FromPoirot to Miss Marple,fromThe MousetraptoWitness for the Prosecution,thisafascinating look at the life and work of Agatha Christie, the world's most successful and popular crime writer.

Agatha Christie was not only themost successful author of detective storiesthe world has ever known, she was alsoa mystery in herself, giving only the rarest interviews—decliningabsolutely tobecome any sort of public figure—and a mystery, too, in the manner in which sheachieved her astonishing success.

Distinguished crime novelist (and acclaimed critic) H. R. F.Keating brings together a dozen noted writers from both sides of the Atlanticto throw light on the ever-intriguing Dame Agatha. Some essays analyze Christie’sart itself; some explain the reasons for her success—not just the books, butalso in film and theatre.

The myriad of critical angles explored here are penetrating,affectionate, enthusiastic, analytical, and even funny. Together, they give an almost uniqueinsight into the life andwork of the First Lady of Crime.

Includes essaysby Sophie Hannah, H. R.F. Keating, Elizabeth Walter, Julian Symons, Edmund Crispin, Michael Gilbert, Emma Lathen, Colin Watson, Celia Fremlin, Dorothy B. Hughes, J. C. Trewin, Philip Jenkinson, William Weaver, and Christianna Brand.