Sandy Mitchell's Blog
Posted by Sandy Mitchell
Having a December birthday myself, I confess to having a soft spot for likeable, creative, and sometimes outspoken Sagittarius individuals. Among the mystery writers born this month are:
Rex Stout - December 1 - This prolific Indiana writer created the popular and timeless Nero Wolfe series.
James Lee Burke - December 5 - This American mystery author is best known for his series, featuring Dave Robicheaux. He has written 26 novels, including the 2008 release,Swan Peak, and has won two Edgar awards.
Ross MacDonald - December 13 - This is the literary name for 20th century American/Canadian writer, Kenneth Millar. He was the author of 25+ novels, the best known of which feature "hard-boiled" detective, Lew Archer.
Mary Higgins Clark - December 24 - This New York author has written more than 40 mystery novels, some in conjunction with her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark.
Posted by Sandy Mitchell
Among them are: Bram Stoker - November 8 - The Irish-born author of arguably the most famous horror novel ever -- Dracula. Stoker had never been outside of the British Isles when he wrote his famous novel, but his vision of the Romanian countryside has disturbed generations of mystery lovers. Charlotte MacLeod - November 12 - The author of over 30 mystery novels, the most popular of which featured Beacon Hill residents, Sarah Kelling and Max Bittersohn. She also penned a biography of fellow mystery novelist Mary Roberts Rinehart. Born in Canada, MacLeod emmigrated to the US as a child in 1923. Her works have sold over 1 million copies. Ms. MacLeod died in 2005. Don Delillo - November 20 - A post-modern New York City novelist, his books often deal with organized crime. Delillo's 1997 novel Underworld was the runner-up on the New York Times list of best novels in the last 25 years. Elizabeth George - November 21 - An American mystery author who writes British murder mysteries. Her latest novel, What Came Before he Shot Her, was released in 2007. Rita Mae Brown - November 28 - One of my favorite mystery authors, she is best known for her mystery series featuring Mary Minor Hairsteen "Harry" and her tiger cat, Mrs Murphy. Rita Mae Brown is also an emmy-nominated screenwriter, poet, accomplished horsewoman, and political activist. She lives in Virginia with her horses, cats, and other stray creatures.
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Posted by Sandy Mitchell
Did you know...
- Agatha Christie had one daughter, Rosalind Hicks, and one grandson, Matthew Prichard
- Dame Agatha has sold over two billion copies of her mystery books.
- Ms. Christie's best-selling novel is And Then There Were None.
- Agatha Christie was married twice -- to aviator Colonel Archibald Christie in 1914 (they divorced in 1928.) and to archeologist Sir Max Mallowan in 1930.
- Dame Agatha's play, The Mousetrap, is the longest-running stage play in history. It is still performed six nights a week at St. Martins Theatre in London's West End.
- In her autobiography, Ms. Christie cites Alexander Dumas, Charles Dickens, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as early influences on her writing.
- Agatha Christie's favorite of her characters was Mr. Harley Quinn.
Posted by Sandy Mitchell
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, published in 1926, catapulted Agatha Christie to international recognition as a mystery writer. The novel, which is as enjoyable today as when it was written, is #12 on the Mystery Guild of America's list of Best Mystery Novels of All Time".
The story is narrated by Dr. Sheppard, who is called to attend the death of Mrs. Ferris, a wealthy small town widow. The doctor is also called in to certify the death of Roger Ackroyd, a local widower, a day later. As the doctor relates the events, many plot twists ensue, including a jaw-dropping surprise at the end.
Dame Agatha, in her autobiography, claimed that writing about Mrs. Ferris led to her creation of the Miss Marple character who appears in 11 Christie mystery books.
If you haven't read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, or haven't read it lately, I heartily recommend it. I've read it three times and enjoyed it every time. For discussion questions about this book and other Christie mysteries, click here.
Posted by Sandy Mitchell
Read some of her thoughts on the writing process as well as getting older, war, and life in general (she enjoyed it) in this list of notable quotations from Agatha Christie.
British writer, Agatha Christie, born in 1890, was the author of 80 mystery novels as well as numerous plays and short stories. The week surrounding her birthday, September 15, is celebrated as "Agatha Christie Week" in Britain and abroad.
