Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie

Plot Summary

Sleeping Murder is a detective fiction novel by Agatha Christie, published in 1976. The story follows Gwenda Reed, a young bride who moves into a country manor house in England, only to discover that she has repressed memories of witnessing a murder that took place in the house many years ago. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she enlists the help of Miss Marple, a renowned detective, to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Key Characters

• Gwenda Reed: The protagonist of the story, a young bride who moves into the country manor house and uncovers the secrets of the past.
• Miss Marple: A renowned detective who helps Gwenda uncover the truth behind the murder.
• Kelvin Halliday: Gwenda’s father, who is involved in the mystery.
• Charles: Gwenda’s older admirer/fiancé from India.

Themes

• The novel explores themes of memory, trauma, and the power of the human mind to repress and recall past events.
• It also touches on the idea of the “perfect crime,” where a murder is committed and the perpetrator is able to cover their tracks so effectively that it seems impossible to solve the case.

Reception

Sleeping Murder was well-received by critics and readers alike. It is considered one of Agatha Christie’s best works, and is often cited as one of the best detective novels of all time. The novel’s unique blend of psychological insight, clever plotting, and atmospheric setting has made it a beloved classic among mystery fans.

Adaptations

The novel has been adapted into several TV movies and plays, including a 1987 BBC production starring Joan Hickson as Miss Marple, and a 2006 ITV production starring Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple.