Agatha Christie’s Poirot Returns in New Novel by Bestsellin​g UK author Sophie Hannah

David Suchet as Hercule Poirot

 

William Morrow to publish fully-authorized new Agatha Christie novel written

by internationally bestselling author Sophie Hannah

 

Silver Spring, MD – William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, recently announced plans to publish the first-ever new Agatha Christie novel, fully authorized by the Christie estate, to be penned by international bestseller Sophie Hannah. The deal for World English rights was negotiated by Daniel Mallory, VP, Executive Editor at William Morrow, and David Brawn, Estates Publisher at HarperCollins UK with Hilary Strong, Managing Director at Christie rights manager Acorn Productions Ltd/Agatha Christie Ltd, the UK based rights holding production arm of RLJ Entertainment, Inc (NASDAQ: RLJE) and Hannah’s agent Peter Straus at Rogers, Coleridge & White.  The novel will be published in September 2014 by HarperCollins worldwide.

 

The new novel will feature Hercule Poirot in a diabolically clever murder mystery sure to baffle and delight Christie's fans, and those who have never read her work. Agatha Christie introduced the Belgian detective to the world in her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, published in 1920. It has been 38 years since Agatha Christie’s last novel, Sleeping Murder, was published in 1976, and 39 years since the final Poirot, Curtain.

 

“It was pure serendipity that led to Sophie Hannah being commissioned to write this book,” notes Mathew Prichard, Chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd and grandson of Agatha Christie. “Her agent happened to approach HarperCollins in exactly the same week that my colleagues and I started discussing a new Christie book. Her idea for a plot line was so compelling and her passion for my grandmother’s work so strong, that we felt that the time was right for a new Christie to be written.”

 

Hannah, a leading writer of psychological crime fiction who is published in 24 countries, says, “It is almost impossible to put into words how honored I am to have been entrusted with this amazing project—in fact, I still can't quite believe that this is really happening! I hope to create a puzzle that will confound and frustrate the incomparable Hercule Poirot for at least a good few chapters.”

 

"In the years since William Morrow began publishing the world's bestselling novelist, we have seen astounding results across a range of formats and promotions,” notes Mallory. “Sophie Hannah's spellbinding novel marks a new stage in our relationship with Agatha Christie, and along with our colleagues at Harper UK, Acorn, Agatha Christie Ltd, and of course Mathew Prichard and the family, we are looking forward eagerly to bringing whole new generations of readers to this legendary author.”

"The Sherlock Files: The Official Companion to the Hit Television Series" By Guy Adams

The Ultimate and Official Guide to Seasons 1 and 2 of the Hit Series Sherlock— A Must-Have for all Sherlock Fans.

Sherlock: The Casebook offers a multidimensional companion to the PBS hit show Sherlock. Covering the first two seasons in vivid detail, each case is richly captured on the page and re-examined through Dr. Watson's blog, Inspector Lestrade's police reports, and newspaper articles about the crimes. Sherlock's detective notes and any surviving clues from the cases are also included. Interspersed among the evidence are exclusive interviews with the stars of the show, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Rupert Graves; writers and co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat; and the production team on everything from writing the scripts and bringing the characters to life on-screen to how the new Sherlock both reinvents and pays homage to Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective.

The Sherlock Files: The Official Companion to the Hit Television Series (It Books) will be available for purchase tomorrow, July 17.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Acorn Media: Agatha Christie's Poirot and Thomas & Sarah

The DVD/Blu-ray releases listed below are some of my favorites from 2012. Click on the titles to read my reviews. 

For the mystery lover on your list, Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 3.....and

.....Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 6 - Starring David Suchet

Fans of the classic British television series Upstairs Downstairs can follow the adventures of two of its popular characters, Thomas & Sarah, in their titular series. 

"The Perils of Sherlock Holmes" - Short Stories by Loren D. Estleman

The legend of Sherlock Holmes continues to resonate in popular culture. The recent films featuring the legendary sleuth have become enormously successful, a new television series, Elementary, is one of the highest rated new series, and a recently released book of short stories, The Perils of Sherlock Holmes (F+W Media), by Loren D. Estleman, prove that the legendary sleuth, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle more than a century ago, has not lost his appeal. Indeed, the legend lives on and readers who appreciate the classic portrayal of the detective, as opposed to the more contemporary representations in television and film, will likely enjoy The Perils of Sherlock Holmes.

The majority of the short stories featured here are narrated by Dr. Watson, Holmes' friend and mystery solving partner, and include a variety of rather interesting villains and guest stars, including Wyatt Earp, the "ghosts" from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and even the Devil himself, or at least someone professing to be the ruler of Hell. From Victorian Era London to the American Wild West, Holmes and Watson always seem to find themselves in the middle of some sort of mystery that is populated with colorful characters and precarious situations.

