All About Agatha Christie
All About Agatha is a podcast dedicated to the life and works of Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime. Hosts Catherine Brobeck and Kemper Donovan revisited her sixty-six mystery novels in publication order, ranking them by plot, character, and other criteria. After Catherine's passing in 2021, Kemper continued the ranking project and now explores why Christie's legacy endures so powerfully.
Episodes
The Edge by Agatha Christie
It's always a special treat to cover a fresh, original story by Agatha Christie on this podcast--especially since we don't have too many of these left!
I'm going on tour here in the United States for Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series, which comes out in two weeks' time! Los Angeles, New York, New England, the Midwest: lots and lots of places! Visit my website here for d
Interview with Amy Littlefield, Author of Killers of Roe: My Investigation into the Mysterious Death of Abortion Rights
It's an unusual episode of this podcast that focuses on the history of abortion rights here in the United States--but that is just how far-reaching the Agatha Christie fandom has become. Thank you to author Amy Littlefield for sharing her particular--and peculiarly applied--Christie fandom with us.
You can find Amy's book, Killers of Roe, here.
You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third book in m
Relax Your Arm: The Nurses of Agatha Christie (with Guest Co-Host Claire Wells)
Happy International Nurses Week! To celebrate, A+++ listener co-host Claire Wells is back, and together, we went deep on the many (... many!) ladies of the lamp to be found in the pages of Agatha Christie: red-headed vixens, beautiful-fingered layabouts, square-bodied workhorses, and so very many more. Keep an eye out for small puncture wounds and stray litmus paper, but above all: enjoy!
You can
Interview with Author Margot Douaihy
It was a thrill first to read and then to discuss Margot's books, which feature a rare blend of hard-boiled noir (from a female perspective) and the sort of clued mysteries familiar to any Christie fan.
Learn more about Margot's books here, and her overall magnificence.
Check out my website for upcoming appearances around the release of Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series
Interview with Tina Hodgkinson, Author of Agatha Christie's London: A Historical Guide to the Queen of Crime's Capital
People sometimes forget that the Queen of Crime used an urban setting for many of her mysteries--that city overwhelmingly tending to be London. Allow this episode to serve as a joyous reminder, and special thanks to Tina Hodgkinson for sitting down with me and disclosing a number of the fun and fascinating facts to be found in her recent book.
You can check out Tina's book here.
You can buy ticket
Say Aah: The Doctors of Agatha Christie (with Guest Co-Host Claire Wells)
It's another bumper-sized episode of All About Agatha, this time about a character type we see a WHOLE lot of in Christie.... Hope you've got insurance, because it's time to visit a shocking number of doctors! Huge, huge thanks to A+++ listener Claire Wells for co-hosting (and in particular co-researching) this episode with me.
You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mys
A Christie for Easter: The Water Bus by Agatha Christie Mallowan (with Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson)
You know when the Reverend Doctor Sarah Hinlicky Wilson makes an appearance, it's going to be a good episode. Join Sarah and me as we cover our final story in the Star Over Bethlehem and Other Stories collection--in good time for Easter!
Tickets to the Agatha Christie Festival in England, in September, are now available, including my events: a balloon debate panel crowning Agatha Christie's Greate
Interview with Dr. John Curran, Agatha Christie Scholar and Author of The Murder Game: Play, Puzzles & the Golden Age
It is never a dull episode when Dr. John Curran comes on for a conversation! I had a great time speaking with him about his new book... and sparring over Christie, but of course.
Click here for more information, and to register for the upcoming Cozy Con I'll be attending at Avon Free Public Library in Connecticut on Saturday, 14 March 2026. I hope to see you there! (You can also click on my author
A *Very Special* (Valentine's Day!) Episode: Listener Mail! (Part 2)
Every piece of mail I receive from you listeners is like a valentine, so it's fitting that I finish going through my bulging listener mailbag on Valentine's Day this year. Please enjoy... and please keep these messages coming! Here is the link to that 1970 German-language adaptation of The Murder at the Vicarage. You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series!
