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Parker Pyne #5
The Case of the Rich Woman - a Parker Pyne Short Story
Parker Pyne is approached by Mrs. Abner Ryman, a woman whose accumulation of wealth over her lifetime has been accompanied by a diminishing sense of happiness. He finds an unorthodox way of putting interest back into her life. But even he's not certain if his plan will work. Can money make a person happy? Is it needed at all? Is there an in-between?
Librarian's note: this entry relates to the short story, The Case of the Rich Woman. Collections and the other stories by the author are located elsewhere on Goodreads. The Parker Pyne series includes 14 short stories. Entries for the stories can be found by searching GR for: a Parker Pyne Short Story.
Librarian's note #2: the story was published in the print anthologies, Parker Pyne Investigates and Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective but it first appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine in 1932.
Librarian's note #3: this is #6 of the 14 stories.
Librarian's note: this entry relates to the short story, The Case of the Rich Woman. Collections and the other stories by the author are located elsewhere on Goodreads. The Parker Pyne series includes 14 short stories. Entries for the stories can be found by searching GR for: a Parker Pyne Short Story.
Librarian's note #2: the story was published in the print anthologies, Parker Pyne Investigates and Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective but it first appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine in 1932.
Librarian's note #3: this is #6 of the 14 stories.
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1932
14 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,794 books76.1k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 29, 2025
A rich middle-aged woman is bored with life.
She comes across an advertisement in that paper that says, Are you happy? If not, consult Mr. Parker Pyne., and decides to give it a try.
She goes to Pyne's office to see if he can help her find the happiness she used to have before she could afford everything she wanted.
I'm guessing she thinks Pyne is going to find her some spicy new hobby.
That is not what happens.
He finds someone who can switch her soul with that of a poor woman and takes over control of her money!
Or does he?
The conclusion is pretty cool.
I read this as part of the short story collection, Parker Pyne Investigates.
She comes across an advertisement in that paper that says, Are you happy? If not, consult Mr. Parker Pyne., and decides to give it a try.
She goes to Pyne's office to see if he can help her find the happiness she used to have before she could afford everything she wanted.
I'm guessing she thinks Pyne is going to find her some spicy new hobby.
That is not what happens.
He finds someone who can switch her soul with that of a poor woman and takes over control of her money!
Or does he?
The conclusion is pretty cool.
I read this as part of the short story collection, Parker Pyne Investigates.
March 27, 2023
3.75⭐️
A ridiculously wealthy woman is unhappy with life and seeks help from Mr.Parker Pyne. Little does she know how much this seemingly simple request will turn her life upside down.
A ridiculously wealthy woman is unhappy with life and seeks help from Mr.Parker Pyne. Little does she know how much this seemingly simple request will turn her life upside down.
November 5, 2025
3 Stars. We've got a romance, but it's under duress. If there's a crime here, then Mr. Pyne is the one who committed it. The short story is from the early 1930s, Cosmopolitan magazine to be exact. Many Pyne stories were first published in the USA. It was part of a 1934 collection, but I read it in Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective, a Dell paperback from 1971. Pyne's latest client, Mrs. Abner (Amelia) Rymer, is a wealthy woman. She's run out of things to spend money on, "I can't think of anything else to buy that I haven't got already." Not a problem in the 2020s! Want to visit space anyone? It's been increasingly boring for her since her husband passed away five years ago. She pays Pyne a thousand pounds and gives him power of attorney. With that he begins to put his plan into action. Along with Nurse de Sara, Pyne's favourite accomplice, and Dr. Constantine who has travelled from eastern Europe, they treat Mrs. Rymer. "Your soul is weary." It isn't long before she awakes in far-off Cornwall without a penny to her name and, in regards to that name, being called by everyone: Hannah Moorhouse, a servant girl. If you want to know the outcome, read it! (Jul2021/No2025)
December 22, 2022
These Parker Pyne stories are quite intriguing. This is my second one yet, and just like after my first, I'm left without many words to express myself. It's not that I've been rendered speechless out of shock or awe but that 'The Case of the Rich Woman' is such a simple but profound work. I love how Agatha Christie can capture so much of a person's character using very few lines. Even in her mysteries, I've seen that even in one scene she can reveal a lot about her characters.
This particular story is about a rich woman who doesn't know what to do with her money. She has everything she wants except a want itself. She wants to want something, but she wants nothing. This is a problem only for Parker Pyne to solve; the man who cures unhappiness.
An interesting read overall.
This particular story is about a rich woman who doesn't know what to do with her money. She has everything she wants except a want itself. She wants to want something, but she wants nothing. This is a problem only for Parker Pyne to solve; the man who cures unhappiness.
An interesting read overall.
January 17, 2025
Parker Pyne has an advertisement in the paper offering help for unhappy people (for a fee, of course). A wealthy widow goes to him because her life feels empty.
