Agatha Christie author page

Agatha Christie biography

Agatha Christie was an English writer best known for her detective novels and short stories, particularly those featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Born in Torquay, Devon, Christie published her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, in 1920, introducing the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot to readers. Over the course of her career, she wrote 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, and the world’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap.

Christie’s writing is marked by intricate plotting and clear narrative structure, with many of her works set in English villages or country houses. Her character Miss Marple first appeared in The Tuesday Night Club, a short story published in 1927. Christie’s reputation grew rapidly, and she became known as the “Queen of Crime,” with her books translated into more than 100 languages. Several of her works have been adapted for film, television, radio, and stage, including Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile.

During the Second World War, Christie worked in a hospital pharmacy, which provided her with detailed knowledge of poisons, a feature that became central to many of her novels. She published her autobiography in 1977, providing insights into her writing process and personal life. Christie was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1956 for her contribution to literature, and in 1971 she was made a Dame Commander (DBE).

Agatha Christie’s books have sold more than two billion copies worldwide, making her one of the best-selling authors in history. The Mousetrap opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has been performed continuously since then, holding the record for the world’s longest-running play.