Poirot and Hastings are at Lake Windermere for an attempt on the world speed-boat record. An elderly widow is hurt by falling down stairs, then later killed by poisoning with phosphorus.

Poirot and Hastings are on holiday in Deauville and receive a visit from Paul Renauld, who believes he's being cheated by Chileans. Renauld is kidnapped and his body is later found buried in a new golf bunker. French detective Giraud unwisely challenges Poirot to catch the killer before he can.

A string of thefts at a student hostel run by Miss Lemon's sister ends in death and Poirot has a number of plots and sub-plots to untangle. A certain mouse is the only witness to a string of murders.

Poirot's Christmas is interrupted by Simeon Lee, who believes his life is threatened. Simeon is soon killed and his diamonds stolen.