LORD EDGWARE DIES
[Also published as ’Thirteen at dinner’]
Agatha Christie has surpassed herself this time. Not that it is very new, but she has really delivered the goods. ’Lord Edgware Dies’ is one of most most enthralling murders unravelled by Hercule Poirot. This little Belgian has been one of my favourites and I have followed all his cases religiously. This is one of his best.
Synopsis: The bewitchingly beautiful actress Jane Wilkinson made no secret of the fact that she wanted to exchange her husband for another, still wealthier. So, when he is found murdered, all eyes turn to her, especially since she was seen entering his study only moments before the body was found. She asks famed detective Hercule Poirot to help clear her, but how can he believe in the innocence of a woman who tried to hire him once before-to get rid of her husband? [BookBack]
The story:
Jane Wilkinson was a very talented actress well known in London. She had left stage on her marriage, only to return to it a couple of years later. Then, she got married to Lord Edgware and soon their marriage was on rocks. The fact was that Jane wanted to get married to another man, The Duke of Merton.
Now begins the journey....
Jane enlists the help of Hercule Poirot in order to get rid of her husband. He agrees to speak to her husband on her behalf. But, Poirot learns that Lord Edgware has agreed to give a divorce to Jane. He is intrigued by the mystery and ponders on it. Jane is ecstatic about the news.
Lord Edgware Dies....
After some days, Inspector Japp [Poirot’s friend] informs him about Lord Edgware’s death. The murderer is assumed to Jane Wilkinson as she was seen entering his study a few minutes before the body was found. Also, the fact that she wanted to get rid of her husband strengthens the case against her. But Poirot is not satisfied.
The plot thickens...
On investigation, Jane reveals that on the night of Lord Edgware’s murder, she was actually at a party. When Poirot learns that Jane rescheduled her appointment for the party at the last minute, he realises that maybe this is a plot to implicate Jane. He tries to unravel the mystery further. He is assisted by his friend Captain Hastings.
Other suspects:
Ronald Marsh- Lord Edgware’s nephew: A man in dire need of money and after his uncle’s death, he becomes the new Lord Edgware.
Geraldine Marsh- Lord Edgware’s daughter: She hates her father and is very fond of Ronald Marsh.
Also it is revealed that there has been a chance for both Geraldine and Ronald to commit the murder.
A twist in the tale....
Carlotta Adams: A very talented young actress, known for her successful imitations. She gets associated with Jane in the course of the story... and she is suspected of murdering Lord Edware, posing as Jane...until she herself dies by an overdose of veronal[drug].A box of veronal is found in her possession. Poirot learns that she was never in the habit of taking any drugs. Then where did the box come from? A letter written to her sister reveals that she was going to get a good sum of money which implied that she did have a part to play in the murder, though unknowingly.
Bryan Adams: A handsome actor, who was once in love with Jane Wilkinson and was turned down by her; maybe it is his thirst for revenge that Jane be hanged for her husband’s murder...
The lot unravels through many twists and turns and takes you through various aspects, incidents... As usual, Poirot likes making a simple case difficult, says Japp...But as the story unfolds, you realise Poirot is yet again at his best and finally gets the unimaginable solution to the problem; a very clever murderer.
It is simply ’’UN-PUT-DOWNABLE’’