18 Comments
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Jane Margaret Harris's avatar

Hello Helen, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading this, it inspired me to write this morning! I would love to visit Greenway, I popped onto the website and was so surprised to learn Agatha had trained to be a concert pianist yet was too shy to perform in public, I used to play the cello and really struggled playing solos. Thank you for all you shared. I have never read an Agatha Christie book but I would love to!

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

This is fun to read, and I’m intrigued by your read-in-order project. Are the Poirot and Miss Marple mysteries mingled together, if you do it that way?

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Helen Redfern's avatar

Thank you! Yes, they are. Her first books were mainly Poirot, but my first Marple will be coming up soon. I can’t wait - I prefer Marple!

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Katie Lee Skewes's avatar

Wonderful essay, and unfortunately the things that Agatha Christie experienced are relatable to many to this day as many struggle with mental health issues. I have not yet read any of her books but plan to start at some stage. Including the books written about her which sound fascinating. Thanks for sharing

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Penn's avatar

Hi Helen, your post is really interesting and I hope you will post more! Agatha Christie’s book were such an escape for me as a child. I was thinking I’d like to read them again and I stumbled across your posts. Thank-you 🙂 Penn xxx

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Helen Redfern's avatar

Thank you, Penn. I really enjoyed writing it and hope to do more about other writers - although I’m sure I’ll be writing more about Agatha!

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Jo Tilsley's avatar

Just wonderful Helen loved all the research 🧐 looking forward to reading more x

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Helen Redfern's avatar

Thanks Jo!

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Chrysti Hedding's avatar

This was brilliant. I remember hearing my grandmother read Christie when I was young, and now I’ve read a couple of her Poirot novels too, as has my 13 year old. I hope to read more, I’m inspired by your essay.

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Steph's avatar

Excellent! Thank you 🙏

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Darrow Woods's avatar

I have not read as much of Agatha Christie's work as you have. I have my own happy childhood memories of watching the old Miss Marple movies. I appreciate the sensitivity with which you explore the connections between the novel she disliked, and what was happening in her life at the time it was written.

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Helen Redfern's avatar

Thank you, Darrow!

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Colin Devonshire's avatar

Loved the article. My Mum got me reading her books as a young lad. I think it was because of that, I now write.

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Helen Redfern's avatar

Thanks Colin. And that’s lovely. Inspired by your mum and Agatha.

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Donna Giles's avatar

Fascinating! Really enjoyed reading this and the research shone through 😊

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Helen Redfern's avatar

Thanks Donna - I had a lot of fun.

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Claire Holden's avatar

This is brilliant and fascinating in equal measure, Helen! It’s been a joy watching you disappear down the Christie rabbit hole and just look at this incredible output … the first of many I suspect and hope! 😘

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Helen Redfern's avatar

I hope so too. I’ve really enjoyed the process!

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