While vacationing in Barbados, Miss Marple is bored to tears by a dotty major who tells tale tales of knowing a murderer. But when the major turns up dead, the wild beauty of the island can't hide the trail of a manipulative and ruthless killer.

Hollywood comes to St. Mary Mead when faded movie star Marina Gregg takes residence for a local film shoot. But when she narrowly escapes an attempt on her life and a local woman dies instead, Miss Marple sorts the gossip rag chatter from the facts to uncover a tragedy.