Interview with Sophie Hannah, Author of No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done
It's always a pleasure to have Sophie Hannah on the podcast. And if you're a dog lover and/or Iris Murdoch fan, you'll have reason to be particularly delighted! Visit Sophie's website to learn more about her Lamberts book, and everything else she has going on--including her newest Poirot continuation novel. You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series (coming
A *Very Special* Episode: Listener Mail! (Part 1)
I can't think of a better way to start off the New Year than with messages from all of you. And since there were so many--and I want to take my time with every single one of them--I'll be doing a "part 2" in the near future with more letters! Happy New Year, everyone! You can check out that (free!) Estonian version of The Unexpected Guest right here. You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third boo
A Special Holiday Rerun Episode: The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding & A Christmas Tragedy by Agatha Christie
What's better than a Christie for Christmas? TWO Christies for Christmas, of course! To visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page, click here. You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series (coming out July 2026). Visit the podcast on Instagram, and me personally at my author website. Loose Lips, the second book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series, is cu
Interview with Ragnar Jónasson, Mystery Author and Erstwhile Agatha Christie Translator
It's always a pleasure to commune with a legitimate Christie obsessive, and Ragnar is about as legit as they come. You may know him as one of the leading voices of contemporary noir, but he has also translated a number of Christie novels from English into his native Icelandic--starting at the tender age of seventeen, no less! You can find out more about Ragnar and his work here, on his website. In
Huzzah! The (Fictional) Veterans of Agatha Christie
Captains = good. Commanders = bad. Just two revelations made in the course of a very fun episode to research and record. I hope you enjoy. And happy Thanksgiving to all those in the United States! Here is a link to Brad Friedman's brilliant blog post from 2022, about the military men of Christie. You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series! (Coming out July
Huzzah! The (Real) Veterans of Agatha Christie
On this Veterans/Remembrance Day, I begin a two-episode series all about the veterans of Agatha Christie, starting with three real-life veterans who meant a great deal to our favorite author.... You can now pre-order Sweet Spot, the third book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series! (Coming out July 2026.) To visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page, click here. Visit the podcast on Instagram
A Special HALLOWE'EN SPOOKTACULAR Episode: The Gipsy by Agatha Christie
Ghosts, second sight, and reincarnation, oh my! I hope you're ready for an extremely spooky tale of Christie's. (And yes, I am standing by the apostrophe in "Hallowe'en" and the "i" in "gipsy.") Enjoy... and Happy Hallowe'en! Also, click here to enjoy, for free, my latest SPOOKTACULAR Patreon episode all about The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Arthur Conan Doyle! Should you wish to subscribe to Pa
They're New to Us: Two Vintage Agatha Christie Television Adaptations Recently Made Available
"For there is nothing lost, that may be found, if sought." Words of wisdom courtesy of Edmund Spenser (and Colonel Brandon, as played by the inimitable Alan Rickman, RIP). And I'm taking them to heart in this episode, as we get to discover two Christie television adaptations that were not readily available to us until quite recently, a Poirot and a Marple. It isn't often that I can say this, but:
Interview with Maureen Johnson and Jay Cooper, Author and Illustrator of The Creeping Hand Murder
Who doesn't love a puzzle? Maureen and Jay have gone *full bore* on the notion of a solvable Golden Age mystery. Call it a mashup between Agatha Christie and Dennis Wheatley's "crime dossiers" (if you know you know). I have a feeling many of you will enjoy the heck out of it. You can check out the book, which is now available in the U.S. and UK, on Maureen's website here. Here are those links I me
*LIVE!* Episode - True Crime Queen: The Real-life Murders in Agatha Christie's Fiction (Recorded at the 2025 Agatha Christie Festival)
Rejoice: it is time for another live episode from the Agatha Christie Festival, in Christie's birthplace of Torquay! This time I braved the stage all by myself, to discuss Christie's use of true crime in her fiction. As usual, I had an absolute blast. To visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page, click here. Visit the podcast on Instagram, and me personally at my author website. Loose Lips
Summer Rerun - Gone Girl: The Notorious Real-Life Disappearance of Agatha Christie
Please enjoy this time capsule from early 2017, all about the real-life disappearance of our favorite author.... See (some of) you in England! Details below regarding my two appearances there. I'll be appearing first, in London, 12-13 September, at Silent Echoes: Golden Age Crime Fiction and Trauma, hosted by Golden Age Mysteries and Florida State University's College of Communication & Informatio
Interview with Marthe Jocelyn, Author of YA Mystery Series Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen
