A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Mystery Writer Agatha Christie

by Robyn McGrath, Liz Wong (Illustrator)

Uncover the fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes mysterious true story of world-renowned detective novelist Agatha Christie’s journey to authorship in this picture book biography