All great crime writers have their favourite creations. Similarly, every great sleuth has his, or her, own preferred method of deduction.

Take the charming Parker Pyne, who relies upon an intuitive knowledge of human nature to solve the Problem at Pollensa Bay, or Mr Satterthwaite, who seeks inspiration, through his collaboration with the enigmatic Mr Quin in The Harlequin Tea Set mystery. Then, of course, there’s Poirot, whose measured analysis of motive and opportunity is tested to the full in Yellow Iris, when he receives an anonymous call about a matter of life and death.

The steamer from Barcelona to Majorca landed Mr Parker Pyne at Palma in the early hours of the morning - and straightaway he met with disillusionment. The hotels were full! The best that could be done for him was an airless cupboard overlooking an inner court in a hotel in the centre of the town - and with that Mr Parker Pyne was not prepared to put up. The proprietor of the hotel was indifferent to his disappointment.

Problem at Pollensa Bay 

The Second Gong 

Yellow Iris 

The Harlequin Tea Set 

The Regatta Mystery 

The Love Detectives 

Next to a Dog

Magnolia Blossom