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The Theft of the Royal Ruby - a Hercule Poirot Short Story
Also known as The adventure of The Christmas Pudding
Previously published in the print anthology The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding.
A priceless ruby is stolen from a Far Eastern prince while he is in England. The ruby is intended for the prince's bride-to-be, and Hercule Poirot must find it before a scandal erupts.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1960
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359 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,805 books75.1k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 19, 2025
“Ah,” said Mr. Jesmond, “but Christmas in England is a great institution and I assure you at Kings Lacey you would see it at its best. It’s a wonderful old house, you know. Why, one wing of it dates from the fourteenth century.”
Poirot is invited to a traditional Christmas holiday in the English countryside to discreetly apprehend a couple of high profile thieves who made away with a royal ruby and is pulled into a prank murder during the course of his stay, until it gets more serious.
The Theft of the Royal Ruby is a Christmas special novella and doesn't really have Agatha Christie's usual style of premise or plot. The length of the book allows for good character sketches and world-building however, and the writing is still stellar. On the whole, a fun Christmassy read, without a lot of gravitas, but with extra plum pudding included.
🌟🌟
[1/4 star for the premise; Half a star for the characters; 1/4 star for the plot; Half a star for the world-building; Half a star for the writing - 2 stars in total.]
Poirot is invited to a traditional Christmas holiday in the English countryside to discreetly apprehend a couple of high profile thieves who made away with a royal ruby and is pulled into a prank murder during the course of his stay, until it gets more serious.
The Theft of the Royal Ruby is a Christmas special novella and doesn't really have Agatha Christie's usual style of premise or plot. The length of the book allows for good character sketches and world-building however, and the writing is still stellar. On the whole, a fun Christmassy read, without a lot of gravitas, but with extra plum pudding included.
🌟🌟
[1/4 star for the premise; Half a star for the characters; 1/4 star for the plot; Half a star for the world-building; Half a star for the writing - 2 stars in total.]
February 16, 2021
Real Rating: 3.25* of five
Standard stuff, not particularly memorable except for the absurd little game that the grandchildren play on Poirot. I am convinced that the Egyptian prince was based on someone Dame Ags actually knew, but I can't prove it. The entire thing depends on Poirot knowing things he shouldn't because he overhears and sneakily sees stuff he couldn't legitimately know.
Fairly fun. Not much of a puzzle. But Christmas! Poirot! And some silly seasonal shenanigans.
Agatha Christie's Poirot S03E09
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
"Daughter of a licentious camel!!" shouts the bratty prince. A whole half-star for that.
Standard stuff, not particularly memorable except for the absurd little game that the grandchildren play on Poirot. I am convinced that the Egyptian prince was based on someone Dame Ags actually knew, but I can't prove it. The entire thing depends on Poirot knowing things he shouldn't because he overhears and sneakily sees stuff he couldn't legitimately know.
Fairly fun. Not much of a puzzle. But Christmas! Poirot! And some silly seasonal shenanigans.
Agatha Christie's Poirot S03E09
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
"Daughter of a licentious camel!!" shouts the bratty prince. A whole half-star for that.
July 30, 2025
More commonly known as The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding.
Both titles make sense because the pudding plays a part in the recovery of the ruby.
The gist of this one is that Poirot is called in to help an Eastern prince because he's messed up in a big way. He's engaged to be married but unwisely decided to have one last hurrah with a ho.
Unfortunately for him, this chick made off with his family jewels. And he needs these jewels to present to his wife-to-be and her family.
If the police get involved, the word might get out, and the scandal would ruin everything.
And I think it's pretty safe to say his fiancée wouldn't be too happy to learn that he let some hussy take her wedding gift to the bathroom with her.
Somehow, the Powers That Be suspect someone who is staying at a house called Kings Lacey has the jewel. Poirot then gets foisted on this family supposedly so that he can experience a traditional English Christmas.
And here's where the Christmas pudding from the title comes in, because I'm guessing that's an English thing. I mean, we don't have week-old pudding as part of our holiday celebration in the States. So, you know...
And I absolutely loved Mrs. Lacey. She's the heart and soul of the whole thing, and it's worth reading for her character alone.
Cheeky little kids & unsuitable boyfriends mingle in with the mistletoe & presents. So, while Poirot is there to find a thief, he actually does get a REAL family Christmas experience while he's doing it.
But don't worry. Even with all the Christmas crazy, Hercule Poirot will still solve the case.
Now, I've read and listened to this story before. Several times.
But this time around, I listened to the dramatized version, and it was pretty fun, especially if you're trying to find something holidayesque to listen to. I have to say that I actually prefer the regular audiobook narration, though.
