The Body in the Library

Seven in the morning and upon waking up, the Bantrys discovered the body of a young woman in their library. She was wearing a tattered evening dress and heavy makeup which smeared across her face.

But who was she? How did she get there and what’s her connection to another dead girl, whose charred body was later discovered in an abandoned quarry?

Mrs. Dolly Bantry invited Ms Jane Marple to solve the mystery…before tongues start to wag. Ms Marple had initially no idea at all…

Suspects
Basil Blake-He was a rude and immoral youth who hated Colonel Bantry. Since he was the only one who liked to party in that village, could he be the one?

Josie Turner-She was the pleasant and shrewd cousin of the victim, Ruby Keene and showed anger against Ruby besides grief. Since she was the one who got Ruby to take over her dancing job temporarily, did Josie plot her death in advance?

Raymond Starr-He was the charming tennis coach and dance instructor. He had spent more time with Ruby than Josie. Had he any idea who hangs around with Ruby intimately, or he was the one on intimate terms with Ruby?

Mr. Conway Jefferson-The elderly man liked Ruby a lot and decided to adopt her. He even changed his will because of her. Did Ruby do something that angered him?

Mrs. Adelaide Jefferson-She was the plain-looking daughter-in-law of Mr. Jefferson who had Peter Carmody, a 9-year-old child of her 1st husband (she married Mr. Jeferson’s son in her 2nd marriage). She was not very well-off and had a lover. She was not very pleased with Ruby, was it serious enough to kill?

Hugo McLean-He was Mrs. Jefferson’s lover and like the latter, he was poor. Did he want Ruby out of the way?

Mark Gaskell-He is Mr. Jefferson’s son-in-law. He had some financial difficulties and did not like Ruby having a piece of cake in the will.

George Barlett-He was the last person to be seen with Ruby. He claimed his car was stolen, which was later found to be burnt in an abandoned quarry. Was he faking it?

Interesting Point
Sir Henry Clithering, i.e. the retired head of Scotland Yard, made a guest appearance as he accepted the task to find the murderer by Mr. Jefferson. Ms Marple and Sir Henry were requested by the police for help in the later part of the story.

Comments: This mystery is interesting as the suspects either had an alibi or motive but not both. We know who will be the next victim, but the murderer was unveiled only at the end with a shock.