Title: A Murder Is Announced
Author: Agatha Christie
First published June 1, 1950
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781579126292 (ISBN10: 1579126294)
Rating: 4
Overview
Agatha Christie’s thrilling mystery, “A Murder is Announced,” has captured the hearts of crime fiction fans worldwide. In the quaint village of Chipping Cleghorn, Jane Marple finds herself embroiled in a puzzling case.
An advertisement in the local gazette sets the villagers abuzz, proclaiming a murder to take place at Little Paddocks on Friday October 29th. Is it a sinister prank or a real threat?
As the clock ticks down, a crowd gathers at the appointed time, but when the lights go out, chaos ensues. With her sharp wit and cunning intellect, Miss Marple must unravel the clues to uncover the truth behind this chilling announcement.
Published in 1950 by William Collins, “A Murder is Announced” is a must-read for fans of classic whodunits.
About the Author
Agatha Christie, one of the most successful authors of all time, wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, as well as fourteen plays and six romance novels under a pseudonym. Her incredible talent has resulted in over a billion copies of her books being sold in English and in translation, and she holds the impressive title of the most-translated individual author.
Her most famous creations are detective characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple, and her play, , holds the record for the longest-running play in modern theatre history.
Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller was born in Devon, England, and was the youngest of three children. She worked as a nurse during the First World War before marrying and starting a family in London.
During the Second World War, she worked as a pharmacy assistant, which gave her extensive knowledge of poisons that she used in her writing.
Her first novel, , was published in 1920, and she went on to write several more during her first marriage. In 1926, her husband revealed that he was in love with another woman, and Agatha disappeared for eleven days, causing a public outcry.
Agatha went on to marry archaeologist Max Mallowan and often used their travels as inspiration for her stories. She also drew inspiration from her childhood home in Torquay and Abney Hall in Cheshire.
Agatha was honoured for her literary achievements with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire appointment and became the President of the Detection Club in 1957.
Editoral Review
Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced, published on June 1, 1950, is a classic example of the mystery genre that has captivated readers for generations. Christie, known as the “Queen of Mystery,” was a prolific writer who created iconic characters and intricate plots that continue to influence writers today.
Set in the idyllic English village of Chipping Cleghorn, the novel revolves around a newspaper advertisement that announces a murder at a specific time and location. As the clock ticks down to the appointed hour, the residents of the village gather at the designated house, expecting a game of charades, only to find themselves embroiled in a real-life murder mystery.
The novel is populated by a cast of memorable characters, including the sharp-witted Miss Marple, who uses her keen intellect and knowledge of human nature to unravel the tangled web of clues and suspects. The setting of the village provides a cozy atmosphere that belies the dark deeds that lurk beneath the surface.
One of the strengths of A Murder Is Announced is Christie’s ability to create a complex plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The novel’s pacing is expertly crafted, with each chapter building upon the last and leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Another standout aspect of the novel is Christie’s skillful use of red herrings and misdirection to keep the reader engaged and guessing. The clues are carefully placed throughout the text, and the reader is challenged to piece together the puzzle alongside Miss Marple.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the characters to be somewhat one-dimensional, with little depth beyond their roles in the mystery.
Additionally, the novel’s reliance on coincidence to drive the plot may strain credulity for some readers.
Despite these limitations, A Murder Is Announced remains a classic mystery novel that is well worth reading. Its themes of deception, betrayal, and human nature are as relevant today as they were in 1950.
The novel’s intricate plot and memorable characters make it a standout example of the genre, and its influence can be seen in the works of countless mystery writers who have followed in Christie’s footsteps.
Overall, A Murder Is Announced is a must-read for fans of the mystery genre and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted plot and memorable characters. Its historical significance and enduring popularity make it a timeless classic that should not be missed.
On a scale of 1 to 10, A Murder Is Announced deserves a solid 8 for its expertly crafted plot, memorable characters, and enduring relevance.