The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn are agog with curiosity when the Gazette advertises "A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6.30 p.m." A childish practical joke? Or a spiteful hoax? Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, the locals arrive at Little Paddocks at the appointed time. Without warning, the lights go out and a door swings open revealing a man with a gun who demands "Stick 'em up." Most people think it's a game, until shots are fired.

A murder is announced --Breakfast at Little Paddocks -- At 6.30 p.m. -- The Royal Spa Hotel -- Miss Blacklock and Miss Bunner -- Julia, Mitzi and Patrick -- Among those present -- Enter Miss Marple -- Concerning a door -- Pip and Emma -- Miss Marple comes to tea -- Morning activities in Chipping Cleghorn (continued) -- Excursion into the past -- Delicious death -- Inspector Craddock returns -- The album -- The letters -- Reconstruction of the crime -- Miss Marple is missing -- Three women -- The truth -- Evening at the vicarage.