Dame Agatha Christie, the Queen of the mystery novel, was a master of her craft. It has been over one hundred years since the publication of her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, in 1920, and demand for her English country house and cozy village mysteries has never waned.
She was born and raised in Torquay, Devon. She spent most of her childhood in this quaint seaside town. She was a shy child with a great love of books and a vivid imagination. As a teenager, during the war, she volunteered as a nurse and worked in the local Chemist shop where she gained first-hand knowledge of poisons and drugs which she often incorporated into her novels.
At the time a stream of refugees from Belgium took refuge in England, landing in the harbor of her village. She fashioned her exotic character, Poirot, after observing the manners and style of the Belgian refugees. She set a standard that has been duplicated numerous times, but she remains the most successful and read author of mysteries. Wilkie Collins (Woman in White) is credited with writing the first British mystery, but it was Agatha who developed and revolutionized it with her unique style and unforgettable characters which continue to captivate audiences. Her intricate plots continue to intrigue with her effective use of suspense and cunning detectives like the unassuming Miss Marple or the clever Poirot. Christie's influence can be seen in countless works of detective fiction that have followed in her footsteps. The appeal of her novels lies in their ability to transport readers to another time and place, immersing them in a world of intrigue and suspense that is both stylish and thrilling. There are many adaptations of her novels into films, here are the most recent.
*Why Didn't They Ask Evans? England BritBox
Stars Will Poulter, Lucy Boynton, and Hugh Laurie, and also includes cameos by Emma Thompson and Jim Broadbent. Based on the 1934 novel of the same name, this charming adaptation was written and directed by actor Hugh Laurie. The mystery begins with the death of a man whose enigmatic dying words, “Why Didn’t they ask Evans?” click here
*Death on the Nile England Prime Video
Adapted by Kenneth Branaugh, this features an all-star cast as they join a honeymooning couple
and their entourage on a cruise down the Nile, Poirot soon has to solve a handful of murders and unravel a tale of deception and greed. click here
*Agatha Christie Family Murder Party France MHZ
Prequel to The Little Murders of Agatha Christie, this French adaptation is based on the novel of Hercule Poiret's Christmas. click here
*The Little Murders of Agatha Christie France MHZ
In this series, iconic Christie stories are adapted by French television and introduce two new detectives set in the 1930's. In classic Christie's style, they are stylish, witty, and have a French flair. Superintendent Larosiere's passion for beautiful women is matched only by his love of solving mysteries. click here
*Agatha Christie's Criminal Games France MHZ
Some of her famous mysteries are adapted to a new series on French television that
are very charming and witty and stylishly French series set in the 50s. click here
*The Pale Horse England Prime Video
Starring Rufus Sewell is set between the 1960s swinging London and the creepy country village, a place with more than a hint of the sinister about it. click here
*ABC Murders England Prime Video
John Malkovich plays an aging Poirot in this adaptation that takes place in 1933.
When Poirot receives a letter, signed off with the letters ABC, detailing a murder that is about to take place.
*Ordeal by Innocence England Prime Video
Bill Nighy, Matthew Goode, and Anna Chancellor, star in this updated contemporary classic.
When Rachel Argyll is found dead, her adopted son Jack is arrested after his fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. However, he dies in custody before the case can be brought to trial. 18 months later evidence emerges that proves his innocence. But who is responsible for Rachel’s death? Was it one of her other adopted children or her husband who is about to remarry? click here
*Murder on the Orient Express England Prime Video
Kenneth Branagh directed and starred as Hercule Poirot in his first movie adaptation of a Christie story. On the way back to London on the famous Orient Express, Poirot’s skills of deduction are put to the test when a passenger is murdered. It features an all-star cast in this classic tale from the Christie collection. click here
**The Crooked House England Prime Video Roku Channel
Starring Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Christina Hendricks, and Terrence Stamp in this
lavish film adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's personal favorites. The screenplay was written by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey. The story begins when a former diplomat-turned-private detective is hired by a former girlfriend to investigate the brutal murder of her grandfather. But dark family secrets are revealed. click here
Witness for the Prosecution England Prime Video
It stars Toby Jones, Kim Cattrall, and Andrea Riseborough.
When a wealthy woman is brutally murdered, all fingers point to her young companion, Leonard, who is set to inherit her fortune. click here
*And Then There Were None England Prime Video
Starring Aidan Turner, Charles Dance, and Miranda Richardson
Ten apparent strangers are invited to a remote island off the Devonshire coast. Cut off from the mainland
due to bad weather, the guests start being knocked off one by one. click here
*Partners in Crime England Prime Video
David Walliams and Jessica Raine play Tommy and Tuppence a suburban couple
whose desire for adventure leads them into trouble again and again in this 30's era espionage thriller.
The thrilling escapades of this detective duo unravel mysteries and solve crimes together. click here
*Agatha Christie Family Murder Party France MHZ
Prequel to The Little Murders of Agatha Christie, this French adaptation is based on the novel of
Hercule Poiret's Christmas. click here
*Marple England BritBox
Enter the captivating world of Miss Marple, Agatha Christie's beloved elderly sleuth. Follow
Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie as they portray the iconic character, using their keen
observation skills and intuition to crack even the most puzzling cases
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Every episode of Marple is now available on BritBox. click here
*Poirot England BritBox
Dive into the brilliant mind of Hercule Poirot, portrayed masterfully by David Suchet. Join him as he navigates seemingly unsolvable mysteries using his remarkable intellect and unparalleled attention to detail. click here
*Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen England PBS Passport
This in-depth series about Agatha Christie, explores some of the early life experiences that fueled the creativity of this prolific writer and walks the viewer through the environments where she based her books and characters. It is a must for any fan of her work or the mystery genre. click here
My personal preference for streaming is Roku..
BOOKS AND VIDEOS
