Agatha Christie

Date of Birth: September 15, 1890

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: January 12, 1976

Biography

Agatha Christie, born Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller, is one of the most prolific and celebrated writers in the mystery and detective genres. Born on September 15, 1890, in Torquay, Devon, England, she became known as the “Queen of Mystery.” Christie’s writing career spanned over half a century, during which she penned 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, and the world’s longest-running play, “The Mousetrap.” She is best known for her iconic characters, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, who featured in many of her novels. Christie’s works have been translated into over 100 languages, making her one of the most translated authors in the world. She also wrote six romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. Christie was married twice, first to Archibald Christie and later to archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan. Her travels with Mallowan to archaeological sites in the Middle East influenced several of her works. In 1971, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contribution to literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Agatha Christie

1. Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days in 1926, leading to a nationwide manhunt. She was eventually found staying at a hotel under an assumed name.

2. Her play “The Mousetrap” has been running continuously in London’s West End since 1952, making it the longest-running play in history.

3. Christie is the best-selling fiction writer of all time, with estimated sales of over 2 billion copies.

4. She was an accomplished pianist and once considered a career in music before becoming a writer.

5. Agatha Christie is one of the few authors to have created two equally famous detectives—Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Agatha Christie

1. “The simplest explanation is always the most likely.”

2. “Very few of us are what we seem.”

3. “It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.”

4. “Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that’s no reason not to give it.”

5. “One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of her death in 1976, Agatha Christie’s estate was valued at approximately £106,683, which is roughly equivalent to £3.2 million today (about $4.3 million USD).

Children

Agatha Christie had one daughter, Rosalind Margaret Clarissa Hicks, born on August 5, 1919. Rosalind played a significant role in preserving her mother’s legacy after Christie’s death.