A Murder is Announced

Starred review from June 28, 2010
After a curious newspaper notice announces an upcoming murder in the quiet village of Chipping Cleghorn, a host of nosy neighbors turn up at Little Paddocks just as shots ring out and a dead body is discovered. When the police arrive and call the death a suicide, the incredulous Inspector Craddock quickly enlists elderly sleuth Miss Marple to help him crack the case. Capturing the spirit of this cozy murder mystery, Rosemary Leach's crisp, well-paced narration transports listeners to the sleepy English countryside and delivers requisite doses of suspense at all the right moments. Her rendition of Miss Marple is spot-on, and the voices she lends to an array of elderly villagers are varied, true, and utterly delightful. A must for Christie fans and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.