Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Alexander Simpson implores Poirot for his expertise in unraveling the mystery surrounding a stolen Rubens painting from his gallery. The heist was orchestrated amidst chaos when a group of unemployed men staged a diversionary protest, allowing the painting to be discreetly removed from its frame. Simpson reveals his knowledge of the painting’s intended journey to France, where a wealthy collector awaits its purchase. He believes Poirot’s finesse in handling affluent individuals surpasses the police’s.

Reluctantly, Poirot acquiesces to aid Simpson. However, his attention is divided, captivated by Inspector Japp’s investigation into the disappearance of Winnie King, a teenage girl en route to a prestigious school in Paris. Winnie vanishes mysteriously from a moving train near Amiens, leaving behind only her hat. Poirot inquires about her missing shoes, a detail of potential significance.

In due course, Japp informs Poirot of Winnie’s discovery, disoriented and drugged miles away from where she vanished. Despite her recovery, Detective Inspector Hearn struggles to elucidate the circumstances of her disappearance. Poirot scrutinizes the train’s passengers, finding no obvious suspects except for the enigmatic American woman. Confirmation of the discovery of Winnie’s shoes corroborates Poirot’s deductions.

Traveling to France, Poirot investigates Miss Pope’s school in Neuilly. There, he encounters conflicting police inquiries and uncovers Winnie’s artistic subterfuge—a poorly executed painting concealing the stolen Rubens masterpiece. Miss Burshaw’s account reveals the ingenious disguise employed by one of the thieves, masquerading as a schoolgirl. Simultaneously, Poirot unveils the hidden artwork beneath Winnie’s amateurish creation.

The thieves exploited the innocence of an escorted schoolgirl’s trunk to smuggle the painting, banking on customs overlooking such luggage. However, their plan is thwarted when Miss Pope unwittingly intercepts the concealed masterpiece. As Poirot departs, he is besieged by the schoolgirls seeking his autograph, likening the experience to an onslaught by Amazons.

The Review

I really enjoyed the dovetailing of the painting theft with the disappearance of young Winnie. Winnie’s story loosely reminded me of Ethel Lina White’s book The Wheel Spins, which you might know better than the movie The Lady Vanishes. Part of me wondered if she would be found in some hidden compartment on the train!

Winnie’s train setting and various circuitous routes give the story a real shell game feel; if you take your eye off any moving parts, you’ll lose sight of the girl and the painting.

I’m not sure I agree with Poirot’s reasoning that no one would search the trunk of a young girl or whether it would be so easy to impersonate Winne, but it was fun nonetheless.

The Amazons in the original Greek myth are re-imagined as clamoring young school girls, which brings back the more humous tone Christie employed in The Nemean Lion story to joyous effect.

The Labors of Hercules

Story 1: The Nemean Lion

Story 2: The Lernaean Hydra

Story 3: The Arcadian Deer

Story 4: The Erymanthian Boar

Story 5: The Augean Stables

Story 6: The Stymphalean Birds

Story 7: The Cretan Bull

Story 8: The Horses of Diomedes