Movie spotlight
Murder by the Book
Agatha Christie’s agents propose that it’s time for her to publish the manuscript she wrote thirty-five years earlier, a novel in which she finally kills off her most famous creation. And it’s not an entirely sad occasion. “That wretched little man,” she says. “He’s always been so much trouble. How is it Miss Marple has never upset me at all, not ever?” That night, who should appear at her doorstep but the wretched little man himself, Hercule Poirot? The great fictional detective and his creator proceed to play a very Christie-like game of cat and mouse for the manuscript – and for their own lives.
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Plot Summary
A successful but lonely mystery novelist, known for his intricate plots and violent endings, finds his life mirroring his fiction when a series of unsettling events begins to occur. As the lines between his created worlds and reality blur, he must unravel a real-life mystery that threatens his sanity and safety. The suspense builds as he confronts the possibility that his own imagination might be his greatest adversary.
Critical Reception
While not a major box office hit, 'Murder by the Book' was generally well-received by critics for its suspenseful atmosphere, clever plot, and strong performances, particularly from Kate Nelligan. It's often cited as a solid entry in the made-for-television mystery genre of the 1980s.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its intricate, Agatha Christie-esque plotting.
Kate Nelligan's performance was a standout, adding depth to the psychological thriller.
Some found the pacing a bit slow in parts, but the overall mystery was compelling.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available for this specific television film.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Rex Stout, though it diverges significantly in its adaptation, focusing on a contemporary setting rather than the Nero Wolfe stories.
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