In this delightful tale, an Eastern Prince arrives in England with some family jewels which he's having reset as a gift for his fianceé. However, the Prince also has a mistress. She asks to wear one particularly enchanting piece that features a huge ruby, and then promptly disappears with it. Poirot discovers a connection with a house party at the home of Colonel and Mrs Lacey and, in order to pursue his investigation, an invitation is procured for him to the Laceys', ostensibly to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas. With deft skill and the workings of his little grey cells, Poirot brings this case to a satisfying and festive conclusion.

Starring John Moffat as Hercule Poirot, with Donald Sinden and Siân Phillips as Colonel and Mrs Lacey, this dramatisation was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 25 December 2004.

1 CD. 45 mins.