Peril at End House characters

Appears from the start

The Belgian detective, intending to enjoy a quiet holiday at St Loo with Hastings and insisting that he has retired. A bullet that narrowly misses a young woman changes his plans. He treats the repeated dangers around End House as a challenge to prevent a murder rather than merely explain one afterward.

Appears from the start

Poirot's loyal English friend and the narrator of the case, recently returned from South America. Hastings is delighted to join another investigation and remains susceptible to beauty, romance, and the most straightforward interpretation of the evidence.

Also known as Nick

Appears from the start

The young owner of End House, a weathered family property above the sea at St Loo. Lively, reckless, and short of money, she treats a series of near-fatal mishaps as bad luck until Poirot finds a bullet hole in her hat. She knows many people but seems to trust none of them completely.

First appears in chapter 6

Nick's cousin from Yorkshire, also named Magdala but known as Maggie. She is steady, unaffected, and unfamiliar with Nick's fashionable circle. Poirot asks Nick to bring in a relative she can trust, and Maggie comes to End House for the fireworks party.

First appears in chapter 3

Nick's closest friend, a beautiful young woman whose marriage has broken down. She speaks languidly and is accompanied by gossip about both her private life and her friendship with the wealthy Jim Lazarus.

First appears in chapter 3

A wealthy young art dealer and Frederica Rice's constant companion. He is attentive to her and takes a practical interest in the pictures and possessions at End House, though Nick's circle is not certain how far his attachment goes.

First appears in chapter 3

Nick's cousin and solicitor, reserved, competent, and disapproving of the way she lives. He manages legal matters connected with End House and appears a possible heir if she dies, a fact that neither improves his manner nor makes him easier to read.

First appears in chapter 3

A naval officer in Nick's circle, straightforward and protective toward her. His service duties give him an irregular presence at St Loo, and his personal concern for Nick is plain even when hers is not.

First appears in chapter 4

An Australian tenant of the lodge at End House, hearty, helpful, and full of plans for improving the place. He and his wife have attached themselves quickly to the household and present themselves as useful neighbours.

First appears in chapter 4

Bert Croft's invalid wife, who spends much of her time confined to the lodge. She is warm toward Nick and pleased to receive visitors who break the isolation of her illness.

First appears in chapter 10

The celebrated young aviator attempting a round-the-world flight. He is not part of the St Loo party, but news of his aircraft's disappearance becomes important to the private history behind End House.