The Secret of Chimneys

The Secret of Chimneys is the second episode of Series 5.

Previous Episode: The Pale Horse

Next Episode: The Blue Geranium

Transmitted: 27th December 2010

Viewers: 5.06 million

Synopsis
Miss Marple finds herself spending the weekend at Chimneys, the stately home of Lord Caterham, whose late wife was her cousin. The weekend has something of a diplomatic air to it as the Austrian Count Ludwig von Stainach is also there to negotiate a trade agreement with the British that will give it access to iron ore. Chimney was once the in place to be for a fancy weekend but, over many years, it has become some what run down. Except for a maid who disappeared with a valuable diamond in the 1920s, not much of note has happened there for a long time. Everyone is surprised when Count von Stainach says that in addition to signing the trade agreement, he also wants to purchase Chimneys. Lord Caterham's eldest daughter Bundle is dead set against the idea but it all takes a very serious turn when the Count is found murdered. There are several suspects and another member of the household will die before Miss Marple solves the crime.

Differences to the Original

 * The original didn't feature Miss Marple.
 * It amalgamates and renames several characters.
 * It turns the political connections into one of several red herrings.
 * It changes both the identity of the killer and the motive.