The Murder at the Vicarage

Miss Marple, Book 1

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

‘The truth, however, is a much more complicated thing.’

First published in 1930, The Murder at the Vicarage is Agatha Christie’s first crime novel to feature the iconic character of amateur detective Miss Marple.

Set in the charming yet deceptively quiet village of village of St Mary Mead, The Murder at the Vicarage opens with an unexpected and shockingly violent event: Colonel Protheroe, a somewhat pompous and overbearing figure, is found shot in the vicarage study. The locals of the village are left unnerved as the vicar, Leonard Clement, becomes entangled in a web of suspicion while police attempt to determine the murderer. But Protheroe’s enemies are everywhere: a resentful wife, a neglected daughter, a betrayed lover, and various neighbours who had been wronged by his arrogance all had a potential motive. Luckily, the shrewd and observant Miss Jane Marple turns her attention to the case, picking up on clues others fail to notice, and getting closer and closer to unveiling the vengeful culprit.

Gripping and atmospheric in equal measure, The Murder at the Vicarage cements Agatha Christie’s status as the ultimate Queen of Crime.

Agatha Christie (1890 – 1976) was an English author. She was a prolific writer, most famous for her detective novels and short story collections which centred around the iconic characters of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Renowned as the ‘Queen of Crime’, she remains the bestselling novelist of all time, with her sales only second to the Bible.

Public Domain (P)2025 SNR Audio