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A Murder Is Announced
Agatha Christie

A Murder Is Announced

Quick Answer

Read "A Murder Is Announced" as the 4th book in the Miss Marple Mysteries sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Moving Finger" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2009293 pp
The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn, including Jane Marple, are agog with curiosity over an advertisement in the local gazette which read: 'A murder is announced and will take place on Friday October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.' Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, a crowd begins to gather at Little Paddocks at the ppointed time when, without warning, the lights go out . . .
Next Recommended Book

They Do It With Mirrors

Book #5 of 12 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Miss Marple Mysteries conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading A Murder Is Announced?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read A Murder Is Announced before The Moving Finger?

No. We recommend reading The Moving Finger first. A Murder Is Announced is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is A Murder Is Announced required reading for the Miss Marple Mysteries?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after A Murder Is Announced in the reading order?

The next recommended book after A Murder Is Announced is They Do It With Mirrors (Book #5).