I read most of the Parker Pyne books multiple times when I was a kid. This one always stuck with me. I'm not sure if I believe in the story that Agatha Christie was telling, but it's still interesting.
I read most of the Parker Pyne books multiple times when I was a kid. This one always stuck with me. I'm not sure if I believe in the story that Agatha Christie was telling, but it's still interesting.
January 3, 2023
Parker Pyne stories have a very strong amount of fairy-tale style charm and wishfulness involved. This story is a brilliant example of that style.
Very enjoyable story. Recommended.
Very enjoyable story. Recommended.
August 7, 2021
3.5 - even though Agatha Christie isn't the best when it comes to writing romance, it was still interesting, and I liked the ending...sort of. I kind of wish she'd kept back some of her money but I can understand if she wants to leave it all and start a new life - it's a bit disappointing that she went from being a peasant to being upperclass and wealthy and then just went back to being a peasant. Why can't you just be wealthy and enjoy it, why would anyone want to go back to being a farmer? If you have money and you know you're always going to have money thanks to the investments that were made, why would you give that up and start growing vegetables?
(or, as Jack pointed out, a better wording would be: why wouldn't you keep a good portion of your money while you grow vegetables?)
I guess since I'm just not a farmer I don't really understand the appeal to going back to not having much money if you were already used to having a lot. However, it was an interesting story and, obviously, thought-provoking!
UPDATE: Since I haven't read this book in a couple years and I'm sure my views and ideas have changed a bit, don't take anything I say in this review too much to heart. I have great respect for farmers, and how hard they work to keep the rest of the country well-fed as well as their family. Nothing against farmers, but I believe I was confused by why you wouldn't also keep your money as a plan B, since you may fall on hard times, so why not have some cushioning? However, I'd have to go back and reread it before I make any judgments on the ending.
(or, as Jack pointed out, a better wording would be: why wouldn't you keep a good portion of your money while you grow vegetables?)
I guess since I'm just not a farmer I don't really understand the appeal to going back to not having much money if you were already used to having a lot. However, it was an interesting story and, obviously, thought-provoking!
UPDATE: Since I haven't read this book in a couple years and I'm sure my views and ideas have changed a bit, don't take anything I say in this review too much to heart. I have great respect for farmers, and how hard they work to keep the rest of the country well-fed as well as their family. Nothing against farmers, but I believe I was confused by why you wouldn't also keep your money as a plan B, since you may fall on hard times, so why not have some cushioning? However, I'd have to go back and reread it before I make any judgments on the ending.
January 25, 2021
I am not enjoying the Parker Payne books
July 31, 2022
Parker Pyne successfully steals a woman’s money!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
A rich widow is bored with her life and visits Mr. Pyne for help. He says that a doctor of Eastern medicine will fix her up but when she wakes she is in a strange bedroom on a farm! They are calling her by a different name and she sees an article in the paper referencing the Eastern doctor and how he transfers souls from one body to the next. She decides to work on the farm until she has enough money to get the train back to London and confront Mr. Pyne. But she enjoys the farm work and falls in love with one of the other works and decides to stay. A year later, Mr. Pyne returns and tells her that the whole thing was a charade that he arranged and offering her her old life back. She decides to stay and donate all her money.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
Well I think this may be buying a little bit too much into give a person work and they’ll be well. For my taste. I like the creative solution but I don’t think working hard and scrimping and saving is necessarily better than living on the money one has already earned.
September 13, 2021
Meh.
When I finished this story all I could think was, "Oh, bitch, please." Christie should leave the moralizing to someone else.
When I finished this story all I could think was, "Oh, bitch, please." Christie should leave the moralizing to someone else.
August 2, 2023
Geld maakt niet gelukkig. Parker Pyne weet als geen ander hier mee om te gaan. Goed geschreven.
October 31, 2025
I’ve never read a Parker Pyne story before and I really enjoyed this. Money really can’t buy you happiness.
October 27, 2025
Perhaps a little convoluted for the message, but certainly interesting.
October 6, 2024
An interesting diversion for this famous author. Welcome to the world of Parker Pyne, almost crime free and certainly devoid of murder, if this case is reflective of his work.
Yet this is a character not to be dismissed in terms of literary appeal; this is one of fourteen short stories centred on his unique and fascinating approach to less tangible problems.
One day he gets a visit from a prospective client in response to his advertisements claiming he has the means and resources to remedy the unhappy soul.
Happiness is a commodity money apparently cannot buy but he is happy to take £1000 as a fee, confident he can lift Mrs Rymer’s spirits.
What an interesting premise and outline for a story.
While the story unfolds in a predicable way and the reader remains clear what is happening. Mrs Ryder apparently is taken in by the subterfuge and feels trapped in an alternative reality.
This is the weakness of the text for me. On this level the narrative simply doesn’t work and the acceptance of Mrs Rymer is too convenient in my opinion.
