Marple: Twelve New Mysteries - A Review

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries brings together twelve contemporary authors, each offering a new take on Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. As expected with an anthology, the quality varies. Some writers capture the classic tone beautifully, while others drift into styles that don’t feel entirely true to Christie’s character. Still, even the less successful stories show genuine respect for Miss Marple, and the range of settings—from St. Mary Mead to Manhattan, Italy, Hong Kong, and Cape Cod—keeps the collection engaging.

When the stories work, they deliver clever puzzles, sharp observations, and that familiar Marple charm. When they don’t, they still offer interesting experiments with the character. 

Overall - This anthology will appeal most to readers who enjoy seeing familiar characters through new creative lenses. While some stories feel wonderfully true to Christie and others drift into new territory, the collection is entertaining, varied, and clearly written with affection for Miss Marple.

Story‑by‑Story Breakdown

1. Evil in Small Places — Lucy Foley ★★★

Foley captures Christie’s tone and delivers a classic village mystery that feels right for Miss Marple.

2. The Second Murder at the Vicarage — Val McDermid ★★★

Clever, well‑written, and very faithful to Christie’s style. Familiar characters and a smooth, authentic narrative.

3. Miss Marple Takes Manhattan — Alyssa Cole ★★

Creative setting, but the tone feels more modern thriller than Marple. An interesting idea that doesn’t fully fit the character.

4. The Unravelling — Natalie Haynes ★★★

Clean plotting and a classic mystery structure. Predictable at times but
still engaging and well executed.

5. Miss Marple’s Christmas — Ruth Ware ★★★★

One of the best entries. Warm, festive, nostalgic, and full of Christie‑style charm. A cozy holiday mystery done right.

6. The Open Mind — Naomi Alderman ★★

Intriguing concept, but the tone and modern setting feel out of place for Miss Marple. A thoughtful attempt that doesn’t quite land.

7. The Jade Empress — Jean Kwok ★★★

Strong atmosphere and a memorable cruise‑ship setting. Enjoyable plot, though opinions may differ on whether Miss Marple fits naturally into this environment.

8. A Deadly Wedding Day — Dreda Say Mitchell ★★★

Lively, energetic, and fun. The mystery is entertaining, though Miss Marple shares the spotlight more than usual.

9. Murder at the Villa Rosa — Elly Griffiths ★★★

Told from another character’s perspective. Interesting structure and a vivid Italian setting, but the story feels less “Marple” than others.

10. The Murdering Sort — Karen M. McManus ★★★

An engaging young narrator. The timeline and family connections feel stretched, but the story is still enjoyable.

11. The Mystery of the Acid Soil — Kate Mosse ★★★

One of the more traditional and successful stories.

12. The Disappearance — Leigh Bardugo ★★

Dark, moody, and atmospheric. Bardugo takes bold risks with the character.

★★★

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