Ep 4. A pocketful of Rye

In Miss Marple season 1 episode 4, titled "A Pocketful of Rye," we see the famous detective, Miss Jane Marple, embroiled in yet another murder case. This time, the setting is the wealthy country estate of Yewtree Lodge. The opening scene shows the housemaid, Gladys Martin, discovering the corpse of Rex Fortescue, the owner of a successful business empire, in his office. He has been poisoned with taxine, a deadly substance extracted from the leaves of the yew tree.

Miss Marple is called in to investigate the case, along with Inspector Neele of the police. However, before they can even begin their investigation, another victim is discovered - Fortescue's wife, who has died in the same manner. The death of Mrs. Fortescue prompts Miss Marple to delve deeper into the family dynamics of the Fortescue clan and the guests staying at Yewtree Lodge.

The suspects in the case are many and varied, with complex motives and alibis. The family members include Fortescue's two grown sons, Percival and Lancelot, both of whom stand to inherit a substantial amount from their father's estate. Also present are their stepmother, Adele, and her daughter, Jennifer. Then there are the staff members of Yewtree Lodge, including Miss Grosvenor, the secretary, and the housekeeper, Miss Ramsbottom.

Each character hides a dark secret, and Miss Marple must use all her intuition and intelligence to uncover the truth. She follows a trail of clues, including the discovery of "a pocketful of rye," a nursery rhyme that seems to hold the key to the case. With every lead she uncovers, more questions arise, making it difficult for her to get to the bottom of the case.

Meanwhile, the killer remains at large, putting the other guests in danger. Miss Marple must work quickly to prevent any further murders and bring the culprit to justice. As she pieces together the events leading up to the deaths, she makes a shocking discovery that will shake the very foundations of the Fortescue family.

"A Pocketful of Rye" is a clever and intricate mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The characters are well-drawn and fascinating, each with their own secrets and motivations. Miss Marple is, as always, a delightful and astute investigator, using her sharp mind and intuitive abilities to solve the puzzle. The setting of Yewtree Lodge adds an element of glamour and intrigue to the proceedings, making this episode a must-see for fans of the show and lovers of the classic whodunit genre.