In the novel Murder is Easy, Alfred Wake is the rector in Wychwood under Ashe. Other places in the text describe him as the vicar. Wake served as a resource person for Luke Fitzwilliam when he came to the village to investigate the death of Lavinia Pinkerton and the other deaths which she suspected were not accidents. Wake gave Luke some brief background on the various people who had died in his parish as well as their relatives from whom Luke might be able to get more information. Later, in his first summation of facts, Luke listed the vicar as among his short list of possible suspects, with the motives as "possible religious mania". Many of the victims were unpleasant people, better off removed as if "by divine decree." However Luke does not pursue this line further and Wake is not mentioned again.
Alfred Wake was a small stooping old man with very mild blue eyes, and an absent-minded but courteous air.
Portrayals[]
Murder is Easy (1982 film)[]
In the 1982 film adaptation, there is a vicar portrayed by Ivor Roberts who officiates at the funeral of Lavinia Fullerton. However he is not named and does not play any further role in the plot.
Agatha Christie's Marple[]
In the 2009 ITV adaptation of Murder is Easy, the vicar of the village is renamed Henry Wake and he is portrayed by Steve Pemberton. He was formerly the curate but was promoted near the beginning of the episode after the death of the Reverend Michael Minchin. The change of the first name to "Henry" is probably to lend further suspense to the story. One side plot in the episode involves determining who Amy Gibbs's "Uncle Henry" was.