

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

Jan 5, 2024 • 1h 35min
Putting On an Agatha Christie Play (with Three Guest Co-Hosts)
I've talked a bunch--especially recently--about Agatha Christie and the theater. But what is it like to put on an Agatha Christie play? In particular, in one of those smaller regional/community venues that so frequently put on Christie's plays? Thanks to the three experts I gathered together for this episode, we can begin to answer that question. You can find out more about each of them directly below. 1) Do yourself a favor and check out Brad Friedman's mystery blog. It has provided me heaps and heaps of both entertainment and insight. 2) You can look up Christopher Diehl's community theater here. And here is a link to another theater where he works on numerous projects, including those by Christie. 3) Click here to check out Jamie West's debut mystery novel, Death on the Pier, inspired by his love of mystery and theater. If you'd like to come see me on my upcoming book tour, the details are on my website here. And you can still pre-order that book (for a few more weeks) in the United States here, the United Kingdom here, and Australia/New Zealand here. Please visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page. This episode is sponsored by Britbox. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, click here and use the promo code "AGATHA" at checkout for 50% off the first month of your monthly subscription.

8 snips
Dec 22, 2023 • 2h 30min
A Christmas Christie for Christmas: The Naughty Donkey by Agatha Christie Mallowan (with bonus rerun of Star Over Bethlehem)
This podcast episode covers a range of interesting topics, including a deep dive into Agatha Christie's religious tales, the portrayal of animals in Christian tradition, the exploration of Christie's religious beliefs, the analysis of her short story 'Star Over Bethlehem', and the enduring power of her work. It also focuses on the character Miss Marple and her realistic Christian portrayal, and discusses the different approaches to seeking help from Miss Marple and Poirot.

Dec 16, 2023 • 1h 7min
How to Survive an Agatha Christie Novel, with Author Kate Jackson
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.

7 snips
Dec 8, 2023 • 1h 4min
Interview with Sophie Hannah re: The Mystery of Mr E
Murder mystery author, Sophie Hannah, discusses her new murder mystery musical movie, 'The Mystery of Mr E.' She explores the process of writing and developing the play into a musical, as well as the unique motive in the mystery. They also discuss perspectives on the death penalty and the identity of the murderer. The episode provides entertainment for fans of mysteries, puzzles, and musicals.

Nov 23, 2023 • 1h 8min
Interview with Mark Shanahan, Playwright and Director of a New Adaptation of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
If you like The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, then this episode is for you! If you like theater, then this episode is *really* for you! Mark was a delight; his passion for Ackroyd, theater, and all things Agatha Christie shines through our entire conversation. Enjoy! Click here to download the Orson Welles radio adaptation of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd referenced in the episode. Click here to visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page. You can pre-order my upcoming mystery novel, The Busy Body, in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia and New Zealand. This episode is sponsored by Britbox. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, click here and use the promo code "AGATHA" at checkout for 50% off the first month of your monthly subscription.

16 snips
Nov 11, 2023 • 1h 27min
Interview with Booktuber (and Agatha Christie Enthusiast) Mara Sinclair
Mara Sinclair, Booktuber and Agatha Christie enthusiast, discusses the online world of readerly appreciation, including Booktube and Goodreads. They also dive into their perception of 'Nemesis' by Agatha Christie, their favorite Agatha Christie novels, and the love for a villain in 'Appointment with Death'. Additionally, they talk about Marvel adaptations and deciphering dense references in a challenging book.

5 snips
Oct 28, 2023 • 1h 2min
A Special HALLOWE'EN SPOOKTACULAR Episode: In a Glass Darkly by Agatha Christie
'In a Glass Darkly' by Agatha Christie is a spooky story that combines elements of the supernatural with the rational. The podcast discusses the significance of food and alcohol in Christie's novels, explores productions of her plays, and delves into the publication history of the story. It also discusses the introduction and setting of the novel, and analyzes the aesthetics of the scene

Oct 14, 2023 • 34min
Interview with Jamie Bernthal-Hooker, Author of Jessica Brick Investigates
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.

Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 22min
*LIVE!* Episode: Agatha Christie's Greatest Short Story? (Recorded at the 2023 Agatha Christie Festival)
The All About Agatha podcast goes live at the Agatha Christie Festival, discussing Christie's greatest short stories, including 'Triangle at Rhodes' and 'Murder in the Muse'. They also explore 'Mr. Quinn' stories, a haunted doll, and the challenges of adapting Christie's works. Teasers are given for future conversations and events.

5 snips
Sep 15, 2023 • 55min
Interview with Colleen Mulaney, Author of a New Book About Agatha Christie and Cocktails
Yes, yes: Agatha Christie famously abstained from cocktails and all other alcoholic drinks. So how was it possible to write an entire book--and speak for an entire hour--about Christie and cocktails?! Take a listen and find out! Colleen's book, Agatha Whiskey: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the Bestselling Novelist of All Time is available at all major booksellers. Click here to purchase Colleen's book in the UK, and here for purchase in the U.S. To pre-order my mystery novel, The Busy Body, click here. To visit and subscribe to the podcast's Patreon page, click here. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit them here for 10% off your first month of therapy.