Agatha Christie is the undisputed Queen of Crime; her popularity has remained undiminished since her death 50 years ago. Granted unprecedented access to the Christie Archive, and drawing on the perspectives, experiences and knowledge of a cast of characters from stage, screen and theatre production, writers of crime fiction and Christie experts, this book presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to delve into the author's life and work. From the houses in which she lived to her friends and family, her work in a dispensary in the First World War to her travels in the Middle East, and from real-life events to famous literary icons, the book and the exhibition it accompanies will provide an eclectic tour of Christie's influences to reveal what inspired her and how she, in turn, inspired a literary movement.

Comprehensively illustrated throughout, the book will include images of first editions of the novels, original notebooks, scripts, and letters to publishers and agents; family photographs, and personal objects such as her typewriter, passports and travel itineraries. Notable contributors include Lucy Foley, Kate Mosse, G T Karber, John Curran, Zoe Wannamaker, Brian Fenty and Caroline Crampton. Foreword by Kenneth Branagh.