On another level, the story works as a parable or fable examining the fundamentals regarding wealth and desire. The question of fulfilment and trying to remain true to your personal values.
While little is revealed about the life experience of Mrs Rymer she says she couldn’t just give the money away as it was hard earned. Yet this isn’t strictly true within the story or life, as money makes money, and those that have can acquire more through wise investments because of the way the financial markets work. I was a little disappointed that the loss Mrs Rymer had faced through her life compounded with the death of her husband is not factored into the equation. In my experience, grief and guilt can frustrate a search for happiness yet it isn’t addressed here.
Yet this is a character not to be dismissed in terms of literary appeal; this is one of fourteen short stories centred on his unique and fascinating approach to less tangible problems.
One day he gets a visit from a prospective client in response to his advertisements claiming he has the means and resources to remedy the unhappy soul.
Happiness is a commodity money apparently cannot buy but he is happy to take £1000 as a fee, confident he can lift Mrs Rymer’s spirits.
What an interesting premise and outline for a story.
While the story unfolds in a predicable way and the reader remains clear what is happening. Mrs Ryder apparently is taken in by the subterfuge and feels trapped in an alternative reality.
This is the weakness of the text for me. On this level the narrative simply doesn’t work and the acceptance of Mrs Rymer is too convenient in my opinion.
On another level, the story works as a parable or fable examining the fundamentals regarding wealth and desire. The question of fulfilment and trying to remain true to your personal values.
While little is revealed about the life experience of Mrs Rymer she says she couldn’t just give the money away as it was hard earned. Yet this isn’t strictly true within the story or life, as money makes money, and those that have can acquire more through wise investments because of the way the financial markets work. I was a little disappointed that the loss Mrs Rymer had faced through her life compounded with the death of her husband is not factored into the equation. In my experience, grief and guilt can frustrate a search for happiness yet it isn’t addressed here.
September 30, 2025
These stories are such fun quick reads and are super enjoyable to read.
March 22, 2019
Poor woman becomes rich, doesn't know what to do with her money, is unhappy, goes to Parker Pyne... And Parker straight up gaslights her for an year.
*Spoiler*
She's roofied to sign off a power of attorney to him and is dumped on a farm, is convinced some witch doctor swapped her life with that of some poor woman, she stays out of fear of being locked in an insane asylum, falls in love with a farmer, and in the end she stays in her new life because of Stockholm syndrome or whatever, while Parker gets the green light to give all her money away.
Call me crazy, but giving up a fortune to fix a brooding alcoholic bad boy is the dumbest thing a woman can do with her life. But I guess it's a happy ending in the romance genre.
He does a lot is questionable things, but this is definitely Pyne's darkest one.
*Spoiler*
She's roofied to sign off a power of attorney to him and is dumped on a farm, is convinced some witch doctor swapped her life with that of some poor woman, she stays out of fear of being locked in an insane asylum, falls in love with a farmer, and in the end she stays in her new life because of Stockholm syndrome or whatever, while Parker gets the green light to give all her money away.
Call me crazy, but giving up a fortune to fix a brooding alcoholic bad boy is the dumbest thing a woman can do with her life. But I guess it's a happy ending in the romance genre.
He does a lot is questionable things, but this is definitely Pyne's darkest one.
May 2, 2017
Parker Pyne Investigates
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
July 10, 2017
This story is one of the most appealing ones in this collection. I found it mysterious to even think what will Mr. Parker do with her case. The ending was unique and convincing
January 9, 2020
Maybe it’s because i’m emotional but the ending actually made me tear up a little bit
July 1, 2020
[2.75/5] I can swear I read another story that was just like this.
April 10, 2025
Good short story
April 28, 2023
this story wasn't my favourite from parker pyne's, however i still enjoyed it. i loved the love story between mrs rymer and joe welsh. it was actually filmsy (rich girl married to a poor guy who wasn't very intelligent but got a pair of pretty blue eyes with big heart) and the ending made me curious about what parker pyne did to the rest of rymer's wealth.
September 4, 2024
Es raro que en cuentos tan cortos haga una reseña pero este cuento me encantó. A veces tenemos todo (monetariamente) en nuestras vidas y no somos felices, sentimos el vacío existencial del ser. Dejar para volver a ser y sentir eso es como reiniciar de cero.
March 12, 2025
Another entry of this interesting new series of Christie’s, with Parker Pyne as the scientific student of human nature who creates situations to try to solve his clients’ problems. I liked the anti-materialist messaging in this one.
November 22, 2025
A fun and rhythmically paced Agatha Christie winter mystery. The subject differs and takes some peculiar turns in the story which makes this short story stand out as one of my favourites of Agatha Christie's.
January 10, 2023
Reread. There’s the issue of orientalism, but still, it’s plotted excellently
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews