Spring is here at last and things are getting busy again. My apologies for not updating this diary sooner but I’ve been very involved in preparations to commemorate the life and writing of Agatha Christie on this, the fiftieth anniversary of her death. Not only have I written an article for the British Library about the use of the past and archaeology in her books, but I’ve been taking part in a number of events in the village in North Cheshire where I live.
As I’ve mentioned before, my village inspired many of Agatha’s best known books. Abney Hall, a short walk from my house, was the home of her elder sister, Madge and anyone who knows Abney can spot the house in many of her mysteries. Not long ago I hosted a book club studying Four Fifty from Paddington and everyone was struck by the description of the railway line and the embankment on the edge of a large estate where the killer disposed of the body. It is possible today to see that embankment on the edge of Abney Hall grounds and to imagine the body rolling down, having been flung from a slow moving train. We had great fun identifying places in the book and I’m looking forward to the next book club (held in Abney’s magnificent drawing room, a room Agatha must have known well) when we’ll be discussing After the Funeral. Also on 25th April I’m taking part in a discussion with Detection Club President, Martin Edwards, about Agatha’s life and work. This is to take place in the church where I’m a bell ringer (a church, incidentally, that Agatha used to attend when she was staying with her sister).All events are sold out and it’s fantastic to see so much enthusiasm about crime fiction.
As well as all this excitement, I’ve been busy writing as usual. I was thrilled to receive a new three book contract from my publisher which means Wesley and Joe will be continuing their investigations for some time to come.
Another bit of good news is that Deadly Remains is now out in paperback and I’ll be at my local Waterstones signing copies on the 18th April (Stockport) and on 9th May (Wilmslow) Do come along and say hello if you’re in the area.
Happy Reading.