The geriatric theme in the book, described in great length, is unprecedented. Thirdly, I personally like various domestic scenes and senior moments that are both amusing or bewildering. Secondly, the circumstances of the murders – yes they repeat, don’t they- are not as intriguing as Christie’s interpretation of Tennyson’s Lady of Shallot. First, the killing of Heather Badcock is swift and fantastic from the murder plot’s point of view. It is fairly to say that I might be a little biased here about the book rating. She knows not what the ‘curse’ may be, And so she weaveth steadily, And little other care hath she, The Lady of Shallot. She has heard a whisper say, A curse is on her if she stay To look down to Camelot. There she weaves by night and day A magic web with colours gay. Suddenly, Badcock reminds the female sleuth of someone she used to know. She remembers Badcock telling her about meeting the actress in her youth in Bermuda. Who would have poisoned the woman in public?Ī few days beforehand Miss Marple happened to meet the deceased. She died from an overdose of Calmo, an anti-depressant drug. For Badcock’s cocktail was apparently spiked in front of others her body flopped onto the floor and her heartbeat stopped. Further on, she was seen to stare at a picture on the wall opposite, still giving Badcock her frozen look. When Heather Badcock finally comes face to face with her favourite actress, there are words she has spoken that seem to shock the other. On the landing the host and the hostess receive their guests. They are coming for a small reception in the house. Among the guests of honour on the day is Dolly Bantry, Miss Marple’s old friend. Mary Mead is awakened by the prospect of sighting a celebrity. John’s Ambulance’s Summer Fete on the grounds of their new home at Gossington Hall.

Plot: Heather Badcock buys a new blue taffeta dress for a very special occasion: meeting Marina Gregg, a famous actress.

The mirror crack d from side to side