I have been a fan of Agatha Christie since I was a kid. And when I say fan, I mean I have her complete collection (minus one very rare book which I have in paperback and still have alerts on ebay to let me know if the Bantam issue becomes available) in what is known as the Agatha Christie Mystery Collection.

Her entire repertoire was published in elegant blue leather-bound books with a decent-sized print back in the early 80s, a few years after her death. Not only do I possess these beautiful books, I have read them all over a dozen times in the last 25 years.

I consider them “comfort food” for my soul, as her clarity of writing and devious twists and turns continue to bring me joy, no matter how many times I’ve met them before. In addition, sometimes I encounter a beautiful phrase that captures the essence of something in a half-dozen words. Now that’s a talent I aspire to!

Recently, while reading a non-Christie mystery, I cam upon the following tribute to her and wanted to share it:

from “No Rest for the Wiccan” by Madelyn Alt

My mom was a big afficionado of Dame Agatha. She must have read each of the books at least 5 times, but she still found enjoyment in the simple truths Christie put forth. That nothing was as it might seem and yet everything made perfect sense. That the only truth was the one that facts supported. That people always have reasons, right or wrong, for the things they do. And that no matter how much people lie, or try to hide the truthy, eventually it would come out in the most mysterious of ways.

Christie’s (sounds odd to me, I usually call her Agatha!) simplicity of style has a valuable lesson for all of us, a dictum I share over and over again:  Keep it Simple!  There is no need for extraneous anything in our lives, whether it be belongings, actions or words.

It is hard to locate our best selves under all the trappings!  Have a wonderful Friday and if you have a favorite author please share it here!

Oh, and before I forget, here’s my own tribute to Agatha Christie, from Issue 40, June 29, 2002 of the Three Minute Coach

Top 10 Lessons I Learned from Agatha Christie

Since we’re coming up on the July 4th holiday weekend here in the States, I thought I’d keep it light. I’ve been a fan of Agatha Christie and her mysteries my whole life and I thought I’d share what I’ve learned from reading her books countless times.

1. There are lots of clues in life.
2. Some clues are red herrings.
3. Everyone loves to talk about themselves.
4. There are connections to get from just about everything.
5. Bad things can happen in the most beautiful surroundings.
6. Everyone has something they prefer to keep hidden.
7. It’s in casual conversations that we reveal the most about ourselves.
8. People who tell you negative things about others should probably be the number one suspect.
9. Whenever possible, get everyone into a large room to unveil the murderer.
10. Life lessons are available no matter where we look!

Related Quotes

“All perception of truth is the detection of an analogy.” — Henry David Thoreau

“The best time to plan a book is while you’re doing the dishes.” — Agatha Christie

“I don’t think necessity is the mother of invention – invention, in my opinion, arises directly from idleness, possibly also from laziness. To save oneself trouble.” — Agatha Christie

“I am Hercule Poirot and I know.” — Hercule Poirot in “Death in the Clouds”.

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