The Blue Geranium

Previously published in the print anthology The Thirteen Problems. A woman is warned by a psychic of the evil and danger in her house. On a full moon, she must watch for the signs: blue primrose means caution, blue hollyhock is danger, and blue geranium is death!

On Tuesday evening a group gathers at Miss Marple's house and the conversations turns to unsolved crimes: the case of the disappearing bloodstains; the thief who committed his crime twice over; the strange case of the invisible will; and the death-bed message about a "heap of fish".

A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time as an ebook.

Hardy geraniums were the first plants to shrug off the rigours of her coastal climate and grow in Birgitte Husted Bendtsen's garden every bit as well as they did in the fertile, sheltered plots further east in Denmark. Add to this their tolerance of dogs and children, resistance to pests and diseases, interesting foliage, and delightful flowers in a wide range of colours, and it is little surprise that Birgitte developed an insatiable passion for them. In this book, she shares her knowledge of cultivating the plants and highlights the most garden worthy species and varieties. Expert cultivation advice, including comments on soil preferences and hardiness, is followed by fascinating information on pollination, and failsafe propagation secrets. Captivating colour photographs display key characteristics of hardy geraniums including their legendary range of flower colour and intricate, often highly marked, foliage. Here readers may marvel at the many cultivars of Geranium x oxonianum, enjoy favorites like Geranium 'Ann Folkard' with its striking black eye against magenta background, and covet the fine-leaved, blue-flowering Geranium himalayense. Smaller varieties ideal for growing in rockeries, containers and troughs are described along with perfect geraniums for associating with roses of all colours. Birgitte Husted Bendtsen communicates like a true enthusiast and the text is peppered with interesting anecdotes including news of an exciting variety that is prized for its blue flowers and modest stature. With over 400 species and hybrids of hardy geraniums and 450 beautiful colour photographs, this book is both rich in information and beautiful to browse. It is a long-awaited reference that will delight seasoned enthusiasts and introduce a whole new generation of gardeners to the charms of the hardy geranium.

A classic Agatha Christie short story, featuring Miss Marple, from the collection Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories. Fifteen years ago, Miss Marple’s niece, Mabel Denman, was accused of murdering her abusive and violent husband. Can Miss Marple clear her niece’s name and reveal the true perpetrator?

Hardy geraniums are a staple in the garden and are among the best-loved and most widely grown plants. The Plant Lover’s Guide to Hardy Geraniums, by nursery owner Robin Parer, highlights 140 of the best species and cultivars. Featuring information on growth, care, and design, along with suggested companion plants and hundreds of gorgeous color photographs, it covers everything a home gardener needs to introduce these delightful plants into their garden.

An old friend tells Miss Marple that one of the town girls jumped off a bridge and drowned. The young woman had discovered that she was pregnant and everyone believes that she took her own life. But Miss Marple, who knows human nature deeply, does not believe it was suicide. With the help of Henry Clithering, former commissioner of Scotland Yard, they will get to the bottom of the matter and discover the murderer.