Get cosy for a festive treat as we welcome three incredible guests! International award-winning author Sophie Hannah, true crime author and YouTuber Steve Fielding, and professor and author Dan Clanton join us for spirited discussions on Christmas, Christie, and Crime!

In this special holiday episode, we delve into the festive mysteries of Agatha Christie, explore yuletide twists in true crime, and even uncover some fascinating insights into the history of holiday storytelling. With our timeline and true crime sections dressed in seasonal cheer, this is the perfect episode to accompany your mince pies and mulled wine.

Don’t miss it! #agathachristie #truecrime #christmas

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 In this episode, we explore Agatha Christie's ground-breaking novel The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, setting the scene with a 1926 timeline and the intriguing true-crime case of Mr. Roadley's 1928 murder in Cornwall. Teresa and Bill Peschel share insights from their book, which reviews over 200 Christie film and TV adaptations, and Niv Ben Poreth introduces his innovative new app, Little Grey Book, designed for Christie enthusiasts. A perfect blend of mystery, history, and innovation awaits! 

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Join A Bit Of A Christie Podcast for an unforgettable interview with the internationally acclaimed author Sophie Hannah! In this unique feature, Sophie takes part in the podcast’s new game, "Soldier Island Stash", inspired by a mini Desert Island Discs twist. Imagine being stranded far from civilization (don’t worry, Judge Wargrave isn’t invited!)—what would you choose to help you survive?

Sophie dives into the challenge, selecting her ultimate picks for the following categories:
🎵 Rogers' Record: The album or song she can’t live without.
📚 Vera’s Volume: The book she loves to read.
💎 Lombard’s Luxury: The indulgent item she shouldn’t take but wants to!
🍴 Blore’s Bite: Her favourite food.
🍀 Armstrong’s Amulet: Her good luck charm.
✉️ Emily’s Epistle: The letter she treasures most.
💭 Macarthur’s Memory: Her fondest memory—writing-based or otherwise.
🧠 Wargrave’s Wisdom: The best advice she’s ever received.
🚗 Marston’s Motors: Her favourite mode of transport.
🔧 Ethel’s Essential: The daily item she simply can’t do without.

Get ready for a heartfelt, fun, and insightful conversation as Sophie reveals her personal “stash” of essentials for her hypothetical island adventure. Don’t miss this unique glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most celebrated authors.

🕵️‍♀️ Follow, Like, and Subscribe to A Bit Of A Christie Podcast for more exciting features and interviews with brilliant mystery writers!

#AgathaChristie #SophieHannah #SoldierIslandStash #DesertIslandDiscs #ABitOfAChristiePodcast #MysteryWriters #Books #Authors

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This episode explores the connections between true crime stories and the works of Agatha Christie. The host interviews two authors - Jonathan Whitelaw, who writes cozy crime novels, and Jackie Barrow, who is researching a true crime case from 1909 that shares similarities with Christie's 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles'. The discussion covers topics like the origins of Whitelaw's 'Bingo Hall Detectives' series, the influence of Christie's writing techniques, and Barrow's investigation into a suspected poisoning case that captivated Missouri over a century ago.

#AgathaChristie #TrueCrime #LiteraryInfluences

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Welcome to another thrilling episode of ABitOfAChristie! This week, we delve into Agatha Christie's classic novel Cards on the Table. Join us as we unravel the intricate plot where the game of bridge becomes a pivotal element in solving a murder mystery.

We are honoured to have Laura Covill, coach of the mixed bridge national team for Sweden, on the show. Laura breaks down the complexities of bridge, helping us understand its crucial role in Christie's narrative. She also shares a fascinating true crime story where a murder occurs during a game of bridge, adding an extra layer of intrigue to our discussion.

Additionally, we chat with Raye Green, an acclaimed author and Agatha Christie super fan. Raye talks about her latest book, Agatha Christie's Doctors, and her Agatha Christie fanzine. She also shares her enthusiasm for local history in Worle, Somerset, providing a rich tapestry of insights into the world that inspired Christie.

Tune in for an episode filled with mystery, expert analysis, and a deep dive into the legacy of the Queen of Crime. Whether you're a Christie aficionado or a bridge enthusiast, this episode promises to be a captivating listen.