At long last, another episode about YA mystery! If you haven't yet heard of Marthe Jocelyn's Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen series, you are in for a treat.... Visit Marthe on her website, or on Instagram, or just check out the Aggie Morton books directly. Marthe wanted me to note that the illustrator is Isabelle Follath, who you can visit on Instagram here. And please note that these books are also a
Interview with Riley Sager, Author of With a Vengeance (and Many Other Mysteries)
Riley Sager has been producing bestselling mystery thrillers with Christie-like consistency for nine years now. His latest, With a Vengeance, is his most Christie-like yet. It was a pleasure to speak with him about the book, Christie's influence, and what it's like to be a mystery writer in the world of publishing today. You can visit Riley and peruse his prodigious output on his website here. To
Click Clack Click Clack DING: The (Real) Secretaries of Agatha Christie (with Guest Co-Host Helen Frank)
I could not be more thrilled to welcome back A+++ listener, and now two-time guest co-host, Helen Frank, to discuss the flesh-and-blood secretaries of Agatha Christie's life. We already covered the ones that Christie created for herself out of ink, so this episode is a completist's delight. So many secretaries! For those of you in the SoCal area, consider purchasing tickets for Christie's adaptat
All About the Audiobooks of Agatha Christie (with Special Guest Gray Robert Brown)
How has it taken me this long to talk about audiobooks?! Huge thanks to Gray Robert Brown, for his willingness to share his considerable expertise on this topic. Thank you also to Hugh Fraser, for the many, many hours he has spent speaking Agatha Christie's words into a microphone. We salute you, Captain Hastings. You can find Gray at his website here, and if you aren't listening yet, please do ch
Interview with Steen Just, Wikipedia Administrator for Danish-Language Agatha Christie Articles
Steen Just is a Danish gentleman who is passionate about Agatha Christie--so much so that he has spent his retirement contributing hugely to the Danish-language Wikipedia articles on Agatha Christie. I had a great time talking with him about his unique perspective on our favorite author. The following Christie titles are spoiled to some degree in this episode: By the Pricking of My Thumbs, Endless
Interview with Dr. Mark Aldridge, Project Research Lead for BBC Maestro's Agatha Christie Writing Course
There's a decent chance you've heard about the recent online course put out by BBC Maestro, in which a digitally manipulated representation of Agatha Christie teaches the craft of writing a mystery. Yes, really! I was fortunate enough to sit down with the person responsible for all the research that went into this quite heavily researched project: Dr. Mark Aldridge. As many longtime listeners will
Click Clack Click Clack DING: The (Fictional) Secretaries of Agatha Christie (with Guest Co-Host Helen Frank)
When A+++ podcast listener Helen Frank contacted me about doing a themed episode on the secretaries of Agatha Christie, little did I know there would be so much to talk about. And little did she know that I would hoodwink her into co-hosting the episode in question! But I'm so glad I did. I think you'll be as well. Loose Lips, the second book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series, is currently availa
Interview with Mystery Author Jeffrey Round
It was a delight to speak to Jeffrey Round--both about his work, and of course, about Agatha Christie. He is every bit as much of a Christie fan as me, and so many of you.... You can visit Jeffrey at his website, or check out his novel The Sulphur Springs Cure directly. To visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page, click here. Loose Lips, the second book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series,
An Afternoon at the Theater with Hercule Poirot (and Director Christopher Diehl)
What fun it was to put together this roving episode of All About Agatha! Thanks again to Christopher Diehl for inviting me to A Poirot Double Bill. I'm already looking forward to his next Christie theatrical production. Come see me this week, May 4th-9th, on my tour of the (U.S.) South! Click on my website for more details. Visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page. You can still buy ticke
A Christie for Easter: In the Cool of the Evening by Agatha Christie Mallowan (with Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson)
We've done so many Christies for Christmas, it's about time we did one for Easter. Alas, mutations from the radioactive byproduct of a 1960s-era nuclear power plant did not move me or my guest co-host the way Christie seems to have intended. But perhaps your mileage varies. The following titles are spoiled to varying degrees in this episode: The Man from the Sea, The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Si
Interview with Literary Map Designer (Yes, That's a Thing) Ben Olins
It isn't every day I get to interview a map designer on All About Agatha. Nor is it every day I get to work on a map with a map designer, which is something I've been doing on the side in tribute to my late co-host, Catherine Brobeck, whom Ben and I talk about at some length in our conversation. We also talk some Christie, because of course we do; I know Catherine wouldn't have had it any other wa
A *Very Special* Episode: Listener Mail!
