DETECTIVE: Hercule Poirot
ALLIES: Superintendent Battle, Ariadne Oliver, Colonel John Race
OTHER CHARACTERS: Mr. Shaitana, Dr. Roberts, Mrs. Lorrimer, Major Despard, Anne Meredith
SUMMARY: Poirot is invited to an evening of bridge by the mysterious millionaire Mr. Shaitana. When he arrives, he discovers that he is not the only distinguished guest. Superintendent Battle of Scotland Yard, mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver, and Colonel Race of Her Majesty's Secret Service are also present, along with four everyday people. But the pleasant mood of the evening is destroyed when Mr. Shaitana is discovered dead, murdered with his own stiletto. One of the four everyday people must have done it, but wouldn't you know it? All four had equal opportunity and equal motive.....
NUMBER OF DEATHS: 8 (5 before the novel begins, and 3 during the novel)
METHOD OF MURDER: stabbing, poisoning (4), shooting, drowning, and one by unidentified means