Miss Marple is a very shrewd and observant character. She often notices the smallest details that others overlook, which helps her solve the mysteries. For example, in some stories, she can tell a person's character from their choice of clothing or how they behave in a social setting.
Well, the top 5 could be 'The Murder at the Vicarage' which is a great introduction to Miss Marple and her world. Then there's 'A Murder Is Announced' where the whole village is thrown into chaos when a murder is announced in the local paper. 'They Do It with Mirrors' has an interesting plot with lots of twists. 'A Pocket Full of Rye' is also a classic, full of mystery and intrigue. And '4:50 from Paddington' which takes the reader on another thrilling journey with Miss Marple as she investigates a crime she witnesses from a train.
In my opinion, 'The Body in the Library' is also among the best. The mystery of a body found in an unexpected place is very engaging. Miss Marple's unique way of looking at things and her ability to notice small details make this a great read.
Definitely 'A Murder Is Announced'. It has a really clever plot where an announcement in the local paper of a murder that is about to happen sets the whole mystery in motion. Miss Marple uses her shrewd observations to solve it.
It's hard to give an exact number off the top of my head. But Miss Marple was featured in a significant number of Agatha Christie's novels, and a detailed search through her bibliography would provide the precise count.
Agatha Christie is the author of the Miss Marple novels. Her works featuring Miss Marple are renowned for their intricate plots and engaging mysteries.
The police officers who initially underestimate Miss Marple but later come to rely on her insights are also main characters in a sense. For example, Inspector Craddock in some stories. He is often skeptical at first but learns to respect Miss Marple's methods.
I think '4:50 from Paddington' is a great one. Miss Marple gets involved in a mystery that starts with a strange sighting on a train. It has a complex plot that she manages to solve with her intelligence.