Chapter 1:
* Introduction of Superintendent Battle and his arrival at the Three Brushes public house.
* Battle questions the landlord, a suspicious man named Ferrar, about a planned party.
* Battle meets Miss Marple, a guest staying at the Three Brushes, who offers her keen observations.
Example: Ferrar's furtive behavior and vague answers arouse Battle's suspicions, while Miss Marple notes the peculiar lack of women among the expected guests.
Chapter 2:
* Battle discovers that a murder has been committed at the nearby Little Paddocks, a mansion owned by the wealthy Letitia Blacklock.
* Battle and Miss Marple investigate the crime scene and gather information about the victims: Letitia and her close friend, Miss Amyas.
Example: Miss Marple points out the discrepancy between a poker found on the floor and a missing poker from the fireplace, suggesting a staged crime scene.
Chapter 3:
* The investigators interview the household staff and the remaining guests: Carla Lemarchant, Cedric Crackenthorpe, and Evelyn Hillingdon.
* Battle suspects that Carla, a young woman who recently inherited money, is involved.
* Miss Marple uncovers a connection between Evelyn and Amyas that may hold clues to the motive.
Example: Miss Marple discovers that Evelyn used to be Miss Amyas's personal assistant and had a tense relationship with her.
Chapter 4:
* Battle uncovers a secret passage in the house, connecting Little Paddocks to the Three Brushes.
* He realizes that Ferrar, the landlord, was likely involved in the crime.
* Miss Marple pieces together the puzzle, deducing that Carla and Ferrar conspired to murder Letitia and frame Amyas.
Example: Miss Marple notes that Carla had a bruise on her hand, suggesting that she hit someone with the poker.
Chapter 5:
* Battle confronts Ferrar, who confesses to his involvement but implicates Carla as the mastermind.
* Miss Marple reveals her theory: Carla and Ferrar planned to profit from Letitia's death, but Ferrar turned against Carla after killing Amyas for witnessing their scheme.
Example: Miss Marple had noticed Carla's similar bruising on the poker found at the crime scene, linking her to the murder.
Chapter 6:
* Carla is arrested for the murders, and Battle acknowledges Miss Marple's crucial assistance.
* Miss Marple explains that she solved the case by observing the small details and understanding human nature.
Example: Miss Marple had noted the strange perfume on Carla's handkerchief, which matched the scent of the flowers found near Amyas's body, confirming her connection to the crime.
