Most Poirot shorts are just that: short. You can finish them in less than an hour, nay, less than half an hour. Not so here! This one is well over two hours long, far and away the longest Poirot short I’ve reviewed so far! Let’s hope that’s to its benefit!
While relaxing in his apartment, Hercule Poirot receives a rather rude summons from one Gervase Chevenix-Gore. Offended but curious, the private detective answers the call. But when he arrives, he finds the man dead in his study! From the looks of the scene, it’s a clear-cut case of suicide. Yet if that’s the case, why call upon a legendary detective? Something more sinister hides within this affair; can Poirot get to the bottom of it?
Once again, Hastings is nowhere to be seen. In his place, we get Major Riddle, the Chief Constable of the town in which the story takes place. He serves as Poirot’s right-hand for the investigation, assisting him in questioning the suspects and putting the pieces together. It’s refreshing, seeing Poirot work with someone near the same level of intelligence.
Speaking of the suspects, we get to know them all fairly well over the run time. And what a collection of weirdos we have here! You’ve got the stiff and professional butler, the half-spiritual half-crazy lady, and more besides. They’re all equal parts intriguing and entertaining.
As for the mystery itself, it’s pretty good. Though it is fairly complex. After the first hour, it’s pretty easy to lose track of the clues you already have. Even so, you could very well solve this one yourself if you’re more attentive than yours truly.
That being said, I’m not a huge fan of the ending. It basically becomes a soap opera, with the arguing over the inheritance and secret marriages. I don’t want to say it’s bad, per say; you might get more out of it than I did.
Even with those few issues, ‘Dead Man’s Mirror’ is definitely one of the stronger Poirot shorts. Give it a read if you’ve got two hours to burn. It’s a fun read from start to end.
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