The Protagonists
Dramatis Personae
Achille Perrot
Hercule Poirot’s grandson, who not only inherited the predilection for a moustache, but also the excellent grey cells from his cherished ancestor.
John Harold Jeff, the Later
investigating descendant of the legendary Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard; clad in a most unconventional tuxedo
Madame Elsa
despite her advanced age, she knows how to captivate her circle of friends with more than her musical talent on the flute
Karl
manservant who dutifully puts a lid on something
Doctor Wiesenegger
primus inter pares, who appreciates Cuban cigars and who arouses suspicion
Major Groot
who is anything but a major
Pastor Georgius Brödermann
a man of God who plays the double bass
Mayor Valerius
who is loath to making a confession under any circumstances
Greta Valerius
the mayor’s wife, who wears a cherry red evening gown with small decorative bows
Pharmacist Holtheyde
pushes arsenic over the counter
Martha Holtheyde
Pharmacist Holtheyde’s wife, who has water in her veins instead of blood
Pouline
who is more suspicious than Perrot would care to admit
David
surprises with an Old Testament interpretation of the fifth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill”
The hobby poet
who forecasts snow
Detective Constable Lisa Langeloh
police officer who does not always follow official instructions
Detective Constable Dirk Weidenthal
police officer who whistles piercingly in the course of his official duties