Agatha Christie historian and speaker
I’m excited to say that I have been invited to speak to the passengers on Golden Eagle‘s luxury train service the Danube Express. I’ll be joining the journey for its entirety, starting at Paris and finishing at Istanbul – the same route that Agatha travelled on the Orient Express. You can read more about the Danube Express journey here – as you can see, it’s very much a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most passengers. I can’t wait!
I’m proud to be speaking at this event raising money for Dame Hannahs, which provides care and support for adults with profound disabilities and complex medical needs. If you’re local to Plymouth then come along!
Happy new year! Just a quick update to say that I recently appeared on the Studio Canal podcast to discuss the four Agatha Christie films recently released on 4K disc. Very good they look too! I also took part in Southampton Solent University’s Explained podcast.
On TV I appeared on NBC’s Today programme discussing Christie at Christmas on Burgh Island.
And while I’m discussing podcasts, make sure you’re continuing to listen to the Swinging Christies podcast, which I do with Gray Robert Brown. Expect an announcement or two in the next few months…
I’ve finally got around to putting some of my media appearances on YouTube. If you’re so inclined you can see me chat with Sir David Suchet, Lucy Worsley, Alan Carr, Anita Rani and Alan Titchmarsh!
Gray and I are really pleased to be returning to the International Agatha Christie Festival’s Spring Gathering event in Torquay on 11 April 2026, presenting a new live episode of The Swinging Christies. Tickets are limited and bound to sell out again so grab one now!
Very excited to say that HarperCollins’ event A Christie for Christmas is returning for its second year, and I’ll be a part of it again. This time I’m chairing a panel with Ben Miller and Chris Chibnall about murder mysteries on page and screen. Elsewhere there are more great guests including Poirot and Marple continuation writers Sophie Hannah and Lucy Foley. Tickets sold out even before I could post about it, but keep an eye out for more events coming soon 👀
Our first video episode of The Swinging Christies is now available – recorded LIVE in front of a sold-out crowd at the International Agatha Christie Festival, filmed and edited by the brilliant Emberlense Productions! Video available on YouTube and supported podcast apps, including Spotify (audio only elsewhere).
Just a quick note to say that I’m heading back to beautiful Belfast for this year’s book festival. I’ll be chatting with the fab Jan Carson all about Agatha Christie and Miss Marple on Monday 9 June – and signing books afterwards. Last year was SO fun – don’t miss out!
You can get your tickets here – available on a pay what you can afford basis.
Just a quick update to say what a fantastic day I had at the Agatha Christie Festival Spring Gathering, which included the unveiling of the new statue of Christie on Torquay Harbour. Don’t miss it if you’re in the area!
Gray and I had a wonderful time speaking in front of such a warm audience about our ‘Story so far…’ – we can’t wait to return in September for our live recording of a new episode. I’ll also be speaking about Witness for the Prosecution in my own talk, sharing some lovely and rare images and information. Tickets for both talks are still available but selling fast!
I’m writing this update happily ensconced in the guest room at Greenway while I work on my next book, as I’m taking the chance to visit for a few days while I work on my book. Talk about atmospheric!
The programme has now been announced for 2025’s Agatha Christie Festival, and it looks like it’ll be another great year!
I’ll be appearing at two events. One is a special live recording of The Swinging Christies, my podcast with Gray Robert Brown. We will be looking at the most Swinging images of the decade!
Then I’m also giving my own talk, about Witness for the Prosecution, in which I talk about the journey of Christie’s greatest short story* from page to stage and screen. I’ll be sharing some rare treats!
You can book your tickets at the festival’s website – hope to see you there!
(*as voted for by the festival’s audience in 2023!)
Dr Mark Aldridge 