Violence, murder and a sweet, white-haired old lady are an unlikely combination. Why is this apparent contradiction so potent a formula? Reflecting on Miss Marple examines the elements of Agatha Christie's famous character which make her subversive whilst at the same time upholding the status quo. The authors place Miss Marple firmly in context as the quintessential post-World War I spinster. Marginalized by society and despised or trivialized by men, Miss Marple emerges triumphant as an unlikely but undeniable feminist heroine. This study explores the inherent contradictions of the Miss Marple novels, their social and historical context, and their place in detective fiction as a whole.