Other editions of book The Murder at the Vicarage

It's a historic event in detective fiction as the unflappable sleuth's passion for gossip-and cheerful recognition of the worst side of human nature-leads her to a crime scene at the local vicarage. Colonel Protheroe, St. Mary Mead's most loathed magistrate, has been found shot through the head. But it isn't the 'pompous old brute's' murder that raises eyebrows, but rather the scandalous secrets it exposes.

Introducing Miss Jane Marple. It's a historic event in detective fiction as the unflappable sleuth investigates a crime scene at the local vicarage. Colonel Protheroe, St. Mary Mead's most loathed magistrate, has been found shot through the head. But it isn't the "pompous old brute's" murder that raises eyebrows, but rather the scandalous secrets it exposes. Those secrets are about to put St. Mary Mead on a map - and send Miss Marple on the trail of a killer with something to hide.

Agatha Christie's first ever Miss Marple mystery. 'Anyone who murdered Colonel Protheroe,' declared the parson, brandishing a carving knife above a joint of roast beef, 'would be doing the world at large a service!' It was a careless remark for a man of the cloth. And one which was to come back and haunt the clergyman just a few hours later. From seven potential murderers, Miss Marple must seek out the suspect who has both motive and opportunity.