Introduction / H.R.F. Keating. Introduction / by H.R.F. Keating -- Hercules Poirot -a companion portrait / Elizabeth Walter -- The mistress of complication / Julian Symons -- The mistress of simplicity / Edmund Crispin -- A very English lady / Michael Gilbert -- Cornwallis's revenge / Emma Lathen -- The message of Mayhem Parva / Colin Watson -- The Christie everybody knew / Celia Fremlin -- The Christie nobody knew / Dorothy B. Hughes -- A Midas gift to the theatre / J.C. Trewin -- The Agatha Christie films / Philip Jenkinson -- Music and mystery / William Weaver -- Miss Marple -a portrait / Christianna Brand -- Hercules Poirot -a companion portrait / H.R.F. Keating.
Summary:
"Agatha Christie was not only the most successful author of detective stories the world has ever known, she was also a mystery in herself, giving only the rarest interviews--declining absolutely to become any sort of public figure. Distinguished crime novelist H. R. F. Keating brings together a dozen noted writers to throw light on the ever-intriguing Dame Agatha. Some essays analyze Christie's art itself; some explain the reasons for her success. The myriad of angles explored here are penetrating, affectionate, enthusiastic, analytical, and even funny. Together, they give insight into the life and work of the First Lady of Crime"-- Back cover.
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