Colonel Protheroe is a resident of St. Mary Mead and a loathsome man-a magistrate who is forceful, opinionated, and tyrannical. It comes as no surprise when he's shot dead, with plenty of suspects, including his adulterous wife, her lover, his ex-wife, and a local petty criminal. Hailing from the same village, it comes as no surprise that local sleuth Jane Marple is first on the scene, much to the annoyance of Detective Inspector Slack.
This is the first Miss Marple story that Christie wrote, and it features a classic plot-one that could have been delivered in a too heavy-handed way, with the killer seeming obvious. However, the production team managed to divert attention and keep the viewer guessing.
Plaudits to the casting director, who did an exceptional job, primarily with the pairing of Paul Eddington and Cheryl Campbell. They are exquisite as the Vicar and his wife. Campbell manages to be sympathetic, funny, and utterly charming; I would say she's the standout.
The St. Mary Mead gossip team is wonderful, so believable, Rosalie Crutchley and Barbara Hicks are delightful, with the latter returning six years later for the final episode. I love the dynamic between Miss Marple and Inspector Slack, hi annoyance would last for many years.
The music is excellent throughout, helping to add mystery to the story without being too much. As always there was a huge focus on the attention to detail, the fashion, cars etc.
A cracking mystery.
9/10.
