Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: A nurse, Amy Leatheran, is hired by an archaeologist, Dr. Erich Leidner, to care for his wife, Louise, while he and his team dig for artifacts in Iraq. She soon learns Louise is living in fear because of anonymous letters she believes are related to her first marriage to a German spy. At first, Amy doesn't believe her patient because she believes the letters might have been written by Louise herself, either from guilt or an effort to get attention. However, when Louise is murdered, it becomes apparent Amy and Dr. Leidner were wrong and Hercule Poirot is brought in to help solve the crime. Review: When I went to the library a few days ago, I had intended on taking a short break from Agatha Christie. However, the book I wanted to check out wasn't on the shelf and, since I really didn't have time to search for it (or ask for help from the librarian), I wound up checking out this book instead. And, to tell you the truth, when I first started reading this ...

Synopsis: A French moneylender and blackmailer, Madame Giselle, is found dead on a plane traveling from France to England and detective Hercule Poirot, also a passenger, determines she has been murdered by a poisoned dart. When a blowgun is found behind Poirot's seat and a grand jury nearly indicts him as a result, the famed detective takes it personally and tries to determine which passenger is a murderer and, just as important, how that person killed Madame Giselle without being seen. You can read my review here: https://wizzley.com/book-review-death-in-the-clouds-1935/

Synopsis: After a reverend dies at a dinner part, Hercule Poirot believes the man, who was in poor health, died of natural causes. However, when a doctor dies in a similar fashion at another party with many of the same guests and is determined to have been poisoned, Poirot realizes he made a mistake the first time and agrees to help an actor and his companions solve the case. You can read my review here: https://wizzley.com/book-review-three-act-tragedy-1934/

Synopsis : The much-despised Colonel Lucius Protheroe is found murdered in the vicar's study. There is a wide range of potential suspects, including his cheating wife and her lover and the vicar himself, and it appears the murderer may never be caught. However, the vicar's next door neighbor is Miss Jane Marple and no detail ever escapes her. Review : Even though I had heard of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple character, I honestly didn't know a whole lot about her prior to reading this book, which is also the first novel she appears in. As  result of that, I really wasn't sure what to think about her, especially since, at first at least, she didn't seem to have much of a role in this story. As it turns out, however, I found I liked her and this mystery. The thing I found I liked about Miss Marple is she brings a lot of the same observational skills Christie's other famous detective, Hercule Poirot , offers. But, unlike the very arrogant Poirot, she is m...

Synopsis: A wealthy widow re-marries and, a short time later, is poisoned. Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is asked to investigate but, while all the evidence seems to implicate the victim's much-younger husband (who stands to inherit her fortune), Poirot is reluctant to name him as the murderer. Image courtesy of Pixabay Review: I used to read mystery novels on a regular basis when I was younger. But, as I got older, married and had kids, I found I just don't have the time to read books as often as I used to. Well, actually, that isn't completely accurate. I have time. However, I'm one of those people who has a hard time reading when there's others making noise, etc. And, with kids, my quiet time is limited. However, after realizing I can find a peaceful corner to read while I'm at the ice rink (which occurs multiple times each week) or during my youngest daughter's gymnastics class, I decided to make an effort. And, I started with this book...