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.”

Is it a childish practical joke? Or perhaps 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 gun is fired. When they come back on, a gruesome scene is revealed. An impossible crime? Only the astute Miss Marple can unravel it.