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Hercule Poirot #0.23
The Veiled Lady: Hercule Poirot
A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time as an ebook.
Frustrated with a lack of challenging cases, Poirot is given an opportunity to flirt with the other side of the law. A young lady, soon to be married, is being blackmailed and pleads for his help. Poirot employs some dubious methods to bring the blackmailer to justice…
23 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1923
65 people are currently reading
1801 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,814 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)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 3, 2022
Hercule Poirot is hired by a woman in a veil to solve a mysterious case of blackmail. Another person is using the letter she sent to a person during the war to blackmail her. He is saying that he will send it to her fiancé.
Is there something more than blackmailing behind this case? Is the veiled lady telling the truth? Will Poirot solve this case quickly like most of his other cases? Even though I have read all these stories multiple times before and already know the plot, rereading these books by Agatha Christie is still a satisfying and intriguing experience.
Is there something more than blackmailing behind this case? Is the veiled lady telling the truth? Will Poirot solve this case quickly like most of his other cases? Even though I have read all these stories multiple times before and already know the plot, rereading these books by Agatha Christie is still a satisfying and intriguing experience.
September 27, 2024
Clever and enjoyable little mystery.
April 18, 2025
A hot chick wearing a veil walks into a bar...
How do you know she's hot, my rotund Belgian friend?
Shut up.
My mustache gives my little grey cells super-deduction skills.
Ok, not a bar. She walks into Poirot's house and hires him to try to retrieve a scandalous letter from a blackmailer.
Always burn the letters, ladies!
In traditional Agatha Christie style, Hercule solves the case by checking out a kitchen, & noticing that someone's shoes are janked up...
Because realistic!
Honestly, this was too short to be very good. The plot was thin, and the solution was thinner.
BUT.
If you're looking for a small dose of Aggie to tide you over between her full-sized novels, then this shorty might fit the bill.
How do you know she's hot, my rotund Belgian friend?
Shut up.
My mustache gives my little grey cells super-deduction skills.
Ok, not a bar. She walks into Poirot's house and hires him to try to retrieve a scandalous letter from a blackmailer.
Always burn the letters, ladies!
In traditional Agatha Christie style, Hercule solves the case by checking out a kitchen, & noticing that someone's shoes are janked up...
Because realistic!
Honestly, this was too short to be very good. The plot was thin, and the solution was thinner.
BUT.
If you're looking for a small dose of Aggie to tide you over between her full-sized novels, then this shorty might fit the bill.
January 10, 2021
Not bad. Silly ruse, wouldn't really be up to Poirot's standards if he wasn't so unspeakably bored.
Nothing special, nothing great, but a decent hour's read. I was distracted, and that's what I wanted.
Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Veiled Lady S02E02
Extremely faithful adaptation, down the line from giddy-up to whoa. So three stars here, too.
A note to Whovians: Frances Barber! You'll know her when you see her. That was a lot of fun, though hardly unusual; both series have looooong coattails.
Nothing special, nothing great, but a decent hour's read. I was distracted, and that's what I wanted.
Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Veiled Lady S02E02
Extremely faithful adaptation, down the line from giddy-up to whoa. So three stars here, too.
A note to Whovians: Frances Barber! You'll know her when you see her. That was a lot of fun, though hardly unusual; both series have looooong coattails.
January 28, 2020
This Hercule Poirot short story was first printed in the UK in The Sketch magazine in October 1923. Publication in the United States followed in 1925 in The Blue Book magazine.
Poirot is hired by a mysterious woman in a veil. She is being blackmailed regarding a letter she once sent to a soldier who died in the war. Her blackmailer threatens to send the letter to her fiance, who she fears would call off their engagement after reading her ardent love letter, even though the recipient is now dead. Poirot agrees to help, and asks for a meeting with the blackmailer. What looks at first like a simple case of blackmail soon becomes much more....
