The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel

"The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel" is a novella by A.E.W. Mason featuring Inspector Hanaud, a detective from the French Sûreté who is considered the model for Agatha Christie's famous character, Hercule Poirot. In this mystery, a robbery and murder take place at the Semiramis Hotel, but there is doubt as to whether it actually happened or if it was a hallucination induced by mescal. This novella is the second in a series of seven Hanaud mysteries, with the first being "At the Villa Rose" and the third being "The House of the Arrow". Fans of detective fiction may find this series intriguing and enjoyable.