The Moving Finger

"The Moving Finger" is a detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1942. It is one of her Miss Marple mysteries and follows the story of Jerry Burton, a pilot who moves to the English village of Lymstock with his sister Joanna to recover from an injury. However, they soon find themselves embroiled in a series of poison-pen letters that are causing chaos and distress among the village's inhabitants.

Jerry and Joanna Burton become involved in the investigation of the poison-pen letters when they receive one themselves. The letters are causing people to turn on each other and relationships are becoming strained. When one of the recipients of the letters dies, the police become involved and the Burtons begin to help Miss Marple uncover the identity of the culprit.

As the investigation progresses, the Burtons and Miss Marple begin to uncover secrets and hidden connections between the various characters in the village. They eventually discover that the motive behind the poison-pen letters is revenge for past wrongs.

The novel is a classic example of Agatha Christie's skill at creating complex and intriguing mysteries. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, with their own motivations and secrets.

In addition to the mystery plot, the novel also explores the theme of the power of words and the damage that can be done by gossip and rumors. The poison-pen letters are a physical manifestation of this destructive force, and the novel shows the devastating effects they can have on individuals and communities.

Overall, "The Moving Finger" is a well-crafted mystery that showcases Agatha Christie's mastery of the genre. It is a must-read for fans of classic detective novels and those who enjoy a good whodunit.