Letters! We get letters! We get stacks and stacks of letters! It's a mailbag-only episode of All About Agatha, and you know what that means: Sia's heartbreaking "Breathe Me" song underlying my chatter at various points in the episode! No, I couldn't have predicted this either, but the Sia is a testament to how deeply I cherish all these messages, and how important they are to the podcast. Thank yo
Meow: The Cats of Agatha Christie
First, dogs. Now, cats. Who knows where this podcast will lead me next? Come see me on tour! 4th-9th of March in the Northeastern U.S.! Visit my website for more details. You can now buy Loose Lips, the second book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series, here in the United States. Check out Kate Jackson's excellent article about cats and mysteries. And here is the article I referenced on the blog Li
A Special Valentine's Day Episode: All About Love in Agatha Christie
Love and marriage are said to go together like a horse and carriage, but what about love and murder? Like a sheep and herder, maybe? I'm just spitballing here, forgive me; I'm a little delirious after exploring so many iterations of love in so many different Christie works. I hope you enjoy the episode. It was a labor of--well, you know. BLANKET SPOILER WARNING: spoilers abound in this episode (I
Interview with Lucy Foley, Author of The Midnight Feast (and Other Mysteries)
Chances are you know exactly who Lucy Foley is, and have read one of her bestselling mystery thrillers, all of which have been compared to Agatha Christie. Lucy is also a massive Christie fan herself, and it was such a joy to speak with her about her work, and our shared love of Dame Agatha (and in particular Miss Marple!). Here are a few organizations to contribute to, in L.A.'s ongoing effort to
Special Announcement: I Am Okay, But Next Episode Delayed Due to L.A. Fires
Thank you to everyone for understanding. As I mentioned, here are a few organizations you can contribute to, if you are so inclined. Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation California Community Foundation's Wildlife Recovery American Red Cross The Salvation Army Stay safe, everyone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of person
A Special Christmas Episode: Promotion in the Highest by Agatha Christie Mallowan (with Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson). . . and Some Holiday Poems, Too!
It's always a joy to have the Reverend Doctor Sarah Hinlicky Wilson on the show to explain to us what the heck Agatha Christie Mallowan is getting at in the extremely personal and extremely Christian short stories she wrote within her Star Over Bethlehem and Other Stories collection. Happy holidays to all who celebrate; we certainly know that Agatha Christie did! Please note there are a few minor
Beware Poppy and Mandragora: Within a Wall by Agatha Christie (with Guest Co-Host Michelle Kazmer)
It was a joy to welcome Dr. Michelle Kazmer back on the podcast to discuss an early and unusual Christie short story that contains echoes of so much of what we love about Christie overall. For those in the United States who may be feeling a bit fatigued from all the tryptophan consumed this holiday weekend, just be thankful it's nothing compared to the "sleepytime" embrace of one Isobel Loring....
