One of the endearing aspects of the Marple stories is that so many favourite characters keep re-appearing. The Thirteen Problems were the first stories to appear in print, and introduced the world to Marple herself, the Bantrys, Sir Henry Clithering and her nephew, ‘dear Raymond’.

The first novel to appear brought Mrs Price-Ridley, Miss Wetherby and Miss Hartnell, along with the Rev Clement, his wife Griselda, Dr Haydock and Inspector Slack. All would appear in later novels and short stories, alongside bit-part players such as Colonel Melchett, Inspector Craddock, Bunch Harmon, Mrs Dane Calthorpe, Jane Helier and Dr Petherick.