41 Comments
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Kim Askew's avatar

Laura, I once tried to write something about this time period in Christie's life, but I didn't get very far. Glad you did, and I can't wait to read it!

laura thompson's avatar

How interesting! - and thank you Kim. Mine is just a short book, an attempt to pare the story back to basics, but I did find it incredibly absorbing. Hope you go back to yours - I don’t think fascination with this subject will wane any time soon….

Anna Tuckett's avatar

Looking forward to reading it, Laura! So annoyed on your behalf about the TV show being based on the other, old book.

laura thompson's avatar

Thanks Anna - not least for the solidarity! It’s a bore about the film, yes, but perhaps it will be marvellous… I do recommend Agatha with Vanessa Redgrave if you’ve never seen it. She is sublime.

Maria Haka Flokos's avatar

This is absolutely fascinating, Laura. I read your account in the biography, and it did raise so many questions: most people involved probably lied, as you write.

I cannot wait to read the account after the reenactment. One understands it is not a police procedural,but rather a sense of place, mindset, and a woman's way of facing adversity that informs your writing. Coupled with Agatha's unique way of doing things.

So many congratulations are in order. Have already preordered!

laura thompson's avatar

So kind Maria. Thank you. It is very short and spare, one could write more and undoubtedly other people will, but it does strive to be TRUTHFUL…

Maria Haka Flokos's avatar

Agatha was spare, so it is fitting!

laura thompson's avatar

A nice thought.

Lynda Robinson's avatar

Oh this sounds good, we had afternoon tea once in the hotel where she was ‘found’ I’m popping over to pre order your book x

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you so much Lynda! I LOVE that hotel so much

Beth's avatar

I love this recreation - and the photos! I will pre-order your book at Waterstones now.

laura thompson's avatar

Truly kind. Thank you Beth!!!

Helen Barrell's avatar

Pre-ordered mine!

laura thompson's avatar

That is so kind. Thank you Helen!

Jane Housham's avatar

Marvellously atmospheric photos!

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you Jane

Amy's avatar

Really looking forward to reading the book - fascinating!

Erin O'Connor's avatar

I cannot wait to read this!! And I am so sorry about the option.

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you so much Erin. Yes options are a bit of a torment (one should learn never to expect them….! )

Erin O'Connor's avatar

Yes — film is such a tough business. It's one of those things where you have to plug along doing the work and trust that things will come together somewhere somehow, but you can't get your heart set on one thing.

laura thompson's avatar

ABSOLUTELY!

Sarah Beardsall's avatar

Can't wait to read your new book Laura. Congratulations x

laura thompson's avatar

How lovely to hear from you Sarah - thank you so much! x

Kate Jones's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Laura! I find it so fascinating that you re-enacted Agatha's actual steps on the dates she went missing. Good luck with the book! (And what a disappointment re the screen option 😪)

laura thompson's avatar

Thanks so much (not least for the sympathy!!!! Let’s hope the new film is GOOD, at least….) The re-enactment was so helpful. Quite unnerving at Newlands Corner but also v enjoyable, in a weird way.

Orna Ross📚's avatar

Marvellous Laura – looking forward to it

laura thompson's avatar

VERY kind Orna - thank you!

Jeremy Craddock's avatar

Your book looks fascinating, Laura. I'm excited to read this. I love your dedication to the research, and found your recreation of her disappearance a great read!

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you Jeremy! Much appreciated

Ruth Watson's avatar

Until I read your book I know nothing. But one thing immediately struck me when I saw the dates. She must have been in extreme distress or despair given that is the period most women would have been writing Christmas cards, shopping for presents, etc. I am looking forward to reading your analysis, including the exposure of those who lied. Fascinating. (PS really annoying that ‘read’ is both present and past tense!)

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you so much Ruth - that’s so true about the dates, what a strange Christmas she must have spent after being ‘discovered’….

Gina Ferrari's avatar

Just preordered and very much looking forward to reading this Laura… it’s a story that has always fascinated me.

laura thompson's avatar

Oh Gina that’s truly kind, thank you! It’s one of the great stories for sure.

Deborah Vass's avatar

Greatly looking forward to it!

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you, dear Deborah x