A Taste for Poison
Over a literary career spanning 66 novels and 164 short stories, Agatha Christie earned a reputation for knowing a thing or two about death. Estimates suggest that her body of work encompasses more than 270 murders, more than 40 accidental deaths, 40 suicides, and 50 assorted fatalities. Her weapon of choice? More than any other […]
And Then There Were Some
For many readers, their first exposure to Agatha Christie comes in the tale of And Then There Were None. First published in 1939 under a more problematic title, None has become one of the best-selling books in history, estimated to be among the top ten titles ever published by sheer volume — and that includes […]
Public Domain Mysteries
Looking for a summer read that won’t break the bank? Try one of these public domain mysteries below. Each exists outside of copyright and can be downloaded and read for free. On a side note, should you always seek out authorized copies when purchasing books that have fallen out of copyright. On Amazon and other book […]
The Rules of Detective Fiction
In retrospect, the earliest days of mystery fiction feel much like the Wild West — anything is fair game. Victorian-era authors relied on unbelievable coincidences, absurd jumps in logic, and outright chicanery to wrap up their stories. Some 30 years later, a sheriff brought order this lawless land. Anglican priest and prolific author Ronald Knox […]
A Surfeit of Poirots, Part Two
Last month we took a look at many of the famed actors who have portrayed Hercule Poirot on our television favorites. These ranged from the obscure (Martin Gabel) to the legendary (David Suchet). Today, the little Belgian detective makes the jump to the big screen. Many readers, even those not familiar with Christie’s other works, […]
A Surfeit of Poirots, Part One
Most readers of Agatha Christie already have a clear mental image of Hercule Poirot. In canon, the Belgian detective measures only 5’4”. Green eyes highlight a bald, egg-shaped head. His wardrobe reflects his clean, clinical mind and his precise, tidy nature. His famous mustache warrants another paragraph or two all on its own. In broadcast […]