Mystery In Winter Fairy Land

Hercule Poirot entered Santa Claus’s large factory, shivering with cold. The great detective looked back and saw Frosty the Snowman grinning with delight. Hercule brushed off the snow from his impeccable suit, wiped his dainty shoes and arranged his moustache. Though he was in full trimming, he wondered why he was summoned to Winter Fairyland at the North Pole. elves came out dancing around him singing Jingle Bells. “Ho, Ho, Ho,” cheered Santa. “So, you’ve arrived. A sirop de menthe for the great detective. He needs to warm up.” Always polite, Hercules asked, “You need my services, Monsieur?” “Of course. We have a sledge full of toys. Christmas is tomorrow. Tonight we must deliver the toys. Six reindeer are ready, but the leader, Rudolph has lost the red from his nose. Who will guide the sledge?” Poirot almost had apoplexy. To be driven in the cold with sleigh bells ringing and losing his concentration, all because of a red nose? But he was a man of honour and so he investigated. Rudolph had a cold, and someone gave him medication. The red on the nose disappeared. What to do? Rudolph came in quietly and saw the glass of sirop. Poirot offered the glass to Rudolph who began to lick it. Lo and behold, the nose turned red. Santa and the elves danced. A great feast took place including the turkey with its trimmings. Afterwards, Santa offered Poirot a drive back home. “Don’t worry, you won’t have to enter any chimney,’ laughed Santa. Sledge bells rang, a bottle of the best sirop was given to the detective and Rudolph drove Hercule home. “Happy Christmas,” shouted the elves. And another Poirot mystery was easily solved. With apologies to Agatha Christie.