The Tuesday Night Club. Miss Marple Mysteries

Summary

The Tuesday Night Club is the first story in Agatha Christie's The Thirteen Problems and introduces readers to the brilliant Miss Marple. In this tale, a group of friends—Miss Marple, her nephew Raymond West, artist Joyce Lemprière, Sir Henry Clithering (a retired Scotland Yard commissioner), Dr. Pender, and solicitor Mr. Petherick—gather for a casual evening where each member presents a mystery for the others to solve.

Sir Henry kicks off the evening with a perplexing case of a dinner party where a woman falls ill and dies, seemingly from poisoning. The circumstances appear straightforward, but the identity of the murderer remains elusive. Each member of the club offers their theories, but it is Miss Marple's keen understanding of human nature that leads to the unexpected and brilliant solution.

This story sets the tone for the rest of the collection, establishing Miss Marple as a sharp and observant detective whose wisdom and experience allow her to outthink even the most seasoned professionals. The Tuesday Night Club is a delightful introduction to the clever puzzles and charming social dynamics that characterize Christie's short mystery stories.