Nonfiction
The Grand Tour: Around the World With the Queen of Mystery

by Agatha Christie
Harper, November 2012, $29.99

In 1922, Agatha Christie, author of two published mystery novels with a third forthcoming, joined husband Archie on a yearlong tour in advance of the 1924 British Empire Exhibition, visiting South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with a side trip to Hawaii. About 40 pages from Christie’s autobiography serve as a framing device, but the letters and diary entries that make up most of the book are new to print. Illustrations include photos from the trip and its personalities, typed and handwritten letters, postcards, itineraries, menus, newspaper clippings, and maps. Though there’s little reference to Christie’s fiction, as a travel narrative, an insight into her personal life at a very happy period, and a reflection of pleasures and attitudes of the 1920s, this is a most enjoyable account. Its appeal is not limited to Christie completists.

Jon L. Breen

In 1922, Agatha Christie, author of two published mystery novels with a third forthcoming, joined husband Archie on a yearlong tour in advance of the 1924 British Empire Exhibition, visiting South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with a side trip to Hawaii. About 40 pages from Christie’s autobiography serve as a framing device, but the letters and diary entries that make up most of the book are new to print. Illustrations include photos from the trip and its personalities, typed and handwritten letters, postcards, itineraries, menus, newspaper clippings, and maps. Though there’s little reference to Christie’s fiction, as a travel narrative, an insight into her personal life at a very happy period, and a reflection of pleasures and attitudes of the 1920s, this is a most enjoyable account. Its appeal is not limited to Christie completists.

Teri Duerr
2888

by Agatha Christie
Harper, November 2012, $29.99

Christie
November 2012
the-grand-tour-around-the-world-with-the-queen-of-mystery
29.99
Harper