Unlike Murder at the Vicarage, which talked about an England pre WWII, A Murder is Announced is very much set during the tough years after the war, and reflects how the global stage begins to make itself feel known in the small rural English villages, with hints of xenophobia and the yearning for an earlier, "better" time. I was particularly interested in this book, because of how many couples of unmarried women lived together - and Christie's depiction of the world of women in this setting. Part of it was due to the War, but I also got a strong sense that some of the couples were together because they loved each other (perhaps sexually or otherwise).
A few quotes I found provocative -- and revealing of Christie's own moral values as spoken by Miss Marple (omitting any spoiler-names):
"Weak and kindly people are often very treacherous. And if they've got a grudge against life it saps the little moral strength that they may possess."
"Because, once a weak person gets _really_ frightened, they get quite savage with terror and they've no self-control at all."
"People with a grudge against the world are always dangerous. They seem to think life owes them something. I've known many an invalid who suffered far worse and been cut off from life much more than [OMITTED]--and they've managed to lead happy contented lives. It's what in yourself that makes you happy or unhappy. But, oh dear, I'm afraid I'm straying away from what we were talking about. Where were we?"