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Thrilled to be part of the blog tour for this superb novel, telling the famous story of the 11 day disappearance of Agatha Christie from an entirely new perspective - that of Christie's husband's mistress.
What's It About?
In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days. Only I know the truth of her disappearance.
I'm no Hercule Poirot.
I'm her husband's mistress.
Agatha Christie's world is one of glamorous society parties, country house weekends, and growing literary fame.
Nan O'Dea's world is something very different. Her attempts to escape a tough London upbringing during the Great War lead to a life in Ireland marred by a hidden tragedy.
After fighting her way back to England, she's set her sights on Agatha. Because Agatha Christie has something Nan wants. And it's not just her husband.
Despite their differences, the two women will become the most unlikely of allies. And during the mysterious eleven days that Agatha goes missing, they will unravel a dark secret that only Nan holds the key to...
My Thoughts
I absolutely loved this novel. I didn't know quite what I was going to be reading, and especially given that the story is told entirely from Nan's point of view. What followed, however, was a compelling story, at times romantic and tragic, with an abundance of humanity and sympathy.
The mystery of those 11 days - which have intrigued many novelists - is the centerpiece for the story but we actually follow the characters into different time periods to explore what has led them to where they are now. Nan is drawn particularly well as we come to understand that she is not simply the fallen woman, the mistress, the harlot - she has her reasons for acting as she does.
Nina de Gramont weaves a story that becomes as complex and ingenious as anything that Christie herself could have written; providing all characters with understandable multi-layered motives, and expertly blending fact with fiction.
It's difficult to say too much about this novel without giving away crucial plot points; needless to say, this is delightful historical fiction, a fresh perspective on a well known story and an absolutely delightful read.
Thank you very much to Mantle and Midas PR for providing me with a copy of The Christie Affair and for invited me to take part in the blog tour! Check out the banner below for upcoming reviews from other excellent bookish folks.
The Christie Affair is out now, available from Amazon, Waterstones, BookshopOrg and your friendly local bookseller.
All images not marked Mantle books are my own. All opinions my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
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