Interview with Maureen Johnson, Author of Death at Morning House
Take comfort, for Maureen Johnson is back on the podcast to talk about her newest (standalone) YA mystery novel, and to talk about the nature of YA mystery itself! You can find out more about Maureen and check out all her brilliant books at her website here. You can pre-order Loose Lips, the second book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series, here in the United States. To visit and subscribe to the po
A Special HALLOWE'EN SPOOKTACULAR Episode: The Fourth Man by Agatha Christie
We've got strange goings-on in this early, supernatural Christie short story. What happened to poor Felicie Bault? Could it be a multiple personality disorder? A body swap?! Or something even WEIRDER? You be the judge... but first, delight with me in heaps upon heaps of listener correspondence. Happy Hallowe'en, everyone! For U.S. listeners: pre-order Loose Lips, the second book in my Ghostwriter
*Crossover Episode* with The Swinging Christies (!!): Ranking the 1960s Novels of Agatha Christie
Did you know that Superman's appearance on I Love Lucy is considered by some to be the first crossover episode of television? In that case, I was blessed with the appearance of *TWO* supermen on this crossover episode of All About Agatha and The Swinging Christies, in which I sat down (in Agatha Christie's birthplace and on Agatha Christie's birthday, no less!) with co-hosts Mark Aldridge and Gray
Interview with Marci Kay Monson, Author of the New Children's Book, Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Marci Kay Monson has created something very interesting in this children's picture-book version of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I can't think of a better way to start off what I hope is a long-running discussion of YA mystery, here on the podcast. You can check out Marci's book on her website here. You can pre-order Loose Lips, the second book in my Ghostwriter Mysteries series, here in the Un
*LIVE!* Episode: Agatha Christie's Greatest Screen Adaptation? (Recorded at the 2024 Agatha Christie Festival)
It's time for another live episode from the Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay, with a to-die-for panel of Agathologists! And guess what? The sound quality of this one is SUPERB, thanks to the presence of an on-site technician. Thank you to the Festival for making this happen! I hope you all enjoy; I know we did.... I'm appearing at Bloody Scotland tomorrow, Saturday 14 September, and hope to se
Summer Rerun: All About the Adaptations of And Then There Were None (with guest Mark Aldridge)
I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane, especially since it will help prepare you for my upcoming live episode at the Agatha Christie Festival, concerning which among the many (many!) screen adaptations of Christie's work is the best.... To find out more and purchase tickets for my appearance at the Bloody Scotland festival on Saturday, 14 September at 11:30am, please click here. To visit an
Special Announcement: I'm Coming to Scotland!
I'm thrilled to be participating in the Bloody Scotland festival this September! Click here for more information about my panel on Saturday, 14 September at 11:30am, at Trinity Church in Stirling. And for those of you in Southern California, here are the details for my upcoming appearance at a brand-new Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica on Saturday, 31 August at 10:00am, at the Third Street Promena
Interview with Kate Gingold, Author of Agatha Annotated
It was such a pleasure to speak with Kate Gingold about her glossary of annotations of Christie novels and short stories from the 1920s. You can find Kate, her book, and many other offerings at her website: Agatha Annotated. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and you can find out more about her non-Agatha offerings on this website. You can find out more about Kate's talk at
Woof: The Dogs of Agatha Christie
Whether it's teeny-tiny dogs like the Pekingese, more medium-sized dogs like the VAST array of terriers who appear in this episode, or large dogs like the scary greyhound who makes quite a memorable appearance, there is something for everyone in my discussion of the canine species in Agatha Christie's works. Special thanks to Kate Jackson and Michelle Kazmer, whose expertise I leaned on in prepari
Interview with David Morris of Collecting Christie
It was a dream to be able to sit down with David Morris, and pore over all the priceless goodies he brought with him having to do with Agatha Christie books, art, and ephemera. The following titles are spoiled during the course of our conversation: The Mystery of the Blue Train, Death on the Nile. To watch me watch two gamers play Murder on the Orient Express the videogame while we discuss all thi
Overbearing, Rich, and Idiomatic: The Americans of Agatha Christie
It's time to discuss those pesky Americans who appear in the Christie canon, and answer such burning questions as: Are all Americans millionaires? (Alas, no.) Do all Americans speak solely by way of idiom? (Happily, no.) I was also able to answer a ton of mailbag questions, which involved one hundred percent more Spice Girls than I expected it to. The following titles are spoiled to varying degree
Collecting the Collectors: The Gays of Agatha Christie (Special *PRIDE* Edition... with Bonus Jamie Bernthal!)
