Miss Marple arriving at Bertram's Hotel, a fashionable and traditional hotel in London, for a short vacation. She immediately falls in love with the old-world charm of the place, where time seems to have stood still. The staff is exceptionally efficient, and Miss Marple is pleased with the impeccable service.
Miss Marple learns that Bertram's Hotel is a favorite destination for many guests, including wealthy Americans. She meets Elvira Blake, a young and attractive headmistress who is staying at the hotel. Miss Marple becomes interested in her and observes her interactions with other guests.
Chief Inspector Davy of Scotland Yard is also staying at the hotel, and he is on a mission to find a missing person. He explains to Miss Marple that a gang of criminals is operating in the area, and he suspects they are somehow connected to Bertram's Hotel.
As Miss Marple continues to enjoy her stay at the hotel, she overhears a conversation between two women in the lobby about a valuable snuff box. It becomes apparent that this snuff box has gone missing. Miss Marple begins to piece together the puzzle and realizes that something mysterious is happening at Bertram's Hotel.
Miss Marple continues to observe the guests at Bertram's Hotel. She notices that Elvira Blake has been getting closer to a mysterious Italian count, whom she met at the hotel. The count seems to have an air of mystery around him.
Bess Sedgwick, an American woman staying at the hotel with her daughter, Pamela, decides to spend the day shopping and leaves Pamela with a nanny. Miss Marple is concerned about the absence of the nanny, who is usually very attentive.
While exploring London, Bess Sedgwick receives a package with a strange message. She is visibly distressed by its contents. She rushes back to the hotel but doesn't reveal the nature of the package to anyone.
Chief Inspector Davy pays a visit to Miss Marple in her room. He discusses the mysterious package with her and expresses his concerns about the situation at Bertram's Hotel. Miss Marple listens carefully but does not reveal all that she knows.
Bertram's Hotel hosts a grand dance event. The guests enjoy the evening, with ElviraBlake and the Italian count captivating the attention of everyone. Bess Sedgwick seems distracted and anxious throughout the evening.
During the dance, Miss Marple learns from Elvira that the Italian count is, in fact, a fraud and not of noble blood. Pamela, Bess Sedgwick's daughter, finds a gun in her mother's suitcase and shows it to Miss Marple, who is alarmed by this discovery.
Miss Marple realizes that the gun in Bess Sedgwick's suitcase is a real threat. Chief Inspector Davy is called in, and they discover that the gun has been fired recently. The investigation intensifies, and they wonder about Bess's involvement.
Miss Marple has a discussion with Chief Inspector Davy about the case. She shares her observations about the hotel's staff and guests, revealing her keen insights into human nature. The mystery deepens, and they suspect that something more sinister is happening at Bertram's Hotel.
Chief Inspector Davy shares his theory with Miss Marple about the crime at Bertram's Hotel. He suspects that Bess Sedgwick may be involved in a plan to kill the famous American lawyer, Cannon Pennyfather, who is staying at the hotel. Davy is concerned about Elvira Blake, a girl who has been hanging around the hotel, and believes she may be a part of the plan as well.
Miss Marple reflects on the suspicious activities at the hotel and begins to piece together the puzzle. She realizes that Bess Sedgwick's daughter, Pamela, may have uncovered her mother's scheme, which
explains her distraught behavior. Miss Marple shares her insights with Davy.
Miss Marple continues her investigation into the hotel's guests and staff, trying to uncover the truth. She notices the behavior of Elvira Blake and the Italian count, whose presence is a key factor in the mystery.
Miss Marple, with the help of her observations and insights into human behavior, reveals the truth about the events at Bertram's Hotel. She uncovers the hidden motives and secrets behind the seemingly tranquil and traditional establishment. The revelation brings clarity to the mystery, and Chief Inspector Davy takes action to resolve the case.
Chief Inspector Davy takes action based on Miss Marple's revelations. He decides to arrest Bess Sedgwick for her involvement in the plot to harm Cannon Pennyfather. Thearrest takes place quietly, and the guests and staff of Bertram's Hotel remain unaware of the true reason behind it.
Miss Marple explains the entire case to Canon Pennyfather, outlining how Bess Sedgwick had planned to use the hotel as a cover for her criminal activities, which involved embezzlement. She also discusses how the other characters in the story were connected to the scheme. Miss Marple's insight and understanding of human nature play a pivotal role in solving the mystery.