Interview with Jamie Bernthal-Hooker, Author of Jessica Brick Investigates
Oct 14, 2023
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Author Jamie Bernthal-Hooker discusses his satirical mystery book series 'Jessica Brick Investigates', inspired by Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Topics include the use of satire and puns, Agatha Christie's comedic writing, her influence on the speaker's writing style, and the novel 'Jessica Brick Investigates' that captures Christie's essence. Upcoming episodes are mentioned, including a Halloween spooktacular and a televised adaptation of an Agatha Christie short story.
Jessica Brick is a parody of the underestimated detective archetype, challenging the idea that every clue she uncovers has a logical explanation.
Agatha Christie's comedic talent and skill in combining humor with crime fiction are often overlooked, making her an unacknowledged parodist.
Deep dives
Interview with Dr. Jamie Bernthal Hooker
Dr. Jamie Bernthal Hooker, a scholar and Agatha Christie enthusiast, discusses his satirical mystery series, Jessica Brick Investigates. Inspired by Miss Marple, the series follows the bumbling crime-solving adventures of an elderly spinster in a sleepy English village. Jamie explains that Jessica Brick is a parody of the underestimated detective archetype, challenging the idea that every clue she uncovers has a logical explanation. He also highlights the satirical elements in the book, including clever puns and references to Agatha Christie's works, such as a character named Rubella Carruthers, reminiscent of Miss Marple. The book aims to celebrate the mystery genre and the community of crime fiction lovers.
The Influence of Agatha Christie on Jessica Brick
Jamie acknowledges Agatha Christie's influence on his writing, expressing admiration for her comedic talent and her skill in combining humor with crime fiction. He believes that the crime genre, when not focused on violence, thrives on humor, and he considers Christie both a brilliant comic writer and an unacknowledged parodist. Jessica Brick stories serve as an extension of his own enjoyment of Agatha Christie's works and an opportunity to have fun with the community of readers who share his passion.
Jamie and the podcast host discuss the multifaceted nature of Agatha Christie's writing. They note that her works can be appreciated for various elements, such as plot or human psychology, and that different readers interpret her works differently. They also highlight the comedic aspects of Christie's writing, which are often overlooked. Jamie emphasizes that any attempt to mimic Christie's style or formula ultimately falls short, as everyone reads her differently and brings their own interpretation to her works.
Jamie's Future Projects
Jamie reveals that he is working on a Jessica Brick novel and teases a Cluedo-inspired story he wrote for the Golden Age of Crime conference called 'Cluedon't.' He explains that while Jessica Brick stories are primarily for personal enjoyment, he also hopes to have a laugh with other readers who appreciate Christie's books. Jamie believes that writing, whether creative or critical, is an intensely personal endeavor and emphasizes the importance of finding one's own voice and saying something unique.
If you are a longtime listener of this podcast, Jamie Bernthal-Hooker is no stranger to you. But until now, our conversations have focused on his scholarly endeavors vis-a-vis Christie. Last month, I was fortunate enough to snag him for a half-hour at the Agatha Christie Festival to discuss his creative project satirizing murder mysteries in general, and Miss Jane Marple in particular. Get ready to meet Jessica Brick!
Please visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page here.
Please pre-order my debut mystery novel, The Busy Body, here.
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