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In "Hercule Poirot's Christmas" by Agatha Christie, Simeon Lee, a wealthy and tyrannical patriarch, invites his estranged family to his home for Christmas, much to their suspicion. Simeon is known for his cruel nature and lacks warm family sentiments, causing tension and anticipation of his motives among his relatives, including the black sheep, Harry, and the newly introduced granddaughter, Pilar Estravados. The sudden arrival of Stephen Farr, son of Simeon's former business partner, adds another layer of mystery.
During the Christmas Eve dinner, a violent disruption leads the family to discover Simeon murdered in a locked room, initiating a classic locked-room mystery scenario. Superintendent Sugden, already present under the guise of investigating a theft, and visiting Hercule Poirot, the famed Belgian detective, take on the case.
Through ingenious deduction and understanding of family dynamics, Poirot navigates through the myriad motives and secrets of the Lee family. The investigation reveals familial bitterness, hidden relationships, and layers of deception, challenging Poirot to unmask the killer among many possible suspects.
Ultimately, Poirot exposes Superintendent Sugden as the murderer, an illegitimate child of Simeon seeking revenge for abandonment. The intricate plot unfolds against a festive backdrop, laden with Christie's hallmark twists and a dramatic revelation, making it not only a compelling mystery but a profound exploration of human relationships and vengeance.