REVIEW: A Murder Is Announced (Agatha Christie)

Book: A Murder is Announced

Author: Agatha Christie

Premise: The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn find a notice in their papers: ‘A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6.30pm.’ Suspecting a joke, they gather for some entertainment. Then a gunshot is heard. In desperation, the police turn to an old lady whose hobbies are gardening, gossiping – and solving murders.

This story started slow with setting the scene but really picked up once Miss Marple entered the fray. It was really clever with twists and turns - all the hallmarks of a good Christie. There are lots of characters that you've got to try to keep track of. I managed to work out who the murderer was, but not the why or the how. The only thing I didn't like was the numerous comments about distrusting foreigners, but that is only to be expected from a book of that time. Overall, enjoyable.