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Poirot Investigates full cast audiobook

by Agatha Christie · Hercule Poirot, Book 3

Released · Updated · 5h 28m · 64 voices

The story (no spoilers)

Captain Hastings shares rooms in London with Hercule Poirot, the fastidious Belgian detective whose reputation has made him the fashionable choice for the city's troubled and well-to-do. In these cases, Hastings looks on as Poirot takes up one puzzle after another, from a film star's anonymous threats to a stolen jewel, a suspicious death and a theft of secret plans. The opening story brings Mary Marvell, an American actress, to their door with three printed letters demanding that her famous diamond, the Western Star, be returned to the god whose eye it once was. Its twin, the Star of the East, belongs to Lord and Lady Yardly, and she is about to carry hers to their country estate. With the full moon only three days away, Poirot must decide whether the warnings are a hoax. Hastings, ever the romantic, offers theories; Poirot, trusting his little grey cells, prefers to rely on method, psychology and order.

The cast

41 speaking roles are listed; walk-on parts are not. Each voice was designed, or chosen from our library of designed voices, to fit how the book describes the character, and it stays with them from the first chapter to the last. Portraits are illustrated impressions of each character.

  • Illustrated portrait of Poirot: about 60, glossy jet-black, centre-parted, egg-shaped head, a dove-grey jacket with a lavender waistcoat

    Poirot

    Male, about sixty-two years old, a Belgian detective living in London in 1920, a respectable middle-class private consultant. He speaks English with a Belgian French accent, rolling his r's. His voice is a light, precise tenor, slightly nasal, from a small, neat frame. He speaks at a measured, formal pace with careful emphasis. Vain, playful and gallant, gently teasing and quietly self-satisfied.

  • Illustrated portrait of Captain Hastings: about 33, sandy light-brown, short and brushed back, an olive-green tweed jacket

    Captain Hastings

    Male, about thirty years old, an English army captain in London in 1920, a middle-class gentleman of leisure. He speaks in a natural educated southern English accent. His voice is a warm, easy baritone, healthy and open. He speaks briskly and conversationally, quickening when excited. Earnest, good-natured and eager, a little vain and easily stung when teased.

  • Illustrated portrait of Inspector Japp: about 52, thinning sandy-brown, combed flat, a tan raincoat over a checked brown suit

    Inspector Japp

    Male, about fifty-two years old, a Scotland Yard detective-inspector in London in 1920, lower-middle-class and professional. He speaks with a plain London accent with a hint of Cockney. His voice is a gravelly, mid-low baritone, slightly roughened by years of cigars. He speaks in quick, blunt phrases. Jocular, practical and brisk, enjoying a joke at a friend's expense.

  • Illustrated portrait of Lord Estair: about 62, silver-white, swept back from a high forehead, a charcoal frock coat with a plum waistcoat

    Lord Estair

    Male, about sixty years old, an English peer and Leader of the House of Commons in 1917, upper class and senior statesman. He speaks with clipped upper-class received pronunciation. His voice is a dry, slightly reedy baritone of a tired, grey-haired man. He speaks slowly and gravely, with weighty pauses. Formal, anxious and reserved, with a shade of bitterness.

  • Illustrated portrait of Lord Yardly: about 45, sandy-ginger, cropped short, a russet tweed shooting jacket

    Lord Yardly

    Male, about forty-two years old, an English lord and country sportsman in 1920, wealthy landed gentry. He speaks in a hearty upper-class English accent. His voice is a loud, deep, ruddy baritone of a big, outdoor man. He speaks in rapid, clipped, casual bursts. Cheery, good-humoured and hearty, rather simple, growing flustered when troubled.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mary Marvell: about 24, platinum-blond bobbed curls, a coral-pink silk wrap with a fur collar

    Mary Marvell

    Female, about twenty-six years old, an American film star working in London in 1920, a wealthy celebrity. She speaks with a General American accent peppered with slang. Her voice is a small, high, bright soprano with a girlish sweetness. She speaks quickly and casually, turning crisp and brisk when business-like. Chatty, charming and shrewd beneath an innocent manner.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Maltravers: about 28, ash-brown, straggling from a hasty low knot, a black crepe mourning dress with a white lace collar

    Mrs. Maltravers

    Female, about twenty-seven years old, an English gentleman's wife living in a country house in 1917, comfortably middle-to-upper class. She speaks in soft, refined southern English. Her voice is a light, breathy mezzo that trembles under strain. She speaks hesitantly, with faltering pauses. Gentle, vague about practical matters, fragile and easily distressed.

