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Parker Pyne #13
Problem at Pollensa Bay - a Parker Pyne Short Story / a Hercule Poirot Short Story
Parker Pyne is on holiday at the Hotel Pino D’Oro on the island of Mallorca, one of Spain's Balearic islands in the Mediterranean. He desperately wants to relax. Unfortunately also staying at the hotel are two fellow British guests, Mrs. Adela Chester and her dutiful son, Basil. When Mrs. Chester discovers that Pyne is a wizard, as she puts it, at solving human problems, she calls on him to save Basil from a most unsuitable marriage.
Librarian's note #1: an earlier version has Hercule Poirot as the lead character, with minor differences. Thus the entry on Goodreads shows both as leads.
Librarian's note #2: this entry is for the short story, Problem at Pollensa Bay, not the collection under the same name. Collections of short stories by the author, including the two mentioned below, are located elsewhere on Goodreads. Entries for all Parker Pyne stories can be found by searching GR for: a Parker Pyne Short Story, and the same for Hercule Poirot stories: a Hercule Poirot Short Story.
Librarian's note #3: the story was published in the anthologies, The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories, and Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories. It first came out in Strand Magazine in November 1935, and then in the USA as Siren Business in Liberty in September 1936.
Librarian's note #4: this is #13 of the 14 Parker Pyne stories.
Librarian's note #1: an earlier version has Hercule Poirot as the lead character, with minor differences. Thus the entry on Goodreads shows both as leads.
Librarian's note #2: this entry is for the short story, Problem at Pollensa Bay, not the collection under the same name. Collections of short stories by the author, including the two mentioned below, are located elsewhere on Goodreads. Entries for all Parker Pyne stories can be found by searching GR for: a Parker Pyne Short Story, and the same for Hercule Poirot stories: a Hercule Poirot Short Story.
Librarian's note #3: the story was published in the anthologies, The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories, and Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories. It first came out in Strand Magazine in November 1935, and then in the USA as Siren Business in Liberty in September 1936.
Librarian's note #4: this is #13 of the 14 Parker Pyne stories.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1935
91 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,813 books76.2k 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)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 25, 2024
Parker Pyne helps a momma out.
And like most of the help he gives his clients, it's not the help they asked for but the help that they actually need.
Pyne is on vacation when he realizes that one of the hotel guests, Mrs. Chester, is quite upset about something. Naturally, he then changes his name in the hotel book so she won't realize who he is and ask him to help her! Because...EW.
This works for a few days, but they eventually run into a woman who recognizes him and is unmasked. Within hours, Mrs. Chester corners him and begs him to save her son from an unsuitable marriage.
Her beloved son, who is actually quite devoted to his mother, is in love with a young woman named Betty. Betty wears too much lipstick and orders cocktails instead of tea. GASP!
Pyne gently points out that perhaps she's not so bad and perhaps Mrs. Chester should try to find out who she is outside of being a mother. His advice doesn't go over well.
Because moms gonna be nosy & intrusive.
Shhh. We can't help it. I swear.
And yet, he agrees to help.
But instead of Mr. Pyne getting rid of the terrible Betty, it appears that Mr. Basil Chester has already switched his affections to a saucy little sexpot. When faced with the idea that her Basil might just run off with this unacceptable hussy with emerald green toenail polish, Betty starts to look like a pretty darn good option!
Can Parker Pyne save the day?
This is my favorite Parker Pyne story. Loved it!
I thought I'd read all of his stories. <--but no! So this was a fun find.
Originally published in 1936 and titled Sirens Business in Liberty Magazine
Read as part of the short story collection Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery
And like most of the help he gives his clients, it's not the help they asked for but the help that they actually need.
Pyne is on vacation when he realizes that one of the hotel guests, Mrs. Chester, is quite upset about something. Naturally, he then changes his name in the hotel book so she won't realize who he is and ask him to help her! Because...EW.
This works for a few days, but they eventually run into a woman who recognizes him and is unmasked. Within hours, Mrs. Chester corners him and begs him to save her son from an unsuitable marriage.
Her beloved son, who is actually quite devoted to his mother, is in love with a young woman named Betty. Betty wears too much lipstick and orders cocktails instead of tea. GASP!
Pyne gently points out that perhaps she's not so bad and perhaps Mrs. Chester should try to find out who she is outside of being a mother. His advice doesn't go over well.
Because moms gonna be nosy & intrusive.
Shhh. We can't help it. I swear.
And yet, he agrees to help.
