All About Agatha Christie
All About Agatha (Christie)
All About Agatha is a podcast all about, well, Agatha. Agatha Christie, of course: the Queen of Crime, a real-life Dame of the British Empire, and author of sixty-six mystery novels that spanned the Twentieth Century, defining a genre. For five years, Catherine Brobeck and Kemper Donovan revisited these novels in publication order, ranking them according to pre-set criteria (plot, character, etc.). Tragically, Catherine Brobeck passed away at the end of 2021. Since then, Kemper has completed the podcast's ranking project, and now contents himself with celebrating the greatness of Christie by attempting to solve the ultimate mystery where she is concerned. Why Christie--and Christie alone--endures as powerfully as she does.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 7, 2018 • 27min
Calling Flannery, Shirley, Joyce, and Stephen Too: Accident by Agatha Christie
To say we loved this shockingly unsung short story is an understatement. We may even have lurved it. Come take a walk with us on the darker, dread-laden side of Christie....
Aug 31, 2018 • 40min
Tea with Tommy & Tuppence: The Ambassador's Boots by Agatha Christie
Our final installment of the Partners in Crime series, in which we say goodbye for now to Tommy and Tuppence, and goodbye forever to the series that adapted the collection. As discussed in previous episodes, we don't love every aspect of Christie's married detective duo, but we found a lot to celebrate here nonetheless.
Aug 24, 2018 • 35min
Getting Happy with Parker Pyne: The Case of the Discontented Husband by Agatha Christie
Another doozy from Mr. Parker Pyne! Someone ought to revise that final couplet of Romeo and Juliet, because we’re pretty sure this story has more woe in it, albeit of the marital variety…. Join us in a discussion so far-ranging, it manages to incorporate creations by Cole Porter, Tennessee Williams, and Jerry Springer. (Yup, Jerry Springer. You’ve been warned.)
Aug 17, 2018 • 52min
And Then There Were 41: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie - Part 2 (The Films)
And then it was time to talk about the film adaptations (and one televised adaptation, too). We were lucky enough to have Dr. Mark Aldridge, author of Agatha Christie on Screen, back on the podcast for an interview about the many films based on this novel. We hope you enjoy... and that you also forgive us the telephonic tinniness of our voices. Alas, we could not fly to England to interview Mark in person. Maybe next year?
14 snips
Aug 10, 2018 • 1h 16min
And Then There Were 41: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie - Part 1 (The Text)
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the controversial history of Agatha Christie's novel 'And Then There Were None' and the changes made by publishers to remove offensive content. They analyze the nature of the book and introduce the character of Mr. Justice Lawrence Wargrave. The podcast also focuses on the introduction of various characters heading to Soldier Island and the rising tensions and murders. The hosts delve into clues and hints, critique Wargrave's explanations, and discuss the plot mechanics, credibility, and characters in the book. They also explore the setting and tone of the story, praising the stylistic perspective and highlighting the eerie feeling created by the modern house on the island.
Aug 3, 2018 • 36min
Of Mice and Misogyny: The Manhood of Edward Robinson by Agatha Christie
We found quite a bit to mull over with regard to our titular character, that romance novel-reading, trivia contest-winning, accidental jewel-thieving Edward Robinson. Does he secure his, ahem, manhood by the end of the story? Did we as Twenty-First Century readers find the definition of said manhood in this story to be rather troubling? Yes and yes, naturally.
Jul 20, 2018 • 39min
Tea with Tommy & Tuppence: The Clergyman's Daughter by Agatha Christie
Tommy & Tuppence are ba-ack, so you know what that means: time to start digging for buried treasure! No, really. Join us for this Christmas adventure in July as we discuss, among other topics, the vagaries of keeping potatoes from spoiling in warm climates, and whether or not Tommy and Tuppence are in fact smug marrieds. (They are.)
Jul 13, 2018 • 29min
Communing with Mr. Quin: At the "Bells and Motley" by Agatha Christie
So much happening at the "Bells and Motley" (let's dare not forget those quotation marks). This is a Mysterious Mr. Quin story, so we shouldn't be surprised that things get loopy, fast. But did you ever think a Christie story would directly reference the year 2025? We sure didn't!
Jul 6, 2018 • 57min
And Then There Were 42: Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie
Murder is easy... if you're a small-town serial killer with a whole host of deep-seated issues. But is this decidedly thriller-like puzzle mystery of Christie's easy to read? Or enjoy?
Jun 29, 2018 • 29min
Getting Happy with Parker Pyne: The Case of the Distressed Lady by Agatha Christie
We all know diamonds are a girl's best friend, but are they a distressed lady's best friend? Let us discuss. (Also: if you were thinking to yourself that the one thing this podcast is missing is Marilyn Monroe, then boy are you in luck.)
