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!
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).
I’m thrilled to say I’ll be making an appearance at the Murder, She Wrote Festival in Mendocino, California (aka Cabot Cove!) in May next year. Tickets available here but they will sell out VERY fast!
On 30 April I was thrilled to head to Claridge’s for the launch event for BBC Maestro’s new Agatha Christie course. I spent two years on the project, leading the research and writing, and it was a thrill. BBC Maestro and Agatha Christie Ltd took a huge amount of care over the process. You can learn more about it here.
Also, Gray and I have been busy with our Swinging Christies podcast, including piggybacking on a US research trip to record a couple of episodes. They’ve gone down really well, so have a listen if you haven’t yet!
I’m also really looking forward to returning to the International Agatha Christie Festival in September, ready to discuss Witness for the Prosecution and (with Gray) some Swinging Christies images – maybe see you there..?
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 