While The Light Lasts And Other Stories

Eight short stories ranging from romance to the supernatural, seven of which have never before been published in book form.

Previously published in the print anthology The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories. The narrator is startled by a vision in his mirror: He sees a man with a scarred neck strangling a beautiful blonde. He later meets the woman in his vision, Sylvia, and notes her fiancé's scarred neck. He tells her of his premonition, and the engagement is broken off. But is that all there is to it?

Previously published in the print anthology The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories. Frank Oliver returns to England after years of overseas service only to realize he no longer knows anyone there. On visiting the British Museum, he encounters the “lonely god,” who seems to be experiencing the same sense of isolation he is. Will this strange deity help relieve him of his loneliness?

"Brings together nine rare ... tales of murder and detection that span nearly half a century of [Christie's] storytelling [abilities]"--Back cover.

An Agatha Christie short story from the collection The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories. In the excruciating heat of the African sun, George Crozier is traveling with his new wife, Deidre. They have not been married long, and George is aware that his wife’s thoughts are with her first husband, who was killed in this part of Africa during the War. In this hauntingly beautiful tale, Deidre is forced to confront the reality of her circumstances: “While the light lasts I shall remember, and in the darkness I shall not forget.”

Previously published in the print anthology The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories. Alan Everard, a successful modernist painter, is married to the beautiful society girl Isobel Loring, who eagerly promotes her husband's work. At one of her tea parties, to which she invites the London art critics, she unveils her husband's latest masterpiece—a portrait of herself. But Alan realizes the picture is lifeless. However, a sketch he has done of his daughter's godmother, Jane Haworth, is full of life and honesty. Alan soon discovers that the real contribution Jane has made to his life is not just her artistic judgment.

Previously published in the print anthology The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories. Two cousins, Fenella Mylecharane and Juan Faraker, are engaged. When their eccentric uncle dies, they eagerly return to the Isle of Man for the reading of the will. Having grown up hearing tales of buried treasure on the island, they are excited when the will reveals that their uncle found it. But where?

"The Lost Mine" immerses readers in a compelling short story featuring the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot, created by the renowned Agatha Christie. In this narrative, Poirot is confronted with the mystery of a missing map leading to a valuable gold mine, owned by the eccentric prospector Mr. Richard John Emsworth. As Poirot unravels the complexities surrounding the lost mine, readers are treated to a delightful blend of Christie's signature humor, clever deductions, and unexpected twists. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the American West, adding a touch of adventure to the traditional detective tale. "The Lost Mine" stands as another shining example of Agatha Christie's ability to craft engaging mysteries within a condensed format. With Poirot's inimitable insights and the author's storytelling finesse, this short story offers enthusiasts a brief yet satisfying journey into the world of Hercule Poirot's investigations.