Understanding Agatha Christie

Exploring the enduring appeal of Agatha Christie's work, Tison Pugh analyzes her unique approach to genre fiction and literary devices. The book is structured around seven paradoxes that define her success, such as her reluctance to self-promote while weaving personal experiences into her narratives, and her playful resistance to conventional mystery rules. Pugh also examines her complex relationship with cozy mysteries, her ventures beyond the genre, her use of sardonic humor, critiques of English culture, and her ambivalent stance on film adaptations.