This book is extremely readable, and, while the case itself is not one of Agatha Christie's most complex, the denouement is definately a shock and Miss Marple is delightful all the way through. The characters in this novel are not typical of the Miss Marple books: Marina Gregg, a famous film actress, is the most luminous character, hardly a likely addition to St Mary Mead. This novel can also be seen as an interesting social document, for we are informed of all the changes to which the village has been subjected in the 1960s, including "the development". However, the Marple atmosphere is retained almost intact, and the novel does not disappoint. The ending is interesting and unusual, too, though the reader would not be advised to attempt to work it out for himself, as clues are not in abundance. Not quite classic Christie, though as enjoyable as always.