<p>The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn are agog withcuriosity when the Gazette advertises'A murder is announced and will take place onFriday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6.30 p.m.'</p><p>A childish practical joke? Or a spiteful hoax? Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, thelocals arrive at Little Paddocks at the appointedtime when, without warning, the lights go out anda gun is fired. When they come back on, a gruesomescene is revealed. An impossible crime? Only Miss Marple can unravel it.</p>