A cryptic advertisement in the local gazette invites the residents of Chipping Cleghorn to witness a murder at a private residence, setting off a chain of lethal events. Miss Marple must navigate a web of local gossip, hidden identities, and calculated deception to identify a killer who uses the public announcement as a cover for a cold-blooded crime. As the villagers gather at Little Paddocks, the sudden failure of the lights transforms a morbid curiosity into a genuine investigation. The narrative unfolds through a third-person perspective, meticulously tracking the movements and alibis of the guests present during the blackout.

This novel is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated entries in the Miss Marple series, praised for its intricate plotting and clever subversion of traditional mystery tropes. Critics and readers alike frequently highlight the effectiveness of the central premise, which transforms a mundane village setting into a stage for high-stakes suspense. The characterization of Miss Marple is often cited as a high point, showcasing her ability to apply domestic observations to complex criminal puzzles. The work remains a staple of the genre, consistently noted for its pacing and the satisfying precision of its final revelation.