Don't miss out on this captivating blend of literary analysis, game strategy, and real-life mystery. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!

Timestamps

The publication year of 1936 (00:01:32) Cultural highlights of 1936, including music, literature, and film.

Agatha Christie's "Cards on the Table" (00:04:20) Introduction to the novel's plot and characters, focusing on the unique collection of guests at a dinner party.

Ray Green on "Agatha Christie's Doctors" (00:06:01) Author Ray Green discusses the inspiration and process behind her book about medical professionals in Agatha Christie's works.

The game of bridge (00:13:39) An overview of the basics of bridge and its historical and modern context.

Bridge and its competitive nature (00:19:56) The addictive and competitive nature of bridge, including its potential for conflict and the excitement of its ever-changing challenges.

Bridge tournaments and espionage (00:22:35) A public service announcement highlighting the historical intrigue surrounding bridge tournaments during the Cold War.

Doctors in Agatha Christie's Life (00:23:58) Discussion about the societal status of doctors and Agatha Christie's experience working at a hospital.

Pharmacies and Troubles (00:25:17) Mention of troubles in pharmacies and a chemist's unethical behavior in the book.

Writing Fiction and Challenges (00:25:42) The struggle of writing fiction and incorporating characters into a story.

Bridge and Murder in "Cards on the Table" (00:26:20) Connections between the game of bridge and the murder in Agatha Christie's book.

Personality Reflection in Bridge (00:27:42) Observations on how a person's personality reflects in their approach to playing bridge.

International Bridge Tournaments (00:30:08) Description of the scale and rules enforcement at large bridge tournaments.

Bridge-Related Murder Case (00:31:59) Discussion of a murder resulting from a bridge game and the sensationalized mythology around it.

Bridge in James Bond's "Moonraker" (00:34:45) Mention of bridge in the James Bond book "Moonraker."

Preserving Local History (00:38:30) Ray Green's involvement in preserving the local hist

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In Episode 8 of the ABitOfAChristie Podcast, we continue our exploration of the 1937 novel, Dumb Witness. Joining us is Philip Stader, proud owner of Bertie Lakeland, a beloved Lakeland Terrier with a remarkable following of over 66 thousand fans on X platform alone.

We're also delighted to welcome back Maggie Moxom, a distinguished historian and author of The Rough Close Murder. Maggie shares her intriguing experience with psychic Julie Angel, who provided crucial insights into a Victorian farmland murder.

Additionally, we encounter two new characters from the pages of Dumb Witness, while meticulously tracing the events of the latter half of 1937. Tune in for a captivating dive into mystery and intrigue!

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Join us in this intriguing episode of the "AbitofaChristie" podcast as we delve deep into Agatha Christie's enigmatic novel, "Dumb Witness." A gripping tale of mystery and mayhem, this story follows the lives of the Arundell family, a peculiar array of characters, and their connection to the Tripp Sisters.

In this episode, we take a unique approach to exploring the secrets that lie at the heart of the story. We've got an extraordinary line-up for you, featuring exclusive interviews with key characters and an international psychic medium who'll help us unearth the mysteries within the narrative.

Emily Arundell: Our first guest is none other than the charming and enigmatic Emily Arundell herself, the central character of "Dumb Witness." Emily's perspective offers valuable insights into the events surrounding her and her relationship with her beloved dog, Bob. Listen as she unveils the family dynamics, and reveals her suspicions about those closest to her.

The Tripp Sisters: Next, we introduce you to the Tripp Sisters, who have always been an enigma in the Arundell family. What secrets do their lives hold, and how do they fit into the puzzle of "Dumb Witness"? Through an exploration of their letters and diaries, we'll gain a deeper understanding of these mysterious women who played a pivotal role in the narrative.

Charles Arundell: Charles, Emily Arundell's nephew, also makes an appearance on the show. As one of the main suspects in the story, Charles shares his perspective on the events that transpired in the household. Learn about his relationship with his aunt and what he knows about the Tripp Sisters' involvement.

