Her biography states that she started writing the play in a burst of enthusiasm after being involved in the preparations for Murder on the Nile which was being presented by her actor friend Francis L. Sullivan.
Christie was so taken with her performance that she wrote to Hickson and stated that she hoped she would one day play the character of Miss Marple.
The adaptation of the book is notable for being one of the most radical reworkings of a novel Christie ever did, not only eliminating Hercule Poirot from the story, but changing the identity of the killer.
"[4] The Guardian's issue of 2 April 1945 contained a review by "LH" in which he praised the character of Mrs Boynton but said that, "her death leaves the last act colourless.
"[6] Director: Terence de Marney Cast of Piccadilly Theatre Production:[7] The play was first published as a paperback by Samuel French Ltd on 29 June 1956, priced at four shillings.