Rating: 
Summary: A true classic
Review: A Murder Is Announced is a classic, I would make this one of the first Miss Marple stories you read its full of surprises.
Rating: 
Summary: The book is a silly, but sweet book.
Review: A Murder is Announced is a story that leaves you hanging at the edge of your seat. The charcters leave a little to be desired except the wonderful Miss Marple. The plot runs away from you as Dame Agatha goes from creative to down right silly. If you want a real Agatha novel check out And Then There Was None.
Rating:
Summary: A murder is announced
Review: A murder is to take place on Friday at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m., its all assumed a joke in poor taste, is its aim to mock the somewhat nosey inhabitants of chipping cleghorn or is something more sinister afoot, no doubt when Miss Marple becomes involved in the web of murder its transparently clear...
This in my opinion with he possible exception of nemesis is the finest marple I have read, the plot runs smoothly and lulls one into a wonderful idyllic 1950's world till we are snapped back out by a series of wicked though fabulously staged murders. My personal favourite the strangulation, this book grabs your attention and for one of the first times we feel miss marple has the wool pulled over her eyes she seems somewhat detached from the plot only really flourishing at the end sealing the murders fate like the ambassador of justice this "old pussy" is. The mismatched disjointed plot is no literary mistake but adds a wonderful style which really catches the reader by surprise, the cruel pursuit of money and comfort after a life of repression is a fine example of what miss marple chooses to call human nature, do not miss this book it will enchant every type of reader with the simplicity yet genius of the crime executed.
Rating: 
Summary: High, but not top, notch Christie
Review: A rather dated Christie mystery; shows the effects of the years after the Second World War, rationing, coupons, and the subsequent bartering made necessary. Unlike some of her works, this one has not aged quite as well; part of the problem is that the mystery's machinations depend upon things which are not today, including the WWII effects mentioned before. Also, some of the people and types are simply different nowadays, people do not behave the same way. In many Christies, of course, this is the case, but in this particular one the apparently unnatural behaviour stands out rather more. Of course, the mystery iteslf is well written, well hidden, and satisfyingly revealed with the help of Miss Marple. Indeed, the climactic revelation is quite as dramatic as any of Christie's i can remember offhand. Sadly, though, i am not left with the complete satisfaction she usually gives me.
Rating:
Summary: A Thoroughly Gripping Story!
Review: Agatha Chriestie has always been my favorite mystery writer, and Miss Jane Marple has always been my favorite of her series detectives. "A Murder Is Announced" is by far her best Miss Marple mystery. This plot is set in a rural village, jus the appropriate setting for Miss Marple since she lives in St. Mary Mead.
In this installment, residents of the village Chipping Cleghorn are shocked to discover an advertisement in their newspaper, "The Gazette" which announces that a murder will take place at 6-30 PM at Little Paddocks. Thinking that it is either a cruel joke or a murder mystery party, the villagers arrive at the home of there friend and neighbor Laticia Blacklock, and are horrified to be the witnesses of an actual murder. The novel progresses as Miss Marple, who is visiting her godchild Bunch at the vicarage, struggles to unravel the complex mystery along with Inspector Dermot Craddock.
All the characters in this novel are extremely likable, particularly Dora Bunner, Hench and Mergatroid, and Patrick. They each have their own quirks which always appear in village life. As usual, Agatha Christie has woven a superb plot with an astonishing conclusion. You cannot honestly say you are a fan of "The Queen of Crime" if you have not read this particular installment. It is unforgettable, and one which is destined to delight readers for many generations to come. Happy reading to you all!
Rating:
Summary: Miss Marple's Excellent Adventure
Review: Agatha Christie takes us and Miss Marple to the wonderfully cozy village life of post World War II. We get an insight into what life was like for the English in those years---housing shortages, food rationing, inability to get domestic help, the arrival of strangers into towns that had known stable populations for years. This last part is central to the mystery of this superb novel.Miss Marple is visiting with friends in Chipping Cleghorn when an ad in the Personals column of the morning paper sets village tongues wagging. The ad reads: "A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks, at 6:30 p.m." Is there anyone who will be able to resist turning up at such an occasion? Readers can follow all the clues---a photograph album with missing pictures, central heating vs. a fire in the fireplace, and a conversation over morning coffee---to solve along with Miss Marple this story of impersonation and foul play in a cozy and quaint English village.
Rating:
Summary: Great Miss Marple mystery
Review: Agatha Christie was fond of choosing unusual settings for her stories - her mysteries are set on luxury trains, on airplanes, cruises, and even in the middle of card games! But I think this one tops it all - a murder is announced in the local paper of Chipping Cleghorn as being scheduled to take place that evening! The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are intruiged and of course, show up at the appointed time in large numbers - some out of curiosity, others out of sheer boredom, and still others in hope of good sherry! However, instead of playing a "Murder Game" as some of them think, they find themselves witness to an actual murder. Unfortunately, no one knows anything about the victim and still less is known about the possible identity of the murderer. Enter Miss Marple, who is staying nearby and happened to have met the murder victim in passing...this sets the stage for a finely developed and intricate mystery that traces the lives and pasts of all the major characters and throws up several possible suspects. Christie builds up the suspense gradually, as more murders are committed to cover up the first. The sense of menace threatening this peaceful little village builds and builds until the final shattering denouement. A wonderfully entertaining and well constructed mystery!
Rating:
Summary: Great Miss Marple mystery
Review: Although first published in 1950 "A Murder Is Announced" by vaunted mystery writer Agatha Christie has lost none of its zest. Deemed a classic in its genre this suspenseful tale is ably represented by British voice and television actress Rosemary Leach. When invitations are sent reading "A murder is announced, and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.," everyone, including the indomitable Jane Marple, would anticipate an unusual party game. Such as, someone will be chosen as the murderer, the room is darkened, and the victim meets his fate. It's not all fun and games when a real dead body is found. Miss Marple, on your mark! With her inimitable skill Agatha Christie allows listeners to enjoy solving the crime, step by step, just as much as Miss Marple does. Curl up in an easy chair and revel this remarkable tale wonderfully read. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: A CLASSIC TALE SUPERBLY READ
Review: Although first published in 1950 "A Murder Is Announced" by vaunted mystery writer Agatha Christie has lost none of its zest. Deemed a classic in its genre this suspenseful tale is ably represented by British voice and television actress Rosemary Leach. When invitations are sent reading "A murder is announced, and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.," everyone, including the indomitable Jane Marple, would anticipate an unusual party game. Such as, someone will be chosen as the murderer, the room is darkened, and the victim meets his fate. It's not all fun and games when a real dead body is found. Miss Marple, on your mark! With her inimitable skill Agatha Christie allows listeners to enjoy solving the crime, step by step, just as much as Miss Marple does. Curl up in an easy chair and revel this remarkable tale wonderfully read. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: A CLASSIC IN ITS GENRE
Review: Although first published in 1950 "A Murder Is Announced" by vaunted mystery writer Agatha Christie has lost none of its zest. Deemed a classic in its genre this suspenseful tale is mesmerizing. When invitations are sent reading "A murder is announced, and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.," everyone, including the indomitable Jane Marple, would anticipate an unusual party game. Such as, someone will be chosen as the murderer, the room is darkened, and the victim meets his fate. It's not all fun and games when a real dead body is found. Miss Marple, on your mark! With her inimitable skill Agatha Christie allows listeners to enjoy solving the crime, step by step, just as much as Miss Marple does. Curl up in an easy chair and revel this remarkable tale.
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