It's raining long-haired, antique-loving, architecturally-inclined men! And a few women, too! June is Pride month for the LGBTQIA+ community here in the United States, which I took as an opportunity to explore the topic of "gay" characters in Christie... along with revisiting an interview Catherine Brobeck and I did with long-time friend of the podcast, Jamie Bernthal. Enjoy, my dears! The followi
Interview with Journalist Karen Robinson on the Discovery of a Rare, Early Agatha Christie Artifact
It isn't every day a new discovery is made regarding a physical record of Agatha Christie's writing, especially one from her earliest days as a writer.... Thank you to journalist Karen Robinson for sitting down with me to talk about What We Did in the Great War by Agatha Christie... and by others in the VAD in Torquay during the First World War! It was a fantastic discussion. For information about
Ten Little Poirots & Marples: Ranking Agatha Christie's Detectives on the Screen
It's another episode focused on the adaptations of Agatha Christie: specifically, those talented actors who have brought life to Monsieur Poirot and Miss Marple in films and television for nearly 100 years now. Who will win the title of Greatest Poirot and Greatest Marple of Them All? And how will the rankings leading up to my #1 picks shake out? I surprised myself with a few of my choices here, a
*LIVE!* Episode: Interview with Kemper Donovan, Author of The Busy Body (and Busman's Holidayer)
Saturday, April 27th is Independent Bookstore Day here in the United States, and what better way to celebrate than with this live interview from my book tour last week at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids, Michigan?! Special thanks to Elizabeth Bosscher for conducting this interview. I had such a great time sitting down with her. If you'd like to visit or learn more about Schuler Books, which has four
Interview with Andrew Winans, Director of The Hollow by Agatha Christie
Andrew Winans is the director of a new off-Broadway production of Christie's theatrical adaptation of her superb novel, The Hollow. I loved getting to speak with someone who has been in the trenches with his cast of actors and crew of professionals over the past few months, bringing this Agatha Christie play to life.... To purchase tickets for this run of The Hollow (13-21 April) at The Players Th
*Special Announcement* re Next Episode
Next week's episode will be a discussion with Andrew Winans, the director of an upcoming Off-Broadway production of The Hollow, a play written by Agatha Christie, based on her novel. If you are interested in attending this production, which runs from 13-21 April in New York, go ahead and click here. And my East Coast/Midwest tour of the United States for The Busy Body is about to begin! Click here
Klaxon Bell Bonanza: The Actress by Agatha Christie
If you're a longtime listener of this podcast, you'll know never to trust an actor in a Christie story. So what happens when not one but two actors feature among the rather small cast of suspects? A lot, as it turns out, in this early short story that showcases Christie's unique ability to spin seemingly endless variations on a single puzzle.... In addition to the titular story, the following Chri
Ranking Some (But Not All!) of the Various Screen Adaptations of Agatha Christie (with Teresa Peschel)
Quick: what is the best Joan Hickson adaptation of a Miss Marple novel? Or how about your least favorite Suchet episode? If you like pondering such questions, then this is the episode for you! Just beware of spoilers; I list all the novels Teresa and I spoil in the course of this wide-ranging conversation at the top of the episode. To buy tickets to the All About Agatha Live! Panel at the upcoming
The Island by Agatha Christie Mallowan (with Guest Co-Host Sarah Hinlicky Wilson)
Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is back! And with this episode, she's officially earned her title as All About Agatha's resident expert on Christian theology. I leaned heavily on her expertise for this episode, which involves a lot of parsing of Biblical and even apocryphal references, as we discussed this curious, fascinatingly revealing short story from the Star Over Bethlehem and Other Stories collection
Agatha Christie's Most Prolific Stage Actor? Interview with Lee Samuel Tanng
Actor Lee Samuel Tanng has appeared in TEN (!!) regional productions of plays based on Agatha Christie novels over the last eleven years. He sat down with me to discuss the joys of regional theater, the particular challenges (and advantages) of pulling off a murder mystery in real time, and of course, to rank his ten experiences from least to most favorite. This conversation was a blast. You can s
All About The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (Spoiler-Free!)
