'The Moving Finger' has some issues - Maurice Disher’s contemporary Times review points out some flaws with the narrator’s voice – but it’s perhaps Christie’s best examination of the sinister undercurrent in these tiny hamlets.

Poison pen letters devastate idyllic Lymstock, but they’re only the beginning…

After this doozy following on the heels of a previous 'eh' Miss Marple mystery, I'm not sure if I'm going to continue on with the series. I suppose not every mystery can be a winner. Christie did manage to present a person I hadn't suspected as the murderer, but the rather mundane husband-kills-wife-so-he-can-be-with-another-woman reveal is much more tame than the scenario I was playing out in my head. women can be.The mystery itself was really not all that intriguing and its denouement was rather anticlimatic. In fact, Jerry skeeved me out quite a bit with his sudden romantic interest in Megan although Megan is 20 years old, she is frequently referred to by everyone in town including Jerry himself as a 'child.' Jerry's own sister says he is only interested in Megan because he wants a 'dog' to 'lead about on its leash.' In fact, the book seems to have rather negative views about women in general, with mentions of how hysterical, jealous, etc. I really did not care for any of the characters, least of all our narrator Jerry. (Although, of course, she does end up unmasking the killer.) So much of the book is caught up in mundane descriptions of village life (e.g, how the town is laid out) before the action begins. For starters, I kept doubting myself as to whether I had gotten the wrong book, as Miss Marple doesn't show up until two-thirds of the way into the book! Even then, she is so few scenes, it's easy to forget about her. Things quickly escalate and soon the town is investigating murder.This has to be my least favorite of the Miss Marple series by Christie. Someone is anonymously sending letters to people throughout the village accusing them of uncouth acts (e.g., cheating on a spouse). He arrives there with his sister for the rest and relaxation, but they quickly find a drama unfolding in the town. Jerry is sent to the countryside on doctor's orders after a flight accident.

The moving finger by agatha christie