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A Murder Is Announced

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1950

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Book Brief

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Agatha Christie

A Murder Is Announced

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1950
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chipping Cleghorn • 1950s

Publication Year

1950

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

In A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie, post-World War II England is rocked by murder when a village notice reveals a crime is set to occur at Little Paddocks. Owner Letitia Blacklock is clueless about the announcement, and curiosity draws neighbors to the scene. At the designated time, a blackout ensues, shots are fired, and a body is found, leading to a complex investigation by Inspector Craddock and Miss Marple. Themes of violence and death are prevalent.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Unnerving

Dark

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.2

81,751 ratings

75%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Agatha Christie's A Murder Is Announced garners acclaim for its clever plot and engaging twists. Fans appreciate the well-crafted mystery and Christie’s signature suspense. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the character development lacking depth. Overall, the novel is a solid addition to Christie's body of work, appealing most to avid mystery enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Murder Is Announced?

Fans of classic whodunits with a taste for suspenseful plots will relish Agatha Christie's A Murder Is Announced. Similar readers often enjoy The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle and The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, appreciating complex characters and intricate mysteries.

4.2

81,751 ratings

75%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Miss Jane Marple

An astute amateur detective from St. Mary Mead who uses her keen observation of human nature to solve mysteries, often underestimated due to her unassuming demeanor.

An imposing woman living in Little Paddocks who uses her air of authority and aristocratic bearing to mask secrets, becoming central to the unfolding mystery.

The lead detective on the case who works alongside Miss Marple, known for his attractive appearance and ability to bridge generational perspectives.

A childhood friend and loyal companion to Miss Blacklock, often nicknamed "Bunny," remembered for her absent-mindedness and unwitting insight.

A reserved young mother working as a gardener at Little Paddocks, whose secretive nature makes her a suspect, and whose background highlights post-war struggles.

A university student and distant cousin of Miss Blacklock known for his devil-may-care attitude and fondness for practical jokes.

An imposter posing as Julia, who infiltrates Little Paddocks with ulterior motives and is known for her chestnut hair and bored expression.

Miss Blacklock’s expressive and emotional cook, a European refugee whose wartime trauma impacts her interactions, and whose character poses cultural contrasts.

A chatty widow living with her son Edmund, providing comic relief with her nervous chatter and reflections on postwar austerity.

Mrs. Swettenham’s son, an aspiring writer with a solemn demeanor and large spectacles, whose personal growth arc is subtly noted.

A practical, energetic woman with traditionally masculine attributes who lives with Miss Murgatroyd and is deeply affected by events.

The sweet-natured and disorganized companion of Miss Hinchcliffe, recognized for her amiable nature and childlike naivety.

A retired army officer who believes himself authoritative and paternalistic, characterized by his distinctive mustache-twirling habit.

A younger wife of Colonel Easterbrook, known for her blonde hair and flattering demeanor, who manipulates perceptions for her benefit.

The village vicar and his cheerful, round-faced wife Bunch, a forthright character known for her directness and close relation to Miss Marple.

The dying widow of Letitia Blacklock’s former employer, whose vibrant love of life contrasts with Charlotte Blacklock’s guarded existence.

Rydesdale is the respected superior of Craddock, while Sir Henry is a distinguished retired commissioner who advocates Miss Marple’s prowess as a detective.

A Swiss receptionist whose actions inadvertently instigate significant events within the novel, noted for his foreign origin and the unease it provokes.

The Vicarage cat, whose unintended actions contribute to Miss Marple's investigation by offering crucial insight through their behaviors.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chipping Cleghorn • 1950s

Publication Year

1950

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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