Author: Agatha Christie
Poirot is hired by a mysterious woman in a veil. She is being blackmailed regarding a letter she once sent to a soldier who died in the war. Her blackmailer threatens to send the letter to her fiance, who she fears would call off their engagement after reading her ardent love letter, even though the recipient is now dead. Poirot agrees to help, and asks for a meeting with the blackmailer. What looks at first like a simple case of blackmail soon becomes much more....
I enjoyed this story, although it really is a bit far-fetched and melodramatic. But, golden age classic detective stories are often fantastical and not realistic....everything is a plot, a bigger scheme, etc. All in all, a very enjoyable short story featuring Poirot and his amazing little grey cells. I love the Poirot novels and stories....but, in person, his ego, fastidious nature and personality would have been a bit.....um....annoying. I read somewhere that Agatha Christie even said that Poirot annoyed her. He would definitely be the one to avoid at parties. :)
The television show Agatha Christie's Poirot adapted this story in Season 2, episode 3. The story had to be changed and embellished somewhat to lengthen it to 45 minutes, but remains basically faithful to the original story. I'm having a great time reading through these short stories and then watching the corresponding television episode. David Suchet is so good at playing Poirot!!
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