Julie Angel, International Psychic Medium: To add an extra layer of intrigue to the episode, we've invited the renowned international psychic medium, Julie Angel. Julie will discuss her powers and how she believes they connect to the enigmatic events in the book. She'll also provide her insights on the Tripp Sisters' lives and the mysteries that shroud them. It's a captivating conversation that delves into the realm of the supernatural and the unknown.

Prepare for a spellbinding journey into the heart of Agatha Christie's "Dumb Witness," where we combine character perspectives with a dash of the paranormal to unravel the hidden truths behind the tale. Tune in and join us as we unlock the secrets that have intrigued mystery lovers for generations.

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In this intriguing episode of AbitofaChristie, we embark on a thrilling journey through the world of Agatha Christie's classic novel, "A Pocket Full of Rye." But our exploration doesn't stop there; we unravel a chilling true crime case from France, reminiscent of Christie's intricate mysteries.

Our tale begins with the enigmatic death of Olga Duflos, a woman whose life took a dark turn after she innocently drank a bottle of water in a hospital. As we delve into the eerie details of this perplexing case, we'll examine the clues, suspects, and unanswered questions, inviting listeners to join us in the quest for truth.

But that's not all; we have a special treat for Agatha Christie enthusiasts! We sit down with author and Christie mega fan, Karen Pierce, to discuss her latest literary creation, "Recipes for Murder: 66 Dishes that Celebrate the Mysteries of Agatha Christie." Hailing from the captivating landscapes of Canada, Karen shares her passion for the Queen of Mystery and reveals the inspiration behind her delectable recipe book.

During our conversation with Karen, we uncover her favorite Canadian writers, showcasing the rich tapestry of literary talent from her home country. Karen's journey to becoming an Agatha Christie aficionado is a story in itself, and she shares the pivotal moments that led her to embrace the world of thrilling whodunits and intricate plots.

Join us for an episode that combines the allure of classic crime fiction with the real-life intrigue of unsolved mysteries, and discover the secrets hidden within "A Pocket Full of Rye" and the legacy of Agatha Christie through the eyes of an ardent fan. Tune in to AbitofaChristie for an unforgettable exploration of the intersection between literature, true crime, and culinary delights.

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Join us in this gripping episode of AbitofaChristie Podcast, where we embark on an enthralling journey through three intriguing realms. First, we delve into the classic crime novel 'A Murder is Announced' by the legendary Agatha Christie. Unravel the enigma and suspense as we discuss the ingenious plot twists, masterful storytelling, and the timeless appeal of one of the greatest detective writers of all time.

Next, we have an exclusive interview with Mike and Ben, the brilliant minds behind the wildly popular 'Session Zero Podcast.' These Dungeon and Dragon enthusiasts offer us a glimpse into the captivating world of tabletop role-playing games, sharing their creative process, memorable moments, and tips for crafting unforgettable campaigns.

But that's not all; our exploration of the enigmatic continues as we delve into a chilling true crime story. Step into the shadows with us as we shed light on the haunting tale of Emma Molloy and her adopted son, John. Uncover the secrets that shrouded their lives, the events that led to the unthinkable, and the subsequent search for justice. This real-life mystery will leave you with questions, theories, and a newfound appreciation for the complexities of the human psyche.

So, whether you are a fan of classic mysteries, an avid role-playing gamer, or a true crime enthusiast, this episode promises something extraordinary for everyone. Tune in to AbitofaChristie Podcast as we intertwine the threads of fiction, gaming, and reality to reveal the intriguing tapestry of human intrigue, suspense, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

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Prepare to be gripped in Episode 4 as we dissect Agatha Christie's iconic thriller, "The Body in the Library." Join us as an ex-Cheshire detective guides us through the haunting crime scene at Gossington Hall, exploring the evolution of CSI practices since Christie's era. Delve into the tantalizing question: Would the indomitable Miss Marple pass muster in today's investigative landscape? 

Plus, journey with us into the chilling true crime realm, as we unravel the enigmatic murder of librarian Emily Abernathy—an unsettling echo of Christie's fiction. What secrets lurk within the library's hallowed halls? Was Emily a target, or merely caught in the crosshairs of fate? 

Tune in for a riveting exploration of mystery, intrigue, and the shifting sands of class roles that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

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