The Secret of Chimneys

by Courtney Hilden
Spoiler Alert!: The mysteries are revealed in this review.

"The Secret of Chimneys" finds our heroine, Miss Marple, visiting an old friend and niece, Virginia, at the family's lavish country estate. A count from Austria comes to visit them to secure a business deal, and in the process, is killed. Marple, as usual, is on the case, this time aided by an Inspector Finch, who doesn't bumble around but holds his own and respects her abilities.
It's this Inspector Finch who is the most enjoyable part of the episode. It seems clear that the show is setting up a possible love interest for Miss Marple, who always plays such a quiet role in this series. Possibly Finch is not just a love interest but someone who is spying on her. It would be interesting to see if Finch returns, in what capacity, and what motivations of his will be uncovered.
There were also some lovely touches. The Count was hilariously overdressed in a Dracula-like black cloak and red-ribboned medal. Several of the characters attempting to decode the musical message with a piano was delightful. Having Marple find the diamond and then pull it out of her purse, revealing the rest of the mystery's clues, made for a shocking conclusion, because Marple herself so rarely becomes directly involved (or puts away a brother-in-law.)
Although not as good as previously episodes, it's still a solid entry in the series.