Whilst organising a mock murder hunt for the village fete hosted by Sir George and Lady Stubbs, a feeling of dread settles on the famous crime novelist Adriane Oliver. Call it instinct, but it's a feeling she just can't explain...or get away from.In desperation she summons her old friend, Hercule Poirot -- and her instincts are soon proved correct when the 'pretend' murder victim is discovered playing the scene for real, a rope wrapped tightly around her neck.But it's the great detective who first discovers that in murder hunts, whether mock or real, everyone is playing a part.Review'The infallibly original Agatha Christie has come up, once again, with a new and highly ingenious puzzle-construction.' New York Times 'The solution is of the colossal ingenuity we have been conditioned to expect.' Times Literary SupplementReview'The infallibly original Agatha Christie has come up, once again, with a new and highly ingenious puzzle-construction.' New York Times 'The solution is of the colossal ingenuity we have been conditioned to expect.' Times Literary Supplement