I’m much more likely to find myself browsing the fiction sections at any bookshop or library, but when I was gifted Lucy Worsley’s Agatha Christie biography for my birthday, I knew I’d be packing it for my summer holiday reading.

I’ve always enjoyed Worsley’s historical documentaries, so an entire book by her focused on the life and work of the Queen of Crime… well, that was a real treat! I even found myself slowing right down while reading so I could hear Worsley’s voice in my head, which only added to the enjoyment.

The biography covers her entire life, focusing not just on Christie herself, but the people and society around her. We explore her family and early life; her marriages and work during the wars; the creation of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple; her thrillers and writing as Mary Westmacott; her mysterious disappearance in 1926; her travels and her interest in archaeology; her many houses and tax dramas; her relationships with her daughter, grandson, agents, publishers, and the public; her work as a playwright; and everything else in between.

Worsley cleverly weaves the story of this fascinating woman’s life, interspersing details with anecdotes and brief excerpts from her correspondence. You can’t help but be drawn in!

This biography was of particular interest considering much of what Christie established or helped to popularise is in use in my own fiction and that of my contemporaries. An unassuming sleuth traipsing about town, putting the clues together to reveal whodunit – it’s the kind of story that’s been told so many times before, and is sure to continue. Why? Because they’re just so much fun to read!

“Agatha Christie, but make it gay”

If you’re a Miss Marple fan, but may also consider a reluctant gay millennial New Zealander for your amateur sleuth, might I suggest that you…

Investigate The Milverton Mysteries for a chaotic cast of local busybodies, delicious baked treats, a demanding and disdainful ginger cat, a very slow-burn romance with a rather appealing policeman, and of course… murder!