The Regatta Mystery - a Parker Pyne Short Story / a Hercule Poirot Short Story(1936)

Agatha Christie

A neat little short story which initially starred Hercule Poirot but, in later versions, saw Parker Pyne in the role.

A regatta is taking place - you know the kind where most people at the event are actually there to watch the sailing and have a good time - rather than participate! At one of the gatherings, the participants include a diamond merchant. But then a young attendee plays a trick with a very expensive diamond and it turns into what appears to be theft. Can Poirot / Pyne explain what happened and corner the thief?

Librarian's note #1: the first version of the story has Hercule Poirot as the lead character. Later it's Parker Pyne. Thus the entry on Goodreads shows both as leads.

Librarian's note #2: this entry is for the short story, The Regatta Mystery, not the collection under the same name. Collections of short stories by the author, including the one mentioned below, are located elsewhere on Goodreads. Entries for all Parker Pyne stories can be found by searching GR for: a Parker Pyne Short Story, and the same for Hercule Poirot short stories: a Hercule Poirot Short Story.

Librarian's note #3: the story was published in anthologies including The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories, but it first came out in The Chicago Tribune in May 1936.

Librarian's note #4: this is #14 of the 14 Parker Pyne stories.