The original idea came from the 1923 short story Christmas Adventure. If you can find that one, check it out!
Both titles make sense because the pudding plays a part in the recovery of the ruby.
The gist of this one is that Poirot is called in to help an Eastern prince because he's messed up in a big way. He's engaged to be married but unwisely decided to have one last hurrah with a ho.
Unfortunately for him, this chick made off with his family jewels. And he needs these jewels to present to his wife-to-be and her family.
If the police get involved, the word might get out, and the scandal would ruin everything.
And I think it's pretty safe to say his fiancée wouldn't be too happy to learn that he let some hussy take her wedding gift to the bathroom with her.
Somehow, the Powers That Be suspect someone who is staying at a house called Kings Lacey has the jewel. Poirot then gets foisted on this family supposedly so that he can experience a traditional English Christmas.
And here's where the Christmas pudding from the title comes in, because I'm guessing that's an English thing. I mean, we don't have week-old pudding as part of our holiday celebration in the States. So, you know...
And I absolutely loved Mrs. Lacey. She's the heart and soul of the whole thing, and it's worth reading for her character alone.
Cheeky little kids & unsuitable boyfriends mingle in with the mistletoe & presents. So, while Poirot is there to find a thief, he actually does get a REAL family Christmas experience while he's doing it.
But don't worry. Even with all the Christmas crazy, Hercule Poirot will still solve the case.
Now, I've read and listened to this story before. Several times.
But this time around, I listened to the dramatized version, and it was pretty fun, especially if you're trying to find something holidayesque to listen to. I have to say that I actually prefer the regular audiobook narration, though.
The original idea came from the 1923 short story Christmas Adventure. If you can find that one, check it out!
July 10, 2025
4 Stars. Better than the 1923 version, 'The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding.' Actually both are at least good. The longer one, '.. Royal Ruby' at 56 pages, first appeared in 'Women's Illustrated' in 1960, and my copy was in the collection 'Double Sin and Other Stories' from 1961. There's more space given to events at the Lacey household, including the supposed death of Miss Bridget and Desmond Lee-Wortley's reaction. It all started when the discreet Mr. Jesmond of Her Majesty's Government met with Poirot in the presence of a third man. He's young and turns out to be a royal prince from the continent. Can Poirot stay at the Lacey estate over Christmas and locate a fabulous ruby which may be in the possession of a young woman who will also be in attendance? The prince had been foolish enough to let her wear it. Our detective bows to the pressure, all the while moaning about drafty rooms, poor plumbing, and the snow. He has misgivings about the Christmas meal and customs too. In that aspect, the story is delightful and offers a wonderful glimpse into times past. By enjoying an old fashioned Christmas you too can try to find a royal ruby. (Mar2021/Jul2025)
November 23, 2023
A traditional Christmas read for me - I love Poirot so much, it doesn't matter that I know the solution by heart!
April 11, 2021
An English Country House Party? At Christmas? With snow? And a murder? And a stolen ruby to match the blood on the snow? And clues found in the Christmas Pudding? This is CLASSIC COZY CHRISTIE, and I think it would behoove "Knives Out 2" or "Knives Out 3" or the rest (we finally get a great Christie film series from Netflix, who paid $350 million for the rights) to use a Country House at Christmas in the near future. For a global Holiday Release, natch.
March 30, 2023
This was a slow starting short story, but turned out quite well.
As always a well written plot, revolving around a most interesting cast of characters.
As always a well written plot, revolving around a most interesting cast of characters.
February 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. And wonderful little Christmas caper with lots of fun characters. I only wish this had been a full-length story, with more antics from the kids and reverse psychology from the grandmother, instead of the still thoroughly entertaining short story.
December 1, 2018
Short and Quick with a promise of a good reading experience !
Queen is Always the Best !!!!
Queen is Always the Best !!!!
May 13, 2016
The Theft of the Royal Ruby (also published as The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding) is the more festive Poirot Christmas story. (Hercule Poirot's Christmas is not very cheery at all.)
Poirot is contracted by a young royal's advisor to locate a stolen ruby. His search for proof leads to him staying at a country home and having an old fashioned English Christmas. It was very enjoyable but I wish it was a full length story.
January 13, 2020
4 stars for the charming story of Christmas in the English countryside and the clever turnabout that Poirot pulled on the kids. 3 stars for the convoluted connection to the missing royal ruby. I really felt like I was reading 2 different stories that had been mushed together.
August 1, 2015
Nice story, but I want more Christmas cheer and I don't like Hercule Poirot so much.
Quite enjoyable, though.
January 8, 2017
I enjoyed the Christmas setting!
