"We invite you to the murder that will take place on Friday, October 29, at Little Paddocks, at 6:30 p.m."

The strange advertisement published in the local newspaper of Chipping Cleghorn becomes the talk of the town for all its residents. Is it a crude prank? A malicious act aimed at scaring the owner of Little Paddocks, Letitia Blacklock? Or perhaps a real invitation to murder?

Unable to resist their curiosity, many people gather at Little Paddocks on the specified day and time. And, suddenly, the lights go out...

The case from here on takes on different dimensions. But fortunately for the police, Miss Marple has come to town for her rheumatism. The "four-star old lady" who enjoys nothing more than solving the mystery of a murder...