The Mystery of Rathbone House | A Miss Marple Mystery

When Sir Lionel Rathbone, an eccentric orchid enthusiast, is found dead at breakfast in his crumbling estate, St Mary Mead hums with speculation. At first, his death appears to be a sudden heart attack. But Miss Marple, visiting the house as a guest, notices the small things others dismiss: a teacup spirited away too quickly, orchids dying without cause, whispers in corridors, and a torn note by the greenhouse.
Within the decaying grandeur of Rathbone House, suspicion falls on four very different figures:
Clara, the sharp-tongued sister already speaking of selling the estate.


Emily, the nervous niece whose secret bond with Ned the gardener threatens scandal.


Ned, embittered and resentful, with both motive and opportunity.


Mrs. Price, the long-serving housekeeper whose calm loyalty seems almost too perfect.


As tensions mount, gossip swirls through St Mary Mead, red herrings multiply, and the inspector grows impatient with a case that seems more domestic quarrel than murder. Yet Miss Marple knows human nature too well: bitterness festers, loyalties twist, and in the smallest of habits lie the largest truths.
Piece by piece, she unravels the tangled skein, until the pattern emerges with chilling clarity. The poisoned orchids, the hasty disposal of a cup, and a secret note all point to one person—the seemingly devoted housekeeper. Her crime was born not of sudden passion but of long-nursed resentment, determined to keep her place in a household that was slipping away.
With her signature blend of gentle humour, sharp observation, and quiet wisdom, Miss Marple exposes the truth, reminding all that betrayal always leaves its trace, no matter how carefully concealed.