Bingo: Middle. Miss Marple is in the middle of the old world and the new. The story explicitly contrasts the old world side of St Mary Mead with the new housing development built in the community.
Ah, such a relief to enjoy a soothing Agatha Christie. The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side is a very good Miss Marple book. Taking place in St Mary Mead, the murder capital of the world, Miss Marple is stuck at home with a servant who drives her crazy with excessive infantilization. Miss Marple finally escapes for a walk to see the new housing development which has brought some changes to the village.
While walking past the development Miss Marple falls. A neighbor called Mrs Badcock rushes to help her. They find themselves chatting about movie star Marina Gregg and her move to Gossington Hall, previous home of Miss Marple’s friends the Bantrys. Mrs Badcock is on the committee for a charity benefit being hosted by Marina. But alas on the day of the fete Mrs Badcock is handed a drink which is poisoned and she dies.
Soon it’s suspected Marina was the original target. Mrs. Badcock had spilled her drink and Marina had offered hers. But who would want to kill Marina?
After a slow start featuring police inspectors and Miss Marple’s inquiries, the bodies soon pile up in somewhat startling fashion. Does Miss Marple solve the case? Of course she does.
This is a charming and clever mystery that has Christie’s usual keen psychological insights. I’ve read almost all her books and I never get tired of them.
