Classic Racing Mystery From The King Of Crime

Agatha Christie's The Murder at the Vicarage is a classic racing mystery novel that has captivated readers for decades. The novel follows the story of the murder of Colonel Lucius Protheroe, a wealthy and unpopular man who is found dead in the vicarage study. The murder is investigated by Miss Jane Marple, an elderly spinster with a keen eye for observation and a knack for solving mysteries.

Smokescreen: A classic racing mystery from the king of crime

by Dick Francis

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1521 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages

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The Murder at the Vicarage is a classic whodunit, with a large cast of characters and a complex plot. Christie introduces a number of red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and the identity of the killer is not revealed until the very end. The novel is also notable for its setting, which is a small village where everyone knows everyone else. This setting allows Christie to explore the relationships between the characters and the secrets they keep.

The Murder at the Vicarage has been adapted for television and film several times. The most recent adaptation was a 2004 television movie starring Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple. The novel has also been the basis for a number of stage plays.

The Characters

The Murder at the Vicarage features a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives. The main characters include:

• Colonel Lucius Protheroe: The victim of the murder. He is a wealthy and unpopular man who is disliked by many people in the village.
• Miss Jane Marple: An elderly spinster who is a keen observer of human nature. She is called in to investigate the murder and quickly solves the case.
• Reverend Leonard Clement: The vicar of the village. He is a kind and gentle man who is shocked by the murder of Colonel Protheroe.
• Mrs. Clement: The vicar's wife. She is a strong-willed woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.
• Anne Protheroe: Colonel Protheroe's wife. She is a beautiful and unhappy woman who is having an affair with another man.
• Lawrence Protheroe: Colonel Protheroe's son. He is a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world.
• Griselda Clement: The vicar's daughter. She is a young woman who is in love with Lawrence Protheroe.
• Dr. Haydock: The village doctor. He is a kind and caring man who is dedicated to his patients.
• Miss Hartnell: The village schoolteacher. She is a spinster who is secretly in love with Dr. Haydock.

The Plot

The Murder at the Vicarage begins with the murder of Colonel Lucius Protheroe. The Colonel is found dead in the vicarage study, with a bullet wound to the head. Miss Jane Marple is called in to investigate the murder, and she quickly begins to suspect that the killer is someone close to the victim.

Miss Marple interviews the various suspects and uncovers a number of secrets and motives. She learns that Colonel Protheroe was a cruel and domineering man who made many enemies. She also learns that several of the suspects had reason to want him dead.

Miss Marple eventually solves the case and identifies the killer. The killer is revealed to be someone who has been hiding in plain sight, and their motive is shocking and unexpected.

The Themes

The Murder at the Vicarage explores a number of themes, including:

• The nature of evil: The novel explores the darkness that can exist in the human heart. Christie shows us that even the most ordinary people are capable of murder.
• The importance of community: The novel shows us the importance of community and the bonds that can unite people. Miss Marple is able to solve the case because she knows and understands the people in the village.
• The power of observation: The novel shows us the power of observation and the importance of paying attention to the details. Miss Marple is able to solve the case because she notices things that others overlook.

The

The Murder at the Vicarage is a classic racing mystery novel that has stood the test of time. The novel is a well-crafted whodunit with a complex plot and a cast of unforgettable characters. Christie's writing is sharp and witty, and she keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

If you are a fan of classic mystery novels, then you will definitely want to read The Murder at the Vicarage. It is a well-written and suspenseful novel that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Smokescreen: A classic racing mystery from the king of crime

by Dick Francis

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1521 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages

FREE