How to Survive an Agatha Christie Novel, with Author Kate Jackson
Dec 16, 2023
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Author and expert in classic crime, Kate Jackson, discusses non-Christie authors of the Golden Age and engages in a choose-your-own-adventure exercise inspired by Christie novels. They talk about surviving a classic crime novel, kitchen safety tips in Agatha Christie's works, delving into Christie's novels, her mastery of dialogue, and the preferences of readers for Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
The book 'How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel' provides a tongue-in-cheek guide to navigating Agatha Christie novels, covering topics like poison avoidance, deception, and library perils.
Food safety is essential in classic crime fiction scenarios, as kitchens can be a hotbed for poison preparation and dispatching.
Library settings in Agatha Christie novels can be dangerous due to French windows providing easy access and the presence of secret passages or concealed doors.
To avoid being poisoned in a Christie universe, it is recommended to work alone in the kitchen, supervise the cook, and invest in secure food storage.
In Christie novels, bathrooms can pose risks, and precautions should be taken to prevent tampering with toiletries and slips on polished flooring.
Hallways in Christie novels can be deadly due to spiked drinks and hiding places, making it essential to never leave drinks unattended and be cautious of alcoves.
Deep dives
How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel: A Tongue-in-Cheek Guide
The book 'How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel' is a tongue-in-cheek guide that provides advice on navigating your way through different scenarios that one might encounter in a classic crime novel, specifically in an Agatha Christie novel. The book covers various topics such as how to avoid being poisoned, the art of deception and lying, the importance of eavesdropping, and the dangers of library settings. It offers quizzes, tips, and cautionary tales based on characters and situations found in Christie's works. The book encourages readers to immerse themselves in the world of classic crime fiction and provides a fun and educational exploration of the genre.
The Kitchen: A Relatively Safe Room, But Beware of Poisoning
The kitchen is considered a relatively safe room in an Agatha Christie novel, as there is usually only one attempt to drown someone in the washing up. However, it is important to be cautious of ingredient or meal tampering, as many would-be murderers often prepare or dispatch their poisons in the kitchen. The book references historical concerns about food poisoning and highlights the fear of being poisoned by someone close to you. It suggests being vigilant and raising awareness about food safety, especially in classic crime fiction scenarios in the kitchen.
The Library: An Intriguing Setting with Hidden Dangers
The library is an intriguing setting in Agatha Christie novels, but it can also be a dangerous place. One should be cautious of French windows, as they can provide easy access for a potential intruder. Additionally, the organization of books in a library can play a role in the unfolding of events. While some characters find comfort in a meticulously organized library, others may fall victim to a deadly secret door or a concealed passageway. The book encourages readers to be aware of their surroundings and cites examples from Christie's works to illustrate the potential perils of library settings.
Staying Safe in a Christie Universe Kitchen
To ensure poison-free meals in a Christie universe, it is best to work alone in the kitchen and avoid distractions. Ready meals were not common until the 1950s and 1960s, so supervising the cook could be an option if solo cooking is not feasible. Poison can be found in various food and drink items, so it is essential to be cautious and invest in secure food storage.
Safety Tips for Navigating a Christie Universe Bathroom
To stay safe in a Christie universe bathroom, it is advisable to keep toiletries under lock and key to prevent tampering. Bathroom homicides can be disguised as natural deaths, so having a secure medicine inventory is crucial. Also, be cautious of over-polished linoleum flooring, as it can increase the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, avoid using any toiletries that may have been tampered with, like shaving cream laced with hallucinogenic substances.
Navigating Deadly Spaces: The Perils of Hallways in Christie Novels
Despite being a seemingly public space, hallways in Christie novels are just as deadly as studies. It is wise to never leave drinks unattended in the hallway, as they could be spiked. Also, be cautious of hallway alcoves, which can provide hiding places for nefarious characters. If hosting a house party, be mindful that hallways can become crowded, potentially leading to dangerous encounters.
Safety Tips When Traveling in a Christie Universe
When traveling in a Christie universe, it is important to be mindful of personal possessions, as they can be used to plant evidence. Avoid standing too close to the edge of underground platforms to reduce the risk of accidents. Finally, adopting a role, such as conducting a home survey, a tradesman, or a house hunter, can provide opportunities to gather information without arousing suspicion.
Romance and Choosing Wisely in a Christie Universe
In a Christie universe, it is crucial to be cautious when interpreting romantic signals, as they can be deceiving. Relationships can thrive when based on common goals and mutual passions, as seen in Miss Marple's relationship with her husband. Avoiding too much disagreement and being truthful are also essential for a successful partnership.
Engaging in Amateur Sleuthing in a Christie Universe
Choosing amateur sleuthing over immediately involving the police can create potential suspicion but can also offer the opportunity for personal investigation. To avoid incriminating oneself, it is important to have a solid alibi, minimize lying, and keep personal possessions to a minimum to reduce the risk of evidence planting.
Exploring a Christie Universe House
When exploring a house in a Christie universe, consider different approaches depending on the situation. Direct approaches, like pretending to be a tradesman or staging an accident, can be effective. Gaining an invitation or pretending to be house hunting may also provide access. Building rapport, such as engaging in small talk and buying an item from a nearby shop, can increase the chance of gaining information.
Is it Poirot or Miss Marple? Choosing Your Detective Companion
When given the choice between Poirot and Miss Marple, the preference is subjective. While Poirot is known for his puzzle-solving prowess, Miss Marple offers a charming and insightful tea companion. The decision ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired style of engagement with the mystery genre.
Kate Jackson knows her stuff when it comes to classic crime, and then some. I had such a good time talking to her about non-Christie authors of the Golden Age, and then engaging in a choose-your-own-adventure-style exercise that took us through various plot points she meticulously pulled from scores of Christie novels, short stories, and plays. What fun!
To buy Kate's book How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel in the U.S., click here. In the UK, click here.
To visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page, click here.
To pre-order a copy of my upcoming mystery novel The Busy Body in the U.S., click here. In the UK, click here. And in Australia and New Zealand, click here.
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