The two finest short stories featured in The Perils of Sherlock Holmes are "The Adventure of the Three Ghosts" and "Sherlock Holmes and the Devil." Of course, I may be biased since the former features a nod to Charles Dickens, while the supernatural tone of the latter, which features an open ending that readers can determine for themselves, is very appealing to me. Another enjoyable and unexpected selection, "Dr. and Mrs. Watson at Home: A Comedy in One Unnatural Act," features clever dialogue that showcases the duo's intelligence and tests their patience with each other. In addition to the short stories, Loren D. Estleman includes three essays, an annotated bibliography and a section on other suggested titles featuring the legendary detective.

The limited duration of the stories is appreciated and allows readers flexibility, which is a plus for those of us who are always busy. However, the brevity does not diminish the storytelling, which is certainly reminiscent of the classic detective stories. Readers are transported back to another place and time during the series of short stories that pay homage to the legend that is Sherlock Holmes.

Blu-ray Spotlight: "Agatha Christie's Poirot" Series 6 - Starring David Suchet

David Suchet returns as Hercule Poirot for four full-length mysteries based on the novels by the legendary Agatha Christie. The remastered episodes are in their original U.K. broadcast order and include Hercule Poirot's Christmas, Hickory Dickory Dock, Murder on the Links and Dumb Witness, which I believe is the best of the bunch. Joining Poirot once again are Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson), Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran) and Hugh Fraser (Captain Hastings), who all appear in at least one installment.

Hercule Poirot's Christmas finds the titular detective planning to spend a quiet Christmas alone, until his flat's heating unit decides to fail. When he calls for service, he is informed that the heat will not be restored until after the holiday. However, Poirot then receives a call from Simeon Lee (Vernon Dobtcheff), a very wealthy man, who asks Poirot to come stay with him and his family over the holidays because he suspects that his life may be in danger. Poirot accepts the offer, but only after he confirms that the house has heat. As Simeon Lee's extended family are gathering for Christmas, there is much dysfunction present, so the holiday is not as joyous as it could be. In addition, one of Lee's sons, Harry (Brian Gwaspari), returns after a long absence and no one appears to be happy to see him. On Christmas Eve, Simeon summons his family members together to announce that he plans to draw up a new will that will give a portion of his estate to Harry. This news means less money and property for Harry's brothers, George (Eric Carte) and Alfred (Simon Roberts), and, of course, they are both furious with their father. Later than same evening, Simeon is murdered in his room. Poirot, who, of course, has been observing every guest's behavior from the moment he arrived, begins his quest to solve the mystery. There are plenty of unexpected plot twists and interesting discoveries along the way, including the arrival of a presumed dead family member and the revelation of the true paternity of one of Simeon's children.

Hickory Dickory Dock finds Poirot searching for a killer at a student hostel. However, before anyone is murdered, a series of petty thefts occur, which arouse the suspicions of Poirot, who typically does not concern himself with such matters. Among the curious items missing are a stethoscope, light bulbs and a torn rucksack. Poirot is able to find the thief with little effort, however, very little time passes before a murder is committed and during the investigation, there are many strange twists that must be maneuvered around in order to determine who is responsible. As the list of suspects grows, another murder is committed, so Poirot is once again in a race against time to find the perpetrator.

In Murder on the Links, another solid entry in the series, Poirot is joined by his good friend Captain Hastings, as a murder mystery unfolds on a golf course. In this instance, Poirot finds himself being manipulated early on, while Hastings falls for a potential suspect, which makes the situation even more complicated. In addition, Poirot must contend with Giraud (Bill Moody), an overbearing police official, who hampers his investigation and appears to look down on the celebrated detective. Not to be outdone, Poirot suggests that they wager a bet on who is able to solve the mystery first. Both men have their work cut out for them, as there are several suspects, assumed identities and plenty of back story to work their way through.

Dumb Witness is an exceptional mystery featuring a lovable fox terrier, Bob, who holds the key to solving the murder of his former owner, Emily Arundell (Ann Morrish). Emily was a wealthy woman whose last will and testament holds surprises for her family and friends, including two sisters, Isabel and Julia Tripp, who experienced a premonition about her death. The eerie atmosphere is perfectly conveyed and accentuated by the mystical sisters who conduct seances and add a different perspective to Poirot's investigation, but they are also suspects. Dumb Witness shows a softer side to Poirot, who comes to care very much for Bob and is entrusted with his care, at least for a while. This episode also features outstanding cinematography.

"Agatha Christie's Poirot" Series 6 is now available on Blu-ray, from Acorn Media. For additional information, go here.