Parker Pyne Investigates is a short story collection written by Agatha Christie and first published in the UK by William Collins and Sons in November 1934. Along with The Listerdale Mystery, this collection did not appear under the usual imprint of the Collins Crime Club but instead appeared as part of the Collins Mystery series. It appeared in the US later in the same year published by Dodd, Mead and Company under the title Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective. The UK edition retailed at seven shillings and sixpence (7/6) and the US edition at $2.00. The collection comprises twelve of her fourteen stories featuring detective James Parker Pyne; the two remaining stories, "Problem at Pollensa Bay" and "The Regatta Mystery" were later collected in The Regatta Mystery in 1939 in the US and in Problem at Pollensa Bay in the UK in 1991. The book also features the first appearance of the character of Ariadne Oliver, who would go on to have a working relationship with Hercule Poirot in later books. Also seen very briefly is Pyne's secretary, Miss Lemon. It is a matter of spirited (although usually friendly) debate amongst Christie enthusiasts whether or not this character is meant to be Miss Felicity Lemon, who was later shown to be Poirot's secretary.
Plot introduction James Parker Pyne is a retired government employee who considers himself to be a "detective of the heart". Advertising his services in the "Personal" column of The Times, he works alongside his secretary Miss Lemon, novelist Ariadne Oliver, handsome "lounge lizard" Claude Luttrell and disguise artist Madeleine de Sara. The first six stories deal with Pyne solving cases in England, while the second six stories detail Pyne's vacation, where he hopes not to have to do detective work only to end up helping others anyway.
Plot summaries
The Case of the Middle-aged Wife Maria Packington contacts Mr Parker Pyne seeking advise about her husband George, who started seeing a young typist named Nancy, but claims there is nothing in their relationship. After paying the hefty fee of two hundred guineas upfront, Mrs Packington is sent to beauty treatment, dress-fitting and elegant lunch, where she is introduced to young and good-looking Claude Lutterell. Something of a whirlwind romance of ten days follows which culminates when Maria and Claude cross paths with George and his girl at a dance. George is jealous and shocked at his wife's behaviour and a couple of days later the two are reconciled. Claude breaks off with Maria, confessing to past life as gigolo using women, and promises to reform and keep in touch through yearly advertisements in newspaper. Mr Pyne, who arranged the adventure with Claude, his associate, comments on his success, as it will give Mrs Packington long-lasting memories of a romance.
The Case of the Discontented Soldier Major Charles Wilbraham, previously in service in East Africa, calls at Parker Pyne’s office to find remedy to his boredom in retirement. Pyne arranges for him to visit a house in Friar’s Lane, where the major rescues a young woman, Freda Clegg, from an attack. She was lured into the ambush under the pretense of meeting with a lawyer regarding matter of supposed legacy from her late father. The major deduces that the attackers sought some missing documents, which prompts the duo to search and find a hidden document in Swahili describing a cache of ivory. Next night, the duo are lured separately into the same house and imprisoned in a flooding cellar. They escape and the major reveals that the document was safely sent away. The happy pair gets engaged and moves to Africa. Pyne meets with Mrs Oliver to congratulate her for designing a successful adventure for two of his clients.
The Case of the Distressed Lady Mrs Daphne St. John, having lost heavily at a casino, steals a diamond ring from her friend Lady Naomi Dortheimer to cover her debts. After pawning the real ring and replacing it with a paste copy, she later inherits money, retrieves the original, and seeks Parker Pyne’s help to return it discreetly. Pyne arranges for his associates, Claude Luttrell and Madeleine de Sara, to attend a Dortheimer party as dancers and switch the rings. When Mrs St. John returns to Pyne’s office, he denounces the woman as Ernestine Richards, Lady Dortheimer’s secretary, who had attempted to use Pyne to steal the genuine ring by supplying the detective with a copy. Fortunately, Pyne did not fall for her ruse and he declines to charge her, noting that he failed to make her happy.
The Case of the Discontented Husband Reginald Wade is a mild-mannered sports enthusiast, while his wife Iris likes art and has become friends with the cultured Sinclair Jordan. Insisting that he changes his ways, the wife poses six-month divorce ultimatum. Parker Pyne advises Wade to make his wife jealous through a staged flirtation. Pyne arranges for his associate, Madeleine de Sara, to visit the Wades for the weekend. Initially amused, Iris grows resentful as Madeleine openly flatters her husband and provokes tension between the couple. The situation escalates when Jordan also becomes infatuated with Madeleine, leading to further conflict. Following Pyne’s plan, Wade declares his intent to leave with Madeleine and marry her. However, the scheme backfires when Wade returns to Pyne’s office confessing genuine love for Madeleine. Iris soon arrives, resulting in a chaotic confrontation. Pyne admits the failure, observing that the outcome should have been foreseen.
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