Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Murder is Announced summary
Brief summary
A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie is a classic murder mystery novel. When an unexpected announcement of a murder appears in the newspaper, it sets off a chain of events that ultimately unravels the truth.
Table of Contents
A Murder is Announced
Summary of key ideas
The Announcement of a Murder
In A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie, the story begins with an unusual advertisement in the local newspaper of Chipping Cleghorn. The ad announces a murder that is to take place at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock, at 6:30 pm on a specific date. The announcement is met with a mix of disbelief and curiosity by the residents, who decide to gather at the house at the specified time to witness the event.
As the clock strikes 6:30, the lights go out, and a masked intruder bursts into the room, firing a gun. When the lights are turned back on, the intruder has vanished, and the only casualty is a young Swiss man, Rudi Scherz, who is shot in the arm. The residents soon realize that the murder announcement was not a hoax, and they are now faced with a real crime.
Investigations and Suspicions
Inspector Craddock, a friend of Miss Marple, is called in to investigate the case. The initial suspicion falls on Rudi, who is believed to have staged the attack to gain sympathy and financial support from Letitia Blacklock, his employer. However, Miss Marple, the astute observer, is not convinced of Rudi's guilt and begins her own investigation.
Miss Marple's inquiries lead her to believe that the real target of the attack was not Rudi but Letitia Blacklock herself. She discovers that Letitia had recently changed her will, leaving her estate to her young cousin, Julia Simmons, and her companion, Miss Murgatroyd, instead of her long-time friend, Dora Bunner. This revelation raises suspicions about the true motive behind the attack.
Unraveling the Mystery
As Miss Marple delves deeper into the lives and relationships of the residents of Little Paddocks, she uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives. She learns that Letitia Blacklock is not who she claims to be and has been living under an assumed identity. The real Letitia Blacklock had died years ago, and the current Letitia is an imposter who had orchestrated the murder announcement to eliminate her cousin, Julia, and take over the inheritance.
Miss Marple's deductions are confirmed when the imposter Letitia attempts to kill Julia and Miss Murgatroyd. However, her plan is foiled, and she is apprehended by Inspector Craddock. The imposter's true identity is revealed to be Charlotte Blacklock, a distant relative who had assumed Letitia's identity to escape her troubled past.
The Resolution
In the end, the mystery is solved, and the residents of Chipping Cleghorn can breathe a sigh of relief. The real Letitia Blacklock's will is reinstated, and the estate is rightfully inherited by Julia and Miss Murgatroyd. The imposter, Charlotte, is taken into custody, and the residents can finally put the shocking events behind them.
In A Murder is Announced, Agatha Christie once again demonstrates her mastery of the classic whodunit. The story is filled with red herrings, unexpected twists, and a clever resolution that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Murder is Announced about?
A Murder is Announced (1950) is a captivating mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set in the quaint English village of Chipping Cleghorn, the story begins with a newspaper advertisement announcing a murder that is about to take place at a local manor. As curious villagers gather at the appointed time, they soon realize that the announcement was a prelude to a real-life murder. With an intricate plot and cunning twists, the book keeps readers guessing until the very end.
A Murder is Announced Review
A Murder is Announced (1950) by Agatha Christie is a thrilling mystery novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Full of suspense and intrigue, it keeps readers guessing at every turn, making it a page-turner from start to finish.
- The book is filled with clever and intricate plot twists that will leave you astonished and eager to uncover the truth.
- With its richly developed characters and detailed setting, the story comes to life in a way that is both captivating and immersive.
Who should read A Murder is Announced?
- Readers who enjoy classic mystery novels
- Fans of Agatha Christie's detective stories
- People who like to solve puzzles and uncover hidden secrets
Categories with A Murder is Announced
Book summaries like A Murder is Announced
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Murder is Announced FAQs
What is the main message of A Murder is Announced?
The main message of A Murder is Announced is that even in the most unexpected places, murder can be waiting.
How long does it take to read A Murder is Announced?
The reading time for A Murder is Announced varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A Murder is Announced a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Murder is Announced is a captivating read that keeps you guessing until the very end. It's definitely worth diving into if you enjoy mysteries.
Who is the author of A Murder is Announced?
The author of A Murder is Announced is Agatha Christie.
What to read after A Murder is Announced?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Murder is Announced, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda