Forensic entomology suggested that the remains had been there for 12-14 days. Their dismembered bodies were discovered on 29th September 1935 in Dumfriesshire. On 15th September 1935 Buck Ruxton murdered his wife, Isabella, and their maid, Mary Jane Rogerson, in their home in Lancaster. Japp wonders if Poirot thinks that they may find Miss Sainsbury Seale “cut up in little pieces like Mrs Ruxton”. The Reds and the Blackshirts would both like to see Blunt put out of the way.Īlfred, Mr Morley’s page-boy, is reading the fictional “Death at Eleven-Forty-Five”. Mr Morley believes that Alistair Blunt is the British answer to “their Hitlers and Mussolinis”. It contained 5% of the now notorious DDT. This was a brand of insecticide launched in 1923 by the Standard Oil Company (later Esso). Poirot thinks that his fellow patient in the waiting room wishes he had his Flit spray with him. Mr Amberiotis refers to “casting your bread upon the waters” which is from Ecclesiastes Chapter 11.

His phone number is Whitehall 7272 – likely a joke given that Scotland Yard’s was Whitehall 1212. Sometimes discusses cases with his valet, George.

Small references in the text in order to fit with the nursery rhyme feel a little forced. Thus begins a very twisty case as Poirot negotiates his way through matters of State and those on both sides of the political divide.Īn interesting read but built on a double coincidence and one key aspect of the solution is not explained. A motive is soon discovered and the case is closed until a fellow patient disappears. Poirot reluctantly visits the dentists and later that afternoon Inspector Japp calls him to say that his dentist, Mr Morley, has just committed suicide.

Poirot dentist