A cryptic advertisement in the local gazette invites the residents of Chipping Cleghorn to witness a murder at a specific time and place, setting off a chain of lethal events. Miss Marple must navigate a web of local gossip, hidden identities, and conflicting testimonies to uncover the truth behind the staged invitation. As the villagers gather at Little Paddocks, the sudden darkness transforms a supposed prank into a genuine crime scene. The narrative follows a traditional third-person perspective, focusing on the methodical observation of human behavior and social dynamics within a confined English village setting.

This novel is widely regarded as one of the most clever entries in the Miss Marple series, praised for its intricate plotting and the subversion of the cozy mystery trope. Readers often highlight the effectiveness of the central premise, which forces the characters into a state of heightened tension from the very first chapter. The narrative style reflects the author's signature focus on psychological insight and the deceptive nature of appearances in a small-town environment. Critics and fans alike frequently note that the resolution remains satisfyingly complex, demonstrating the author's mastery of the whodunit structure.