But instead of Mr. Pyne getting rid of the terrible Betty, it appears that Mr. Basil Chester has already switched his affections to a saucy little sexpot. When faced with the idea that her Basil might just run off with this unacceptable hussy with emerald green toenail polish, Betty starts to look like a pretty darn good option!
Can Parker Pyne save the day?
This is my favorite Parker Pyne story. Loved it!
I thought I'd read all of his stories. <--but no! So this was a fun find.
Originally published in 1936 and titled Sirens Business in Liberty Magazine
Read as part of the short story collection Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery
October 28, 2025
Problem at Pollensa Bay is one of the best of the Parker Pyne stories. He is on vacation, very much trying to remain anonymous. Pyne’s reputation as a problem solver appears to be more prevalent once he is outside of his own turf; he takes note that other cultures appear to pay more attention to the ads in the paper than those back across the pond.
Of course someone recognizes Parker and outs him. Soon he is roped into the affairs of a mother and son much too close for the good of either. Enter a flirty but fabulous interloper of a girl with her wild dress and carefree manner. Of course that unhealthy mother/son dynamic is threatened when the boy likes the unsuitable girl and attempts to break free.
Problem at Pollensa Bay is utterly charming. It contains some twists and turns involving an even more outrageously unsuitable girl than the aforementioned. It all ends on a boat, and is very satisfying. Great stuff from Agatha Christie.
Of course someone recognizes Parker and outs him. Soon he is roped into the affairs of a mother and son much too close for the good of either. Enter a flirty but fabulous interloper of a girl with her wild dress and carefree manner. Of course that unhealthy mother/son dynamic is threatened when the boy likes the unsuitable girl and attempts to break free.
Problem at Pollensa Bay is utterly charming. It contains some twists and turns involving an even more outrageously unsuitable girl than the aforementioned. It all ends on a boat, and is very satisfying. Great stuff from Agatha Christie.
November 6, 2025
3 Stars. Has it happened to you - arriving on vacation and looking forward to true relaxation when your hotel, this time on the island of Mallorca near Barcelona, turns out to be full? Finally a nice one is found, this time Hotel Pino d'Oro in nearby Pollensa Bay, but within minutes you are recognized. Can you feel your promised relaxation slipping away? Something similar has happened to me and likely to you. It happens to Parker Pyne, the detective of the heart, who advertises in London in the personal column of The Times. The ad is short and sweet, but he gets inundated. "Are you happy? If not, consult Mr. Parker Pyne." The story first appeared in Strand Magazine in 1935; my read came from The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories of 1939 reprinted by HarperCollins in 2012. Pyne even tries to disguise his name in the registry by using his first name, Christopher. Doesn't work. When Mrs. Adela Chester finds out about his talents, she immediately asks him to save her 25-year-old son Basil from what she perceives as a soon-to-be disastrous marriage to Betty Gregg, also there on vacation. What does he do? Does he pull it off? A fun little read. (Mar2021/No2025)
March 4, 2023
"Agatha Christie's 'Problem at Pollensa Bay' is a cozy mystery novel featuring detective Parker Pyne.
This is my introduction to Parker Pyne.
The story takes place at the Hotel Pino D'Oro in Mallorca, where Parker Pyne is on holiday and hoping to relax. However, when he is approached by fellow British guest, Mrs. Adela Chester, to solve her son's romantic problems, Pyne is once again thrust into the world of detective work. The plot revolves around the relationships between the characters and their attempts to navigate the complexities of love and romance.
While the story lacks the suspense and intrigue of Christie's more notable works, the writing style is engaging and the characters are likable. Overall, 'Problem at Pollensa Bay' is a light and enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries."
This is my introduction to Parker Pyne.
The story takes place at the Hotel Pino D'Oro in Mallorca, where Parker Pyne is on holiday and hoping to relax. However, when he is approached by fellow British guest, Mrs. Adela Chester, to solve her son's romantic problems, Pyne is once again thrust into the world of detective work. The plot revolves around the relationships between the characters and their attempts to navigate the complexities of love and romance.
While the story lacks the suspense and intrigue of Christie's more notable works, the writing style is engaging and the characters are likable. Overall, 'Problem at Pollensa Bay' is a light and enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries."
July 24, 2021
Very clever!
February 6, 2020
I'm reading The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories: Featuring Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Mr. Parker Pyne The first Parker Pyne story that was in the book was The Regatta Mystery: A Short Story I really didn't like it at all, but this story was more like the Parker Pyne stories I'm used to after reading Parker Pyne Investigates I enjoyed it for what it was.
January 18, 2019
Problem at Pollensa Bay is a short story collection by Agatha Cristie which was published in 1991. It's an interesting read if you enjoy the charisma of Hercule Poirot and Parker Pyne. It does also feature a couple of stories with Harley Quin.
These stories were published in various UK magazines before being collated for a book. These are stories written by her at the beginning of her writing career. .
The stories in this collection run the gamut from murder mysteries to one story that verges upon being a pure romance. Every story is about a murder, theft or mistaken identity.
The book not just entertains but portrays Cristie's breadth and depth of writing.
These stories were published in various UK magazines before being collated for a book. These are stories written by her at the beginning of her writing career. .
The stories in this collection run the gamut from murder mysteries to one story that verges upon being a pure romance. Every story is about a murder, theft or mistaken identity.
The book not just entertains but portrays Cristie's breadth and depth of writing.
November 30, 2020
Hahah amazing
December 12, 2020
Parker Pyne employs an age-old technique to bring lovers in "tension" closer. Christie's dime-a-dozen young-lit romantic short is as caseous as Ramona's painted toe-nails are to Mrs. Chester.
January 23, 2022
This was my first Parker Pyne short story and it was awesome! Parker Pyne is so funny and even though there is no mystery element in this one, I had a great time reading it!
August 17, 2024
I can’t decide if that much meddling with relationships is clever or cruel. I wouldn’t want to be in that family, anyway. To think if mom ever found out!
July 23, 2023
3.5 stars
January 11, 2023
Second last stories of the Parker Pyne series, and he goes back to his line of work even though he is still on vacation. It’s time he realizes he cannot have vacation—he is too famous.
And he uses the same trick he used in The Case of the Discontented Husband - a Parker Pyne Short Story, even though he noted that using the charms of Madeleine was no good. Luckily, it works better here.
BTW have you noticed his full name has changed? He was “J. Parker Pyne” in Have You Got Everything You Want?: A Parker Pyne Short Story and Death on the Nile: A Parker Pyne Short Story but here he is “C. Parker Pyne.”
And he uses the same trick he used in The Case of the Discontented Husband - a Parker Pyne Short Story, even though he noted that using the charms of Madeleine was no good. Luckily, it works better here.
BTW have you noticed his full name has changed? He was “J. Parker Pyne” in Have You Got Everything You Want?: A Parker Pyne Short Story and Death on the Nile: A Parker Pyne Short Story but here he is “C. Parker Pyne.”
January 6, 2022
First story I have read with Parker Pune. There is no murder in it. It was quit enjoyable but very simple.
February 9, 2021
This is by Agatha Christie and there good. I don't think I have ever read a bad Christie. I especially enjoy the Halley Quinn Stories.
June 22, 2021
A short story featuring Parker Pyne. Light and entertaining.
September 7, 2015
It was fitting that after my daughter's first holiday to Majorca she should inform me that on of her return Agatha Christie went there as well. Not only that she thought a story had been set at a place they visited, Pollensa Bay.
This prompted me to check if I had a volume of stories which contained this short story "Problem at Pollensa Bay" only to discover a rich collection of ebooks of individual stories available and i was delight to by this one and read it for myself.
I found the holiday setting facinating; pre-war, worries about the exchange rate, girls wearing trousers and wondering why English wasn't more widely spoken.
The concept of the problem is a problem in itself; a mother worried about her son getting in with the wrong crowd, drinking and beiong out with girls. The trouble is although this is like 1935 he is 25 and as a modern reader I found this problems were addressed by cheap flights to Ibiza and generally 18-30 holidays where if you were really over 21 you were perhaps too old for these.
That said Parker Pyne's analysis of life is true still in parts and never so much as saying over 45 is the time to find yourself and reflect on life.
In a world of crime and bad news daily, here is a simple tell about life. love and the potential for happiness. Ms Christie is a cute observer of the mundane and relationships; I have always enjoyed her writing since a teenager and whenever I return to it. I am delighted my daughter is excited by this author and I know she'll love this story as much as her holiday this year.
I hope you will to and likewise turn to other books by the queen of crime.
This prompted me to check if I had a volume of stories which contained this short story "Problem at Pollensa Bay" only to discover a rich collection of ebooks of individual stories available and i was delight to by this one and read it for myself.
I found the holiday setting facinating; pre-war, worries about the exchange rate, girls wearing trousers and wondering why English wasn't more widely spoken.