  • Illustrated portrait of Captain Black: about 26, black, slicked back, a navy blazer with a mustard-yellow scarf

    Captain Black

    Male, about twenty-six years old, an English army officer on leave in 1917, a well-off middle-class soldier. He speaks with a light, casual educated English accent with slangy turns. His voice is a bright, easy tenor, youthful and breezy. He speaks chattily at a moderate, rambling pace. Helpful, casual and affable, easily flustered when pressed.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Opalsen: about 50, henna-red, piled high and curled, a peacock-blue satin gown

    Mrs. Opalsen

    Female, about fifty years old, a wealthy City financier's wife in London in 1920, heavily built and fond of jewellery. She speaks with a gushing American-tinged accent, a nouveau-riche mid-Atlantic manner. Her voice is a full, warm, mid-low contralto with plenty of breath. She talks rapidly, running sentence into sentence. Effusive, superstitious and talkative, quick to tears.

  • Illustrated portrait of Lady Yardly: about 32, glossy black, sleek low chignon, a sapphire-blue velvet evening dress

    Lady Yardly

    Female, about thirty-two years old, an English peer's wife and mother in a country house in 1920, upper class. She speaks in soft, gentle upper-class received pronunciation. Her voice is a low, quiet mezzo with a catch when moved. She speaks slowly and softly, with polite restraint. Gentle, proud and self-deprecating, anxious beneath her composure.

  • Illustrated portrait of Bernard Dodge: about 58, grizzled black-grey, bristly crew cut, a rumpled charcoal suit with a claret tie

    Bernard Dodge

    Male, about fifty-five years old, an English War Cabinet minister in 1917, upper-class politician. He speaks with smooth, cultured upper-class received pronunciation. His voice is a polished, medium baritone, slightly nasal and sleek. He speaks fluently at an even pace, with a curl of contempt. Self-assured, condescending and urbane.

  • Illustrated portrait of Ames: about 31, brown with greying temples, side-parted, a brown herringbone suit with a bottle-green tie

    Ames

    Male, about thirty-five years old, an American doctor on an Egyptian dig in 1920, educated middle-class professional with greying temples. He speaks with a General American accent with a lazy Midwestern drawl. His voice is a dry, medium-low baritone. He speaks slowly and flatly, with emphatic, laconic phrases. Confident, blunt and dryly sure of himself.

  • Illustrated portrait of Dr. Hawker: about 42, receding ginger-brown, a rust-brown tweed suit

    Dr. Hawker

    Male, about forty-five years old, an English bachelor doctor in London in 1920, comfortable middle class. He speaks in a brisk educated Home Counties accent. His voice is a clear, quick tenor, lively and slightly high. He speaks fast, with decisive, practical bursts. Excitable, practical and kindly.

  • Illustrated portrait of Gerald Parker: about 34, flaxen blond, sleek centre parting, a check sports jacket in tan and cream

    Gerald Parker

    Male, about thirty-one years old, an English office-working friend in London in 1920, lower-middle class. He speaks with a London accent with a touch of Cockney and plenty of slang. His voice is a light, nasal, slightly raspy tenor. He speaks quickly in joking, teasing bursts. Flippant, jokey and good-humoured.

  • Illustrated portrait of Lady Willard: about 58, white, drawn under a widow's cap, deep black crepe mourning dress

    Lady Willard

    Female, about fifty-eight years old, an English widow in deep mourning in London in 1920, upper-class widow of an archaeologist, tall and thin. She speaks in polished, formal upper-class received pronunciation. Her voice is a thin, dry, cultivated alto, slightly tight. She speaks slowly and deliberately in complete sentences. Composed, polite and troubled.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Opalsen: about 52, bald crown with dark fringe, a black City coat with a burgundy waistcoat

    Mr. Opalsen

    Male, about fifty-six years old, a prosperous City businessman in London in 1920, self-made upper-middle class. He speaks with a London accent, polished a little but with Cockney roots showing. His voice is a brisk, hard-edged, medium baritone, somewhat stout. He speaks in clipped, businesslike bursts. Kindly to his wife, brisk and impatient.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Robinson: mousy-brown in a loose bun, a plum wool coat

    Mrs. Robinson

    Female, about thirty years old, an English young married woman in London in 1920, lower-middle class. She speaks with a lively London accent, mildly suburban. Her voice is a bright, slightly high mezzo. She speaks quickly and chattily, running on in excitement. Eager, cheerful and talkative, a touch uneasy.

  • Illustrated portrait of Philip Ridgeway: about 31, auburn, crisp, parted on the left, a navy business suit with a teal tie

    Philip Ridgeway

    Male, about thirty years old, an English bank employee in London in 1920, middle-class and respectable. He speaks in a courteous educated English accent. His voice is a light, strained tenor, higher than most men's. He speaks fast and earnestly, with tense emphasis. Anxious, courteous and firm about facts.

  • Illustrated portrait of Dr. Bernard: about 57, white, thick and combed over, a black frock coat with a mustard waistcoat

    Dr. Bernard

    Male, about fifty-eight years old, an English country doctor living in rural England in the early 1920s, a comfortable middle-class professional. He speaks with a refined educated southern English accent, close to received pronunciation. His voice is a full, slightly plummy baritone, stout and a little hoarse. He speaks fluently at a brisk, self-assured pace, rising in pitch when annoyed. Confident, pompous and easily provoked.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss Violet Marsh: about 30, chestnut, short bob, a forest-green tailored jacket

    Miss Violet Marsh

    Female, about thirty years old, an English science graduate and businesswoman in London in 1920, independent middle class. She speaks with crisp, educated southern English. Her voice is a cool, steady contralto, low for a woman. She speaks at a slow, measured pace with clear articulation. Self-possessed, businesslike and independent.

  • Illustrated portrait of Dr. Tosswill: about 55, bald dome ringed with wild ginger-grey tufts, a khaki field jacket with a rust-orange scarf

    Dr. Tosswill

    Male, about sixty years old, an English British Museum Egyptologist in Egypt in 1920, upper-middle-class scholar. He speaks in precise academic received pronunciation. His voice is a thin, reedy, high baritone, slightly dry. He speaks in long lecturing sentences, becoming emphatic when irritated. Learned, irascible and pedantic.

  • Illustrated portrait of Gregory Rolf: about 36, wavy black, slicked, a white open-neck shirt

    Gregory Rolf

    Male, about thirty-nine years old, an American film actor in London in 1920, a well-off celebrity. He speaks with a brash General American accent. His voice is a big, booming, deep baritone from a broad, hearty chest. He speaks loudly and quickly, with jovial slangy swagger. Hearty, jocular and sceptical.

  • Illustrated portrait of Zoe Havering: about 33, honey-blond, marcelled waves, a charcoal dress with a coral scarf

    Zoe Havering

    Female, about thirty-three years old, an English wife at a Derbyshire shooting lodge in 1920, upper-middle class. She speaks in clear, brisk, polished received pronunciation. Her voice is a light, bright soprano, crisp and articulate. She speaks at an orderly, fairly quick pace, faltering once or twice. Poised, cooperative and composed.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss Farquhar: about 26, coppery red-gold bob, a cream blouse with a rose-brown jacket

    Miss Farquhar

    Female, about twenty-five years old, an English young lady engaged to a bank man in London in 1920, comfortable middle class. She speaks in refined, formal educated English. Her voice is a low, smooth alto, quiet and level. She speaks at a calm, slightly slow pace. Composed, devoted and polite, resourceful in manner.

  • Illustrated portrait of Roger Havering: about 40, glossy dark brown, brushed back with a gleam, a smart grey suit with a crimson tie

    Roger Havering

    Male, about forty years old, an English gentleman of smart appearance in London in 1920, upper-middle class. He speaks with polished received pronunciation. His voice is a smooth, medium tenor-baritone with a tight, urgent edge. He speaks formally and fairly fast, pressing his points. Urgent, smartly composed and outwardly distressed.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Harper: about 25, straw-blond, straight, flopping, a white shirt with a mustard waistcoat

    Mr. Harper

    Male, about twenty-five years old, an American expedition secretary in Egypt in 1920, lean middle-class. He speaks with a nasal New York accent. His voice is a thin, quick tenor, slightly strained. He speaks fast and bluntly, with casual slang. Pleasant, direct and frightened.

  • Illustrated portrait of Elsa Hardt: about 32, vivid copper-auburn in a loose coil, an emerald silk kimono-style gown

    Elsa Hardt

    Female, about thirty years old, a cultured European woman living in a London house in 1920, wealthy upper class. She speaks with a light German-tinged accent. Her voice is a rich, low, smoky mezzo. She speaks at a swift, clipped pace when startled, otherwise smoothly. Composed, cultured and quick-witted.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Middleton: about 50, grey-streaked dark brown, severe tight bun, a navy serge coat with a brown scarf

    Mrs. Middleton

    Female, about fifty-two years old, an English housekeeper in a Derbyshire shooting lodge in 1920, working-class servant. She speaks with a mild Derbyshire accent. Her voice is a plain, steady, low-mid mezzo. She speaks slowly and respectfully, addressing men as sir. Quiet, plain and dutiful.

  • Illustrated portrait of Major Norman: about 38, cropped ash-blond, razor-short at the sides, a khaki officer's tunic with a tan Sam Browne strap

    Major Norman

    Male, about thirty-five years old, an English army major in 1917, middle-to-upper-class officer. He speaks in clipped military received pronunciation. His voice is a firm, crisp, medium baritone. He speaks briskly and politely, showing impatience. Officious, brisk and bored.

  • Illustrated portrait of Célestine: about 28, jet-black, tight curls, a black maid's dress with a scarlet neck ribbon

    Célestine

    Female, about twenty-eight years old, a French lady's maid in a London hotel in 1920, working-class servant. She speaks English with a strong French accent. Her voice is a quick, sharp, high mezzo that can turn piercing. She speaks rapidly with excitable emphasis. Excitable, defensive and proud.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Baker: about 62, silvery-white, soft curls peeping from the bonnet, a mauve cotton dress with a shawl

    Mrs. Baker

    Female, about fifty-eight years old, an English farm housekeeper in rural Devon in 1920, working-class countrywoman. She speaks with a broad Devon West Country accent. Her voice is a warm, round, cheerful mezzo from a sturdy frame. She speaks quickly and beaming, in friendly rushes. Warm, loyal and chatty.

  • Illustrated portrait of Baker: about 64, shaggy straw-grey, a moss-green corduroy jacket with a blue neckerchief

    Baker

    Male, about sixty-two years old, an English farm servant in rural Devon in 1920, working-class countryman. He speaks with a broad Devon West Country accent. His voice is a slow, gruff, low baritone, a little croaky. He speaks slowly and deliberately, scratching for words, addressing visitors as sir. Plain, respectful and unhurried.

  • Illustrated portrait of Graves: about 55, bald crown, thin grey fringe, a black butler's coat with a yellow-and-black striped waistcoat

    Graves

    Male, about fifty years old, an English valet-butler in a London flat in 1920, working-class manservant. He speaks in a correct servant's southern English accent. His voice is a quiet, level, medium baritone, slightly nasal. He speaks slowly and respectfully, addressing men as sir. Dutiful and discreet.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Vavasour: about 60, thin silver, long and brushed behind the ears, a black morning coat with a pearl-pink cravat

    Mr. Vavasour

    Male, about fifty-eight years old, an English joint general manager of a bank in London in 1920, upper-middle class. He speaks in dry, precise received pronunciation. His voice is a smooth, dry, mid-high baritone. He speaks at an even, cautious pace with little repeated phrases. Formal, cautious and reserved.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Shaw: about 66, thin white, wispy, a brown cardigan under a tweed jacket

    Mr. Shaw

    Male, about sixty-eight years old, an English senior bank officer in London in 1920, upper-middle class, recovering from a bad chest. He speaks in careful, formal educated English. His voice is a hoarse, thin, wheezy baritone of an older, frail man. He speaks slowly and carefully. Careful, formal and worried.

  • Illustrated portrait of Sir Guy: about 30, tousled chestnut, sun-streaked, a khaki shirt open at the neck

    Sir Guy

    Male, about twenty-eight years old, an English baronet leading an Egyptian dig in 1920, upper class. He speaks in upper-class English received pronunciation. His voice is a firm, tight, medium tenor, sometimes muttering. He speaks at a steady, determined pace. Determined, sceptical and shaken.

  • Illustrated portrait of Rupert Bleibner: about 28, flaming red, tousled, a cream linen jacket with a sky-blue shirt

    Rupert Bleibner

    Male, about twenty-five years old, an American man about town in Egypt in 1920, privileged, cash-strapped. He speaks with an easy Boston-flavoured American accent. His voice is a light, lazy, mid-high tenor. He speaks slowly and jokingly with a drawl. Reckless, jocular and careless.

  • Illustrated portrait of Hassan: about 55, close-cropped black-and-grey stubble under headwear, a white galabeya with an indigo striped sash

    Hassan

    Male, about fifty years old, an Egyptian servant on an archaeological dig in 1920, working class. He speaks English with an Egyptian Arabic accent. His voice is a soft, deep, hushed baritone. He speaks slowly and solemnly, lowering his voice. Devoted, solemn and fearful.

  • Illustrated portrait of Captain Lyall: about 24, cropped brown, mostly hidden, a sheepskin-collared flying jacket in tan

    Captain Lyall

    Male, about twenty-four years old, an English military pilot in 1917, middle-class officer. He speaks in light, crisp educated English. His voice is a bright, clear tenor, youthful. He speaks briefly and helpfully, with an easy pace. Cheerful, brief and obliging.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss Rider: about 50, iron-grey, frizzy, escaping its pins, a mustard-yellow dress with a white apron

    Miss Rider

    Female, about fifty-five years old, an English doctor's housekeeper in London in 1920, lower-middle class. She speaks with a mild suburban London accent. Her voice is a thin, breathy, mid-high mezzo. She speaks in flustered, breathless rushes. Usually placid, now shaken.

  • Illustrated portrait of Count Foscatini: about 55, dyed russet-brown, waved and combed back, a quilted velvet smoking jacket in bottle-green

    Count Foscatini

    Male, about fifty-five years old, an Italian nobleman living in a London flat in 1920, upper class. He speaks fluent English with an Italian accent. His voice is a smooth, rich, medium-low baritone. He speaks formally and courteously at a steady pace. Orderly, decisive and courteous.

Chapters

11 chapter markers; each link opens the video on YouTube at that point.

  1. Chapter 1: The Adventure of “The Western Star”
  2. Chapter 2: The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor
  3. Chapter 3: The Adventure of the Cheap Flat
  4. Chapter 4: The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge
  5. Chapter 5: The Million Dollar Bond Robbery
  6. Chapter 6: The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb
  7. Chapter 7: The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
  8. Chapter 8: The Kidnapped Prime Minister
  9. Chapter 9: The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim
  10. Chapter 10: The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman
  11. Chapter 11: The Case of the Missing Will

Series

Book 3 of 34 in Hercule Poirot. 5 released so far.

About this recording

Narrator
Told in Captain Hastings's own character voice
Runtime
5h 28m (complete and unabridged)
Voices
64
Channel
Full Cast Audiobooks on YouTube
Released
Updated
Author
Agatha Christie
First published
1924
Kind
short story collection
Source edition
Project Gutenberg eBook #61262
Public domain (US)
Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie is in the public domain in the United States; text from Project Gutenberg.