, Nick calls her cousin Maggie to stay with her for a few weeks. When Maggie arrives, Nick throws a party with everyone present except George. A famous pilot named Michael Seton has disappeared, sparking a debate about his fate. Nick receives a phone call while the guests are enjoying themselves at the party. Maggie is found dead, wearing Nick’s scarf……