The Rebirth of Agatha Christie

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

While flipping through my Sunday newspaper a short time ago, I happened upon an article in USA Weekend, dated September 8-10, 2006, written by Robin T. Reid. In part, the article reads:

"Whether or not a new generation of mystery readers will like the novels of Agatha Christie may be a matter for the 'little gray cells' so famously employed by her eccentric Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot."

The article goes on to say that the books of Agatha Christie are being republished in hardback to introduce them to a new reading public. I need no reintroduction to Agatha Christie; I grew up with her.

Paperback novels littered my house like dust as I was being raised. My mother owned every volume Christie ever wrote, and when I got older, I read them all as well. My two favorites were "Endless Night" and "Curtain." I still remember the plot lines and the shock I felt when the murderer was revealed. I never once guessed the real culprit behind the deed; that's how unpredictable Christie was.

In a world where characters are often flat and storylines often trite, Christie brought a fresh approach to mystery. You never knew who you could trust and who you couldn't. It was rare for me to put down a book in the middle; I had to read the whole thing in one sitting.

I'm delighted to see Christie's books reprinted. Now all the young whippersnappers who didn't get a chance to read her years ago will have the chance to discover her.

The article gives a further quote: "These are still incredibly popular," says Tamsen Harward, of Chorion, the British company that manages Christie's literary rights. "It has been a generation since her novels were available in hardback, and the time is right." The time is always right for Agatha Christie.

Keep a look out for future blogs about Agatha Christie and her novels.

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I am a stay-at-home mom, author of eight published books, a freelance editor, and the mother of four incredible children. I enjoy scrapbooking, watching good movies, and taking naps.

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