A tale of apparent black magic and prophecy, written by Agatha Christie during a period where such works of a supernatural nature were gaining in popularity. The novel features Hercule Poirot's friend the famous mystery writer, Ariadne Oliver, albeit in a modest role. Adapted for the BBC in early 2020, starring Rufus Sewell as the novelist's protagonist Mark Easterbrook, though as a decidedly more nuanced version of the character.

First edition, first impression; 8vo; publisher's orange cloth, titles to spine black, with the unclipped dustjacet, priced 15s. on front flap, spine ends and corners a little chipped, closed tear with creasing to foot of lower fore-edge, a few nicks or small chips to head and foot with light creasing, spotting and marking to lower panel, extremities rubbed but still a very good copy.