When the ordered tranquility of life in St Mary Mead is shattered by a mysterious discovery, Miss Marple's investigations lead her to a seaside hotel where some rather unusual people are staying.

While the investigation centres on the Jefferson family and their entourage, Miss Marple's hunch about a second killing proves all too tragically justified.

In the small English village of St. Mary Mead, the Bantrys of Gossington Hall are horrified to discover a corpse in their library.

Gerry Burton, accompanied by his sister Joanna, is recovering from a plane crash; after his arrival, he receives a strange letter.

Gerry Burton and his sister Joanna arrive in the village of Lymston in East Anglia for him to convalesce, but the villagers' warm welcome is not as it seems.

The inhabitants of the small and peaceful village of Chipping Cleghorn discover a surprising article in the local gazette: an announcement that a crime will take place that same evening at 6.30pm sharp.