The concept of the problem is a problem in itself; a mother worried about her son getting in with the wrong crowd, drinking and beiong out with girls. The trouble is although this is like 1935 he is 25 and as a modern reader I found this problems were addressed by cheap flights to Ibiza and generally 18-30 holidays where if you were really over 21 you were perhaps too old for these.
That said Parker Pyne's analysis of life is true still in parts and never so much as saying over 45 is the time to find yourself and reflect on life.
In a world of crime and bad news daily, here is a simple tell about life. love and the potential for happiness. Ms Christie is a cute observer of the mundane and relationships; I have always enjoyed her writing since a teenager and whenever I return to it. I am delighted my daughter is excited by this author and I know she'll love this story as much as her holiday this year.
I hope you will to and likewise turn to other books by the queen of crime.
July 6, 2016
Mr Parker Pyne is on vacation in Majorca. He finds a hotel that isn't too expensive and has some vacancy. He meets Mrs. Chester and her son Basil, as well as Basil's love interest, Betty. Mrs. Chester does not like Betty and wants Mr. Parker Pyne to break them up. Mr. Parker Pyne has some words and advice for the mother. He leaves the hotel and when he comes back, Basil is infatuated with another woman who behaves absolutely rudely to Mrs. Chester & Betty.
Mr. Parker Pyne resolves the conflict through the other woman leaving. How?
Mr. Parker Pyne resolves the conflict through the other woman leaving. How?
May 31, 2017
Very different from the usual intricate mysteries Agatha Christie writes. This more of an amusing short story to be read in less than an hour.
I thought I had read almost all Christie's books. So I was surprised to see the title in the library yesterday. Seems to be a less known short story written early in her writing career .
If you are a Hercule Poirot fan, I suggest you don't waste time reading it. You might find it a little bit silly.
I thought I had read almost all Christie's books. So I was surprised to see the title in the library yesterday. Seems to be a less known short story written early in her writing career .
If you are a Hercule Poirot fan, I suggest you don't waste time reading it. You might find it a little bit silly.
March 9, 2020
Parker Pyne is wonderful as usual!
Parker Pyne is wonderful as usual! I love these short stories and wish Christie had written more with him or even a full length novel. Clever and charming and back to an era I wish I could have experienced.
Parker Pyne is wonderful as usual! I love these short stories and wish Christie had written more with him or even a full length novel. Clever and charming and back to an era I wish I could have experienced.
April 27, 2021
Wonderful reading 📚
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me, a will written romantic novella with interesting characters. The story line is about young love 💘and the pitfalls. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 😄
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me, a will written romantic novella with interesting characters. The story line is about young love 💘and the pitfalls. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 😄
December 31, 2024
Mr C. Parker Pyne is another character of Agatha Christie’s that I haven’t come across before. He is more psychologist than detective, and assists in helping a love match get past a disapproving mother. He is another character I wouldn’t mind reading more about. 4 stars
February 21, 2025
Mr. Parker Pyne:
"Nobody's life can be ruined except by themselves"
**
This is a nifty little story. A fast and entertaining read. Good background about Mallorca in the 1930's
I'm looking forward to more of Mr. Parker Pyne.
"Nobody's life can be ruined except by themselves"
**
This is a nifty little story. A fast and entertaining read. Good background about Mallorca in the 1930's
I'm looking forward to more of Mr. Parker Pyne.
July 21, 2016
Why is he always "Mr. Parker Pyne"? Weird.
October 26, 2015
Very cute story
I did not know that this was a short story. I enjoyed reading it. I need to become more aware of what some kindle books are ahead of ordering.
I did not know that this was a short story. I enjoyed reading it. I need to become more aware of what some kindle books are ahead of ordering.
February 6, 2019
A clever twist at the end but I wouldn't really call it a mystery.
July 8, 2017
Short, simply and so much fun to read. I liked every part of this book maybe it's because it's very short and it's been a while since I had my Agatha Christie does of books! Highly recommended !
September 17, 2018
Brilliantly Christie!
Brilliantly written. If this story had been ten times as long I would still have kept on turning the pages! Highly recommended
Brilliantly written. If this story had been ten times as long I would still have kept on turning the pages! Highly recommended
January 28, 2019
A Parker Pyne's adventure which I found a bit usual and of the same plot of one of his previous works.
March 3, 2019
He's investigating murder and theft, but can he sabotage young love upon the request of an overbearing mother. Loved the imagery and the twist though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews