The world stands on the edge of an abyss as the outbreak of World War II grows ever closer... In an effort to demonstrate international unity, the 'Peace Party' hosts a grand reception, which re-unites POIROT with his good friend JAPP, now Assistant Commissioner of the Met. The illustrious crowd also includes English diplomat STEPHEN PAYNTER, and the French scientist and Peace Party stalwart, MADAME OLIVIER. The American tycoon, and hearty backer of the Party, ABE RYLAND, fronts the event, which climaxes in an exciting game of chess, where he takes on the reclusive Russian Grandmaster, DR. IVAN SAVARANOFF. But the match has barely begun, when suddenly SAVARANOFF collapses - dead!