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Twelve short stories, each underlining the remarkable versatility of the writer. Some will make you shift uneasily in your chair, others will give satisfaction.

A tense drama of jealousy and murder centred on a group of archaeologists. Poirot is called in.

An invitation to a murder turns out to be in deadly earnest, not a practical joke.

The corpse was lying face down in an open grave... a baffling mystery for all but Hercule Poirot.

An intricately plotted mystery made all the more atmospheric by the shadowy presence of Mr Harley Quin.

Bound for the Riviera, detective Hercule Poirot has boarded Le Train Bleu, an elegant, leisurely means of travel, free of intrigue. Then he meets Ruth Kettering.

A shy and lonely seventeen-year-old, Horatio Hornblower, embarks on a memorable career in Nelson's navy - and becomes one of the most formidable junior officers in the service.

The most popular detective story writer of all time here turns her hand to the subject of Christmas. The author's stories and poems capture the true meaning of Christmas.

Victoria Jones, a resourceful London typist, helps to thwart an attempt by an international network to split the civilised world into two factions.

The famous actress thought herself irresistable, but there was at least one "fan" who wanted her dead.

The story of Hilary Craven's involvement in a unique organisation which arranges the escape of scientific geniuses.

Although unfinished at the time of the author's death in 1966, this novel delivers a full measure of action at sea.

1805, and Hornblower is both humbled and honoured in quick succession...

Sailing the frigate Lydia, Captain Hornblower has orders to track down and sink the Natividad, a Spanish ship with twice his fire power.

His Majesty's Ship Sutherland - of two decks and seventy-four guns - is a humdrum ship of the line.