Perhaps it was inevitable that an episode about the longest-running play in history would be the longest episode ever produced on this podcast.... And yet there's nary a spoiler in it; so tuck in, safe in the knowledge that the secret of The Mousetrap remains safely locked in my heart. Nibble nibble. Squeak squeak. Special thanks to my guests Phil O'Neill and Scott Ratner, and to Nick Cardillo and
Interview (#2!) with Alex Michaelides, Author of The Fury
Alex Michaelides has a new mystery out, and I had such a great time geeking out with him about Agatha Christie and other literary inspirations of his, including the great Ruth Rendell. You can purchase Alex's new book, The Fury, in the United States here. And you can pre-order it in the UK (it's out February 1st) here. You can purchase my new book, The Busy Body, in the United States here, the Un
Putting On an Agatha Christie Play (with Three Guest Co-Hosts)
I've talked a bunch--especially recently--about Agatha Christie and the theater. But what is it like to put on an Agatha Christie play? In particular, in one of those smaller regional/community venues that so frequently put on Christie's plays? Thanks to the three experts I gathered together for this episode, we can begin to answer that question. You can find out more about each of them directly b
A Christmas Christie for Christmas: The Naughty Donkey by Agatha Christie Mallowan (with bonus rerun of Star Over Bethlehem)
And you thought the days of bumper-sized episodes of All About Agatha were behind you.... This one might be a bit of a cheat, since it's a Frankenstein's monster (a Bella Baxter?!) of a few different things: 1) a nice long "mail bag"/"housekeeping" segment; 2) a fresh episode analyzing "The Naughty Donkey" in Christie's Star Over Bethlehem and Other Stories collection; and 3) a rerun of the episod
How to Survive an Agatha Christie Novel, with Author Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson knows her stuff when it comes to classic crime, and then some. I had such a good time talking to her about non-Christie authors of the Golden Age, and then engaging in a choose-your-own-adventure-style exercise that took us through various plot points she meticulously pulled from scores of Christie novels, short stories, and plays. What fun! To buy Kate's book How to Survive a Classic
Interview with Sophie Hannah re: The Mystery of Mr E
It's time to discuss friend of the podcast Sophie Hannah's murder mystery musical movie!! Mystery and musical fans, unite!! To rent/buy Sophie's movie in the U.S., click here. To rent/buy Sophie's movie in the UK, click here. To visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page, click here. You can pre-order my mystery novel, The Busy Body, in the United States (here), the United Kingdom (here),
Interview with Mark Shanahan, Playwright and Director of a New Adaptation of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
If you like The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, then this episode is for you! If you like theater, then this episode is *really* for you! Mark was a delight; his passion for Ackroyd, theater, and all things Agatha Christie shines through our entire conversation. Enjoy! Click here to download the Orson Welles radio adaptation of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd referenced in the episode. Click here to visit an
Interview with Booktuber (and Agatha Christie Enthusiast) Mara Sinclair
What an excellent opportunity this conversation was to use--and explain--such new-fangled terms as "Booktube," "Bookstagram," and "BookTok." If the online world of readerly appreciation befuddles you (as it often does me), then allow Mara Sinclair to explain all.... For more Mara in your life, check out her YouTube Channel, Bookslikewhoa. You can also find Mara on Goodreads, Instagram, and Discord
A Special HALLOWE'EN SPOOKTACULAR Episode: In a Glass Darkly by Agatha Christie
'Tis the season for a spooky Christie story, and this one does not disappoint. On the contrary, I would argue it raises the bar by marrying elements of the supernatural and the rational, all in one text. Apparently you can have a trick and a treat; you don't have to choose! Please visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page here. You can pre-order my upcoming mystery novel, The Busy Body, in
Interview with Jamie Bernthal-Hooker, Author of Jessica Brick Investigates
If you are a longtime listener of this podcast, Jamie Bernthal-Hooker is no stranger to you. But until now, our conversations have focused on his scholarly endeavors vis-a-vis Christie. Last month, I was fortunate enough to snag him for a half-hour at the Agatha Christie Festival to discuss his creative project satirizing murder mysteries in general, and Miss Jane Marple in particular. Get ready t
*LIVE!* Episode: Agatha Christie's Greatest Short Story? (Recorded at the 2023 Agatha Christie Festival)
