They Do It with Mirrors (Miss Marple, #6) Summary & Key Insights

Agatha Christie's They Do It with Mirrors centers around the unsettling happenings at Stoneygates, the home of Carrie Louise (Carrie) Inglethorp, a wealthy, eccentric, and largely unpleasant woman. The novel opens with the arrival of Miss Marple, summoned by a troubled young woman named Marina Gregg. Marina is desperately worried about her stepfather, the ineffectual and easily manipulated Mr. Lewis, who believes Carrie is being threatened and possibly even poisoned. These fears prove well-founded when Carrie is soon found dead.

The investigation unfolds amidst a chaotic household filled with a cast of suspicious characters, each harboring secrets and motives. There's the seemingly innocent but cunning young secretary, Josie Turner; the perpetually flustered and slightly dimwitted Mr. Lewis; the cold and ambitious young man, Steven Carey; and the enigmatic and somewhat sinister Aunt Mildred, who possesses unsettling knowledge of the family’s past. Further complicating matters is the presence of a mysterious figure known only as "the murderer," who seems to be orchestrating events from the shadows.

The core of the mystery revolves around Carrie's will, which contains numerous complex clauses and potential for conflict among the beneficiaries. Several attempts on Carrie's life precede her actual death, further highlighting the danger and intrigue within Stoneygates. The investigation reveals a web of interconnected lies, financial schemes, and old grudges, all intricately woven together. Miss Marple, with her sharp observational skills and understanding of human nature, pieces together the puzzle.

The "mirror" in the title refers to both the literal use of mirrors to create illusions and misdirection, and the figurative mirroring of personalities and events within the family's history. The past actions of Carrie and her associates have a profound impact on the present, with past mistakes and hidden truths resurfacing to haunt them.

Through her astute observations and understanding of human psychology, Miss Marple uncovers the truth. It's revealed that the seemingly inconsequential events and characters, the odd occurrences and concealed identities, all point to a carefully planned murder orchestrated by someone close to Carrie. The motive is ultimately linked to financial gain and a long-standing family feud, concealed behind layers of deception.

The overall themes explored in the novel include the dangers of greed, the corrosive effects of family secrets, and the deceptive nature of appearances. Christie masterfully uses red herrings and misleading clues to keep the reader guessing until the very end, showcasing her unparalleled skill in crafting intricate plots and complex characters. The final revelation is both shocking and satisfying, underscoring the importance of careful observation and the insightful understanding of human behaviour, the trademarks of Miss Marple's investigative style.