November 16, 2015
it was good .. yah the story was not what i was expecting but cool too. but this theft thing nah not my taste in books yet it had its own plus points..and the beauty of an Agatha c book i knew the thief in the beginning itslef.
March 1, 2018
Really enjoyed this one, sweet, funny and comforting as it's a Christmas book!
October 25, 2018
I am more of a Miss Marple gal and haven't been able to get into Poiritwith as much enjoyment
December 21, 2018
Very satisfying and also a Christmas story!
January 22, 2019
I always love a little Poirot! Had not read this short story before and it was a lovely find.
December 12, 2019
Nice Christmas mystery just wish it has been a full length book instead of a short story.
November 8, 2020
This is an expanded version of the Poirot story "Adventure of the Christmas Pudding". It is a classic Poirot story. As always, Porot is a few steps ahead of everyone else.
July 18, 2016
I found this to be "The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding" in Murder for Christmas.
Poirot is hired to avoid a scandal. A princeling, set to marry, gave a current girlfriend a very expensive ruby to try on..... She vanished.
Poirot's investigations take place at Kings Lacey. An old-fashioned English Christmas will be held. Sarah brings her current boyfriend who shows his true colors. Poirot finds the ruby (well, Colonel Lacy does in the Christmas pudding) and takes it with him to it's rightful owner.
Poirot is hired to avoid a scandal. A princeling, set to marry, gave a current girlfriend a very expensive ruby to try on..... She vanished.
Poirot's investigations take place at Kings Lacey. An old-fashioned English Christmas will be held. Sarah brings her current boyfriend who shows his true colors. Poirot finds the ruby (well, Colonel Lacy does in the Christmas pudding) and takes it with him to it's rightful owner.
July 25, 2020
Also called The ‘The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding’. Poirot reluctantly spends Christmas in the English Countryside snow bound. What he fears will be a very boring laborious affair becomes a rather enjoyable event.
The story revolves around a mysterious note found on his bed, NOT to eat the plum pudding, around gem, drugging and a murder. What more could you want in a story. Just about the right length, not too short, not too long.
It was also nice to have a story with no Hastings in for once.
The story revolves around a mysterious note found on his bed, NOT to eat the plum pudding, around gem, drugging and a murder. What more could you want in a story. Just about the right length, not too short, not too long.
It was also nice to have a story with no Hastings in for once.
June 21, 2020
A good read.
Some interesting tidbits - there’s a section where the men discuss the inevitability of men to have affairs and the need to just keep them in boxes. This is seen as a positive. 4 years after this was written Christie has her famous breakdown brought on by... her husband’s affair.
So maybe not.
Also, the passive-aggressiveness of Mrs. Lacey *makes* this story.
Some interesting tidbits - there’s a section where the men discuss the inevitability of men to have affairs and the need to just keep them in boxes. This is seen as a positive. 4 years after this was written Christie has her famous breakdown brought on by... her husband’s affair.
So maybe not.
Also, the passive-aggressiveness of Mrs. Lacey *makes* this story.
May 9, 2021
This is my absolute favorite Agatha Christie story! An easy 5 stars 🔥
August 6, 2022
Not my favorite mystery. It is a very short little Christmas story which I did not find very engaging. It came along with a puzzle to do though, so that was interesting.
February 23, 2025
It's been the best story I've ever read from Agatha Christie. The plot was incredibly twisted and I didn't have any clues who might be the thief.
April 17, 2024
My first reading of Agatha Christie. I hadn't realised it was a short story till I began, but it was an enjoyable quick read. I liked the setting, and the writing style is pleasant, if a bit too get used to. I really like Poirot's improbable brilliance, and the unlikely, from a modern perspective, scenarios. I will definitely read more of her work.
December 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Read the edition The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Read the edition The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
January 10, 2021
There goes my pick for a belated reading challenge for month December : A Christmas Themed Book.
A short read, most likely a short listen because I was trying audiobooks for this one. Did I mention it was my first time with Hercules Poirot? Well, it was.
I wish it was longer tho, I wanted to know more about Kids, Sarah especially, aahh teens thesedays..
Thank you Mr and Mrs Lacey for a fun Christmas and Thank you Agatha Christie whom I love VERY MUCH for creating this
A short read, most likely a short listen because I was trying audiobooks for this one. Did I mention it was my first time with Hercules Poirot? Well, it was.
I wish it was longer tho, I wanted to know more about Kids, Sarah especially, aahh teens thesedays..
Thank you Mr and Mrs Lacey for a fun Christmas and Thank you Agatha Christie whom I love VERY MUCH for creating this
July 20, 2021
I listened to this in the middle of Summer. The description of Christmas rituals was so cozy that i wished it were Winter already. Poirot is as usual, always the one to solve the crime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews