Dearpage
en
Completed

The Secret of Chimneys

Agatha ChristiePublic domain work
Public Books📖 36 chapters👁 0General

Rate this book

No ratings yet

Synopsis

In Agatha Christie’s The Secret of Chimneys, the charming and resourceful Anthony Cade agrees to deliver a manuscript of explosive political memoirs to a London publisher, only to find himself entangled in a web of blackmail, royal intrigue, and murder. The story moves from Africa to the English countryside, where the grand estate called Chimneys becomes the stage for a mystery involving a missing heir, a stolen jewel, and the fate of a Balkan monarchy. Christie weaves together adventure, romance, and detection with her characteristic wit and clever plotting. Published in 1925, this novel belongs to Christie’s early period, when she was establishing the conventions of the golden age detective story. It features Superintendent Battle, one of her lesser-known but memorable investigators, and showcases her talent for blending political satire with a classic whodunit. The book also reflects the post-First World War fascination with European royalty and the romantic allure of secret missions and hidden identities. Today, The Secret of Chimneys remains a delight for readers who enjoy a fast-paced, light-hearted mystery with a twist-filled plot. Its vivid characters, from the roguish hero to the eccentric house party guests, offer a glimpse into the social world of the 1920s. The novel is a fine example of Christie’s skill at constructing puzzles that keep readers guessing until the final pages, and it rewards those who appreciate a story that balances suspense with humour.

Translation

Request a full-book translation. Generated once and shared with everyone.

Chapters

  1. Chapter 01

    Part 1

    • Part 1

      AGATHA CHRISTIE The Secret of Chimneys THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS Copyright © 1925 by Dodd, Mead & Company, Inc. TO PUNKIE Contents 1 ANTHONY CADE SIGNS ON 1 2 A LADY IN DISTRESS 11 3 ANXIETY IN HIGH PLACES 20 4 INT…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  2. Chapter 02

    Part 2

    • Part 2

      “So he is. He died in Paris about two months ago. What I’m telling you about happened some years ago.” “The question is,” said Anthony, “what are you telling me about?” Jimmy accepted the rebuke and hastened on. “It…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  3. Chapter 03

    Part 3

    • Part 3

      “It will probably be a serious temptation to me to embezzle your share of the thousand pounds. You won’t want it, you know, when you get back weighed down with nuggets. I’ll invest it for you in Herzoslovakian oil sha…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  4. Chapter 04

    Part 4

    • Part 4

      “And the point is,” continued Lord Caterham, with some relish, though he lowered his voice in obedience to the other’s appeal, “that some of Stylptitch’s Reminiscences may upset the apple cart. Tyranny and misbehaviou…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  5. Chapter 05

    Part 5

    • Part 5

      “But I hope George isn’t in love with me. I don’t think he can be. He’s so wedded to his career. What else did he say?” “Just that it was very important.” “Bill, I’m getting intrigued. The things that George thinks im…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  6. Chapter 06

    Part 6

    • Part 6

      He took a turn or two up and down the room, undecided on his next course of action. The date stipulated upon for delivering the manuscript was a little over a week ahead. To-day was the 5th of October. Anthony had no …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  7. Chapter 07

    Part 7

    • Part 7

      For the moment, Virginia did not pay attention to the subtle phraseology whereby Chilvers cloaked his meaning. “Mr. Lomax? Where is he? In the drawing-room?” “Oh, no, ma’am, not Mr. Lomax.” Chilvers’ tone was faintly …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  8. Chapter 08

    Part 8

    • Part 8

      “All right, George, but it’s your party—let that be clearly understood.” “You could, I feel sure, if you chose, exercise your considerable charm.” Virginia cocked her head a little on one side. “George, dear, I don’t …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  9. Chapter 09

    Part 9

    • Part 9

      No, Anthony felt convinced that Giuseppe had been acting as a tool for some outside agency. With the information supplied to him by the manager, it might be possible to learn something about Giuseppe’s private life, a…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  10. Chapter 10

    Part 10

    • Part 10

      “Me, I remained,” explained Élise, “knowing that madame would wish me to pack for her.” “It’s a silly hoax,” cried Virginia, flinging down the telegram angrily. “You know perfectly well, Élise, that I am going to Chim…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  11. Chapter 11

    Part 11

    • Part 11

      “What’s the matter?” He held it out, pointing silently to the place of origin. “Barnes,” he said. “And you were at Ranelagh this afternoon. What’s to prevent you having sent it off yourself?” Virginia felt fascinated …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  12. Chapter 12

    Part 12

    • Part 12

      “It is, Johnson. One of his lordship’s guests, a foreign gentleman, discovered shot. Open window, and footprints outside.” “I’m sorry it were a foreigner,” said Johnson, with some regret. It made the murder seem less …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  13. Chapter 13

    Part 13

    • Part 13

      “Thank God no one gets up early in this house,” remarked Lord Caterham devoutly. “We shall have to break this to them when they do, I suppose.” He sighed. “I wonder who murdered him,” said Bundle. “And why?” “That’s n…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  14. Chapter 14

    Part 14

    • Part 14

      “This Anthony Cade must be pursued at once, and arrested.” “You won’t need to pursue him,” said Superintendent Battle. “Why?” “Because he’s still there.” “What?” “Curious, isn’t it?” Colonel Melrose eyed him keenly. “…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  15. Chapter 15

    Part 15

    • Part 15

      “The gentleman who was staying here incognito as Count Stanislaus was His Highness Prince Michael of Herzoslovakia.” Anthony whistled. “That must be deuced awkward,” he remarked. Superintendent Battle, who had been wa…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  16. Chapter 16

    Part 16

    • Part 16

      “I explained to Mrs. Revel,” he said, “that I had been forced to refuse your kind invitation—since it had really been extended to quite a different man. And I couldn’t very well foist a perfect stranger on you under f…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  17. Chapter 17

    Part 17

    • Part 17

      “You don’t connect King Victor with this crime, do you, Battle?” “It’s just a possibility, that’s all. If you’ll cast your mind back, sir, you’ll remember that there were four places where a—er—certain Royal visitor m…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  18. Chapter 18

    Part 18

    • Part 18

      “I’m perfectly certain no other Virginia Revel has ever stayed at Chimneys. Bundle or Lord Caterham would have said something about the coincidence of the name if she had.” “Yes. It’s rather queer. Do you know, Mrs. R…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  19. Chapter 19

    Part 19

    • Part 19

      He had been quite right in his supposition. The yew hedge was really not one, but two, a narrow passage divided them. The entrance to this was about half-way up, on the side of the house. There was no mystery about it…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  20. Chapter 20

    Part 20

    • Part 20

      “And then you can tell us about the man you saw hung,” urged Guggle. “Did you say you’d got a bit of the rope with you?” asked Winkle. “It’s in my suit-case,” said Anthony solemnly. “You shall each have a piece of it.…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  21. Chapter 21

    Part 21

    • Part 21

      “While we’re on the subject,” remarked Bill, reaching for his second boot, “I like that thingummybob of yours. It’s a pretty shade of green. What do you call it? It’s not just a dressing-gown, is it?” “It’s a _négligé…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  22. Chapter 22

    Part 22

    • Part 22

      “Very suspicious, I should say. Well, I put two and two together. French governess in the house, French stranger outside. I decided that they were in league together, and I hurried off to interview the lady with whom …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  23. Chapter 23

    Part 23

    • Part 23

      “Listen to me, Virginia,” said Bill. “This is man’s work——” “Don’t be an idiot, Bill. I’m in on this. Don’t you make any mistake about it. The syndicate will keep watch to-night.” It was settled thus, and the details …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  24. Chapter 24

    Part 24

    • Part 24

      “You see now where we have arrived. Nicholas IV and Queen Varaga came to England and were the guests of the late Marquis of Caterham, then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Herzoslovakia is a small country, but …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  25. Chapter 25

    Part 25

    • Part 25

      Anthony said nothing. He continued to stare out of the window. Superintendent Battle looked for some time at his motionless back. “Well, good night, sir,” he said at last, and moved to the door. Anthony stirred. “Wait…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  26. Chapter 26

    Part 26

    • Part 26

      “So does Virginia,” said Bundle, drawing a pattern on the table with her fork. “Eh?” “And so do I. But that doesn’t seem to matter.” “And I asked Isaacstein,” continued Lord Caterham. “Well?” “But fortunately he’s got…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  27. Chapter 27

    Part 27

    • Part 27

      They ran down the drive towards the fallen piece of luggage. Just as they reached it, Lemoine came round the corner of the bend on foot. He was hot from walking fast. “I was obliged to descend,” he said pleasantly. “I…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  28. Chapter 28

    Part 28

    • Part 28

      “Because he acts like one,” said Anthony, answering the last question first. “He must have been a retriever in his last incarnation, I think. He’s just brought me a piece of a letter which he says the foreign gentlema…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  29. Chapter 29

    Part 29

    • Part 29

      “Entrez, Messieurs et Mesdames,” said Bundle dramatically. “Walk up, walk up, dearies. Best show of the season, and only a tanner.” Both Lemoine and Battle were provided with torches. They entered the dark aperture fi…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  30. Chapter 30

    Part 30

    • Part 30

      “Sleep is more in my line,” said Anthony, with a wide yawn. “A good after luncheon nap!” He took out a cigarette. “You haven’t got a match, have you?” Mr. Fish handed him a match-box. Anthony helped himself, and hande…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  31. Chapter 31

    Part 31

    • Part 31

      “He’s all right—coming round pretty fast now. He’s recovered well from the crack on the head we gave him.” Anthony moved gently away. “God! what a lot,” he muttered. “They discuss their affairs with an open window, an…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  32. Chapter 32

    Part 32

    • Part 32

      “Not a bad idea,” said Lord Caterham. “It’s half-past eleven.” As Virginia was crossing the wide hall, she caught sight of a broad back that seemed familiar to her discreetly vanishing through a side door. “Superinten…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  33. Chapter 33

    Part 33

    • Part 33

      “I daresay,” said Lord Caterham. “He’s always saying things like that. It makes him most fatiguing to talk to. But I can tell you I’m not nearly as much of the hospitable English gentleman as I was. As soon as I can, …

      ✓ FreeRead →

  34. Chapter 34

    Part 34

    • Part 34

      “But it is nonsense, what you are saying there,” spluttered the Frenchman. “Oh, no, it isn’t. Come now, Lemoine, if I’m King Victor, what have you against me after all? You could never get the necessary evidence in th…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  35. Chapter 35

    Part 35

    • Part 35

      “Ah!” cried the Baron. “The fingerprints. The Bertillon measurements that that scoundrel talked about?” “It was a clever idea,” said Anthony. “I admired it so much that I felt forced to play up. Besides, my doing so p…

      ✓ FreeRead →

  36. Chapter 36

    Part 36

    • Part 36

      “That trip of mine into the interior went phut. Then some Dagos came monkeying round. Wanted to buy that manuscript off me. Next thing I as near as nothing got a knife in the back one night. That made me think that I’…

      ✓ FreeRead →

Other texts in this book

Start reading
Reading groups

About this work

Author
Agatha Christie
Language
English
Chapters
36