"Cat Among the Pigeons", by Agatha Christie, featuring Hercule Poirot. Withdrawn from a library. First published in 1959, this is the 50th anniversary edition, published in 2009. Excellent condition, some very minor pen marks on two pages; usual library stamps on the top/bottom of the book.

Meadowbank is one of the most exclusive girls’ schools in England. It’s unthinkable that there should be a murder at Meadowbank. But a train of violence, starting in the Middle East and involving jewels, intrigue, and secret agents, did in fact reach its deadly climax within the distinguished precincts of the school itself. Worse still, it became clear that the culprit must actually be among the staff or the pupils. There was a cat among the pigeons.

It was that intelligent schoolgirl, Julia Upjohn, who finally went to consult Hercule Poirot. “It’s very urgent,” she said. “It’s about some murders and a robbery and things like that.” Unruffled and retaining every bit of his customary and engaging aplomb, the incomparable Belgian set about unravelling a case which, he was forced to agree, was a devious and complicated as a snarl of tangled wool.

Agatha Christie has once again succeeded brilliantly in blending entertainment, detection, and suspense to give her vast number of admirers a book which fully maintains the unique and enviable Christie tradition.