Murder by the Book (1986): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1986, Murder by the Book is a thriller, drama, crime and mystery film directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark, running about 51 minutes.

What it’s about. Agatha Christie’s agents propose that it’s time for her to publish the manuscript she wrote thirty-five years earlier, a novel in which she finally kills off her most famous creation. And it’s not an entirely sad occasion. “That wretched little man,” she says. “He’s always been so much trouble. How is it Miss Marple has never upset me at all, not ever?” That night, who should appear at her doorstep but the wretched little man himself, Hercule Poirot? The great fictional detective and his creator proceed to play a very Christie-like game of cat and mouse for the manuscript – and for their own lives.

Who’s in it. Murder by the Book stars Peggy Ashcroft as Agatha Christie, Ian Holm as Hercule Poirot, Richard Wilson as Sir Max Mallowan and Michael Aldridge as Edmond Cork, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 1.0/10, Murder by the Book has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Murder by the Book page.

If you liked it. Fans of Murder by the Book tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.