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While today's readers are fascinated by the runaway success of JK Rowling or Stephenie Meyer, the true queen of writing was and remains Agatha Christie. As noted by biographer Richard Hack, even "33 years after her death, all of her books remain in print." Christie has sold not just millions but billions of books in more than 100 countries around the world, including 84 novels and collections of short stories, 3 books of poetry, 2 autobiographies, and several books under the pen name Mary Westmacott. She also wrote a number of plays, including the longest-running play ever produced, "The Mousetrap." Despite her prolific writing career, her perception of her own talent was modest. Often, supporting her family, she referred to her writing production for many years (in which she produced a minimum of two novels a year), a "sausage factory." Yet despite her work ethic, Christie also managed to lead a fascinating life, spurred by her own creative childhood and sense of curiosity. When she finally remarried, she met not only a perfect partner, but a man who fueled this sense of adventure by sharing not only his domestic life, but his career in archaeology as well. Despite the shroud of secrecy that Agatha Christie and her family have sought to erect, this unauthorized biography of Christie is unlikely to ruffle any feathers. With access to more than 5,000 unpublished letters, notes, and documents, author Richard Hack has given us a story worthy of the "Queen of Mystery," "Duchess of Death," or any other accolade assigned her. Hack clearly has a great admiration and affection for his subject, and he conveys this in novel-like form to his readers. Beginning with her mysterious disappearance in 1926, Hack builds upon this story to bring us the full picture of the life of Agatha Christie, bumps and triumphs all. Readers will be charmed by her zest for life and travel, her adaptability (whether writing in the deserts of the Middle East or amidst the German bombing of London during World War II), and her persistence. Author Richard Hack is equal to his task, and has written a fascinating biography of an equally fascinating subject. He has brought Christie to life and reminded the world of this exceptional writing talent, still unequalled to this day.
Reviewed by Christine Zibas, August 2009
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