Get ready for some hot mics: it's time for a live episode of All About Agatha at the 2023 Agatha Christie Festival! I hope you'll be able to share in some of the fun we had down in Torquay this year, because we certainly had a lot of it. Enjoy! Please visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page here. Please pre-order my upcoming mystery novel, The Busy Body, here. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad
Interview with Colleen Mulaney, Author of a New Book About Agatha Christie and Cocktails
Yes, yes: Agatha Christie famously abstained from cocktails and all other alcoholic drinks. So how was it possible to write an entire book--and speak for an entire hour--about Christie and cocktails?! Take a listen and find out! Colleen's book, Agatha Whiskey: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the Bestselling Novelist of All Time is available at all major booksellers. Click here to purchase Colleen's boo
Interview with Karen Pierce, Author of a New Cookbook Celebrating the Work of Agatha Christie
I loved geeking out with Karen over the top ten "food-related" books within the Christie canon, and I think you will too! Visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page here. You can purchase Karen's book here. You can pre-order my mystery novel, The Busy Body, here. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit them here for 10% off your first month of therapy. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads
All About the (Stage) Plays of Agatha Christie
On this episode I talk generally about the stage plays of Agatha Christie (that we know of thus far), but first I do a massive housekeeping segment with messages from all of you. (Letters! We've got letters! We've got stacks and stacks of letters!) It's such a joy to hear from as many of you as I do; please keep in touch. Visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page here. You can purchase tic
Interview with Julius Green, Author of Curtain Up: Agatha Christie, A Life in the Theatre
I had such a great time focusing on Agatha Christie's theatrical endeavors, with the person who knows more about them than anyone else in the world. Come delight with me and Julius Green in all the drama! You can visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page here. You can buy the newer, paperback edition of Julius's book (with a slightly altered title) here. You can pre-order my mystery novel
All About the Dedications of Agatha Christie
Get ready for another panoramic episode, in which I take full stock of the Christie canon from the unusual perspective of the dedications she (usually) inserted at the front of her books. I even managed to unearth some unsolved (by me, anyway) mysteries.... Visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page here. Pre-order my mystery novel, The Busy Body, at the bookseller of your choice here. Host
Summer Rerun: Accident by Agatha Christie
My former co-host Catherine Brobeck loved this short story, and this episode about this short story. And so do I! It's also one of the short stories under discussion at this year's upcoming International Agatha Christie Festival in September, during which my co-panelists and I will crown Agatha Christie's Greatest Short Story. Take a listen to the first part of the episode for a sneak peek at the
Ranking the Murderers of Agatha Christie
I loved everything about this nerdiest of episodes... other than the fact that Catherine Brobeck wasn't here to delight in this exercise alongside me. I know she would have dug it. I hope you do, too. Click here for the YouTube link to the recently uploaded (and free!) video of They Came to Baghdad, a 1950s television adaptation previously very hard to find. Click here to access the charts refere
It's Christmas in June! Star Over Bethlehem by Agatha Christie Mallowan (with a Guest Co-Host)
You might want to pour yourself some egg nog and download one of those roaring digital fireplaces for today's offering, which is a rare Christmas-themed, and overtly religious, Christie short story. Many thanks to Sarah Hinlicky Wilson for co-hosting this episode with me. Click here to visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page. Click here to visit Sarah's website. Click here to read Sarah
All About Ableism in Agatha Christie (with Three Guest Co-Hosts)
This episode is one of those happy occasions on which you all get to hear a voice--and a perspective--other than my own. Three voices, in fact. Many thanks to my co-hosts Jenni Bishop, Tina Hodgkinson, and Emma for a fabulous talk on such an important topic. Click here to visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page. Click here to pre-order my mystery novel! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz c
*Special Announcement* re Live Event at the International Agatha Christie Festival, Sept 2023
Please join me if you can in Torquay on Thursday, 14 September 2023 at 7:00pm in the Spanish Barn! Visit the Festival's website here to check out my event, and all the other marvelous offerings. Click the link here to purchase tickets for my event. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
