Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks

Fifty Years of Mysteries in the Making

Description

Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks is the fascinating exploration of the contents of Agatha Christie’s long hidden notebooks, including illustrations, analyses, and two previously unpublished Hercule Poirot short stories. Not only will Christie’s legions of ardent fans find a treasure chest of new material from the author of such classics as And Then There Were None, Murder on the Orient Express, and Death on the Nile, but Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks is also a must-read tutorial for writers who want to learn the intricacies of constructing crime novels.


This landmark work of literary history reveals:


  • Two Unpublished Hercule Poirot Stories: Read "The Capture of Cerberus" and "The Incident of the Dog’s Ball" for the first time ever, complete with author John Curran’s analysis of their creation.
  • The Queen of Crime’s Writing Process: Explore seventy-three of Christie's private notebooks, filled with handwritten notes, plot variations, and character sketches that show her mind at work.
  • Secrets of the Great Novels: Discover the original ideas and abandoned plotlines for classics like And Then There Were None, Death on the Nile, and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
  • A Masterclass for Crime Writers: Learn how Christie built her intricate plots, developed unforgettable characters, and mastered the art of misdirection in a must-read tutorial for aspiring mystery authors.

About the author(s)

John Curran is the longtime literary adviser to Agatha Christie’s estate. For many years he edited the official Agatha Christie newsletter and acted as consultant to the National Trust during its restoration of Greenway House, Christie’s Devon home. He lives in Dublin. 

Reviews

“The most fascinating aspect of the notebooks is the rare glimpse they allow into the mind of a writer, especially one as imaginative as Christie....An appealing read for Christie-philes.” - Publishers Weekly

“A meticulously detailed study that is packed with shrewd perceptions about Christie’s fiction....Curran has produced an enthralling miscellany of a book, in which her fans will rummage to their heart’s content.” - Sunday Times (London)

“Many of Curran’s discoveries will shape how Christie is read in future....This book is fascinating.” - The Independent on Sunday

“[Curran] has organized his material as efficiently as an Agatha Christie mystery….[His] enthusiasm for his subject carries us along.” - Irish Times

“A must for all Christie fans.” - Newark Star-Ledger

“A must-have for any ardent fan of Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot.” - Washington Post

“Provides a unique look into the mind and working habits of one of the world’s most successful authors.” - Tulsa World

“Meticulously detailed and scrupulous in its judgments.” - Strand magazine on Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks

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