Is there really any argument when it comes to who the first lady of crime is? No, no there is not. Agatha Christie is the queen of crime and mystery novels. She has written many a beloved series and I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t read at least one Christie novel or at least seen a film or two based on one of her books.
I know that I have enjoyed her books as well as some of the films and tv series based on her books, and while I have enjoyed the films and such, nothing beats her actual books. I think one of the things that I often ask myself though is what was this amazing woman like in real life? What is her story? Where did she get her inspiration from? Beyond her books, I don’t really know much about her as a woman which is one of the reasons this book caught my eye.
I don’t read a lot of non fiction or biographies but this one sounds really interesting and I think that fans of Christie will find something to enjoy in getting to know the beloved author a little better. The author of this book, H. R. F. Keating, is a mystery writer in her own right and I am eager to see how her love of writing mysteries translates in this lovely non fiction work about one of the most beloved authors of all time! If biographies are your thing, I think you should check this one out and discover a bit more about the woman behind some of the most iconic mystery novels of all time!
Summary
From Poirot to Miss Marple, from The Mousetrap to Witness for the Prosecution, thisa fascinating look at the life and work of Agatha Christie, the world’s most successful and popular crime writer.
Agatha Christie was not only the most successful author of detective stories the world has ever known, she was also a mystery in herself, giving only the rarest interviews—declining absolutely to become any sort of public figure—and a mystery, too, in the manner in which she achieved her astonishing success.
Distinguished crime novelist (and acclaimed critic) H. R. F. Keating brings together a dozen noted writers from both sides of the Atlantic to throw light on the ever-intriguing Dame Agatha. Some essays analyze Christie’s art itself; some explain the reasons for her success—not just the books, but also in film and theatre.
The myriad of critical angles explored here are penetrating, affectionate, enthusiastic, analytical, and even funny. Together, they give an almost unique insight into the life and work of the First Lady of Crime.
Includes essays by Sophie Hannah, H. R. F. Keating, Elizabeth Walter, Julian Symons, Edmund Crispin, Michael Gilbert, Emma Lathen, Colin Watson, Celia Fremlin, Dorothy B. Hughes, J. C. Trewin, Philip Jenkinson, William Weaver, and Christianna Brand. (summary from Goodreads)
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