I enjoyed this story, although it really is a bit far-fetched and melodramatic. But, golden age classic detective stories are often fantastical and not realistic....everything is a plot, a bigger scheme, etc. All in all, a very enjoyable short story featuring Poirot and his amazing little grey cells. I love the Poirot novels and stories....but, in person, his ego, fastidious nature and personality would have been a bit.....um....annoying. I read somewhere that Agatha Christie even said that Poirot annoyed her. He would definitely be the one to avoid at parties. :)
The television show Agatha Christie's Poirot adapted this story in Season 2, episode 3. The story had to be changed and embellished somewhat to lengthen it to 45 minutes, but remains basically faithful to the original story. I'm having a great time reading through these short stories and then watching the corresponding television episode. David Suchet is so good at playing Poirot!!
Poirot is hired by a mysterious woman in a veil. She is being blackmailed regarding a letter she once sent to a soldier who died in the war. Her blackmailer threatens to send the letter to her fiance, who she fears would call off their engagement after reading her ardent love letter, even though the recipient is now dead. Poirot agrees to help, and asks for a meeting with the blackmailer. What looks at first like a simple case of blackmail soon becomes much more....
I enjoyed this story, although it really is a bit far-fetched and melodramatic. But, golden age classic detective stories are often fantastical and not realistic....everything is a plot, a bigger scheme, etc. All in all, a very enjoyable short story featuring Poirot and his amazing little grey cells. I love the Poirot novels and stories....but, in person, his ego, fastidious nature and personality would have been a bit.....um....annoying. I read somewhere that Agatha Christie even said that Poirot annoyed her. He would definitely be the one to avoid at parties. :)
The television show Agatha Christie's Poirot adapted this story in Season 2, episode 3. The story had to be changed and embellished somewhat to lengthen it to 45 minutes, but remains basically faithful to the original story. I'm having a great time reading through these short stories and then watching the corresponding television episode. David Suchet is so good at playing Poirot!!
January 5, 2019
*Borrowed from my public library's e-book service!*
This was a five minute dose of Christie's famous detective Hercule Poirot that I was happy to have, before the start of a day of shopping and travel. Originally published in 1923 in the famous Sketch Magazine, a young woman wearing a veil asks Poirot for his services in solving a blackmailing case. Question is, is this woman as honest as she seems to be? It was a very quick read, I would recommend for those readers looking for a fast fix. The story-line felt a little underdeveloped but nevertheless, I love Christie's writing style and am looking forward to the next case!
This was a five minute dose of Christie's famous detective Hercule Poirot that I was happy to have, before the start of a day of shopping and travel. Originally published in 1923 in the famous Sketch Magazine, a young woman wearing a veil asks Poirot for his services in solving a blackmailing case. Question is, is this woman as honest as she seems to be? It was a very quick read, I would recommend for those readers looking for a fast fix. The story-line felt a little underdeveloped but nevertheless, I love Christie's writing style and am looking forward to the next case!
July 23, 2025
This one looks promising, not only because Poirot is more active as usual. A young lady is going to marry, but a former lover is blackmailing her with some love letters.
The final is somehow unexpected, as I find the twist not the best possible one. But, as I've said before, maybe, just maybe I'm too harsh on this lady...
The final is somehow unexpected, as I find the twist not the best possible one. But, as I've said before, maybe, just maybe I'm too harsh on this lady...
December 27, 2022
3 Stars. A short story that's just too short for my taste at 13 pages with the plot not as well developed as it could have been. It first appeared in "Blue Book" magazine in the United States in March 1925. "The Veiled Lady" was not in the English collection, "Poirot Investigates," but was one of the three additional stories in the 1925 American edition. Our famous detective is bemoaning the lack of challenging cases. "They fear me, Hastings; the criminals of your England." Ever grounded, Hastings replies, "I don't suppose the greater part of them even know of your existence." Just then, Poirot glances out the window and sees a heavily veiled lady coming to consult them. Excitement. She states that she is Lady Millicent Castle Vaughan, just recently engaged to the Duke of Southshire. A blackmailer, a Mr. Lavington, has somehow got hold of a foolish and indiscreet letter she wrote when sixteen to a young soldier who later died in the war. He wants 25,000 pounds or the Duke gets to see it. Enter our sleuth extraordinaire. And enter Inspector Japp who plays a greater role than usual in the resolution of the case. You'll see. You'll understand. (August 2020)
December 28, 2022
"Mad Dog" Poirot, I thought I was going to die LOL. A great story that takes a few moments to poke fun at the incomparable Hercule Poirot.
