Ep 2. The Secret of Chimneys

Agatha Christie's Marple season 5 episode 2 is titled "The Secret of Chimneys". In this episode, Miss Marple (played by Julia McKenzie) is drawn into a mystery involving secret societies and political intrigue when she attends a weekend party at the sprawling estate of Lord Caterham (Edward Fox).

The weekend starts off innocently enough with a game of bridge, but things quickly take a dark turn when a guest is found dead in one of the estate’s most famous landmarks, the Chimneys. The victim turns out to be a young Austrian man named Count Ludwig Von Stainach, who was visiting England to broker an important political deal.

As the investigation unfolds, Miss Marple finds herself questioning the seemingly innocent guests at the party, including the charming but elusive Anthony Cade (Jonas Armstrong) who quickly becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Anthony is a former adventurer turned professional swindler who has been hired by a foreign power to retrieve a stolen memoir.

As Miss Marple digs deeper, she discovers a web of secrets and lies surrounding the stolen memoir and the various political factions vying for its possession. The guests at Lord Caterham’s party all have their own agendas, and it becomes increasingly clear that the murder of Count Ludwig was not an isolated incident but part of a larger power struggle.

With the help of her friend Detective Inspector Battle (Stephen Dillane), Miss Marple uncovers the truth behind the murder and the secret of Chimneys, a location that holds more than its fair share of secrets. She discovers that the truth is more complex than she first thought and ultimately comes to a better understanding of human nature in the face of deceit and betrayal.

"The Secret of Chimneys" is a thrilling whodunit that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the final reveal. It’s a classic Agatha Christie tale full of twists and turns that will keep even the most seasoned mystery fan guessing until the very end. Julia McKenzie shines as Miss Marple, bringing the iconic detective to life with her sharp wit and unflappable demeanor. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Jonas Armstrong delivering a standout performance as the enigmatic Anthony Cade. All in all, "The Secret of Chimneys" is a highly entertaining and thoroughly satisfying mystery that’s sure to please fans of the genre.