Good crime, good characters and everything we expect from the Queen herself.
Good crime, good characters and everything we expect from the Queen herself.
May 12, 2016
Yet another newly discovered favourite. I don't know how I hadn't read this one already but gosh AC never fails to amaze me with her genius :)
May 25, 2020
Simple and very short crime story. Poirot solves a case of blackmail in no time.
June 11, 2020
It didn’t go where I thought it would. Also, both The Mentalist and The Silence of the Lambs make an allusion to the story.
September 27, 2023
Impossível não amar mais este conto de Agatha Christie!❤
O nosso querido detetive belga, monsieur Poirot, neste pequeno conto vem uma vez mais nos demonstrar que "nem tudo o que parece, é verdadeiro"😲😲
De fácil leitura, acessível,
e cativante até ao fim!! Recomendo 💯!!!
O nosso querido detetive belga, monsieur Poirot, neste pequeno conto vem uma vez mais nos demonstrar que "nem tudo o que parece, é verdadeiro"😲😲
De fácil leitura, acessível,
e cativante até ao fim!! Recomendo 💯!!!
September 22, 2019
Poirot sort of gets his chance to be on the other side of the law, a little bit.
June 2, 2023
It's a testament to Christie's ability to create suspense and intrigue in a concise format, leaving readers wanting more of her brilliant storytelling 😌😌
January 9, 2024
2.75⭐️
Not engaged in this one
Not engaged in this one
Read
May 21, 2025guess i’ll look at people’s shoes from now on
April 8, 2018
I enjoy all Agatha Christie's mysteries, but in this one we were not "shown" an important detail so we couldn't play along and guess
January 11, 2020
Poirot is back to his clever self in this one. Another case of jewel thieves and paste gems replacing the real this cloaked in the tale of a damsel in distress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2020
This was a super short read, but I still enjoyed it. It kind of showed a different side of Hercule that I have not seen in the other novels I have read with him.
August 10, 2021
Agatha Christie's stories were just made for rainy summer days; best read under a blanket accompanied by a cup of tea.
This is cosy crime at its finest – and it's quite clever too.
This is cosy crime at its finest – and it's quite clever too.
August 13, 2025
Lady Millicent seeks the help of the brilliant detective in retrieving an incriminating love letter and is betrayed.
Warning: If you are going to hire Hercule Poiroit, be certain you are wearing smart shoes!
Warning: If you are going to hire Hercule Poiroit, be certain you are wearing smart shoes!
December 1, 2025
One of the stories in The Collection by Agatha Christie
April 28, 2022
needed something to fall asleep to
March 12, 2016
Poirot is hired by a veiled lady, claiming to be Lady Millicent to retrieve a letter written to a soldier and quite indiscreet. (Lady Millicent is engaged to a duke and the file is known to be jealous.) She is being threatened by a man with the letter, saying is she does not pay, he will send the letter to the duke.
Poirot finds the letter, and
Poirot finds the letter, and
January 13, 2021
A truly ingenious story! Hercule Poirot has done it again, working those brilliant "leetle grey cells" to perfection as he seemingly miraculously discovers the truth behind this daring little mystery!
Ah, what a wonder is the mind of Hercule Poirot! :D
5 out of 5 stars - as I couldn't predict the outcome and whew was it a good one!
Ah, what a wonder is the mind of Hercule Poirot! :D
5 out of 5 stars - as I couldn't predict the outcome and whew was it a good one!
January 25, 2015
Love Christie
Short, sweet and to the point. I always hear David Suchet's voice when I read Poirot. I gave it a 4 as I wanted it to be longer. I am greedy when it comes to Mrs. Christie.
Short, sweet and to the point. I always hear David Suchet's voice when I read Poirot. I gave it a 4 as I wanted it to be longer. I am greedy when it comes to Mrs. Christie.
April 6, 2014
Not very thrilled with this story, however it had some interesting elements in the plot that I have not come across yet in Christie's books. In general a good read.
June 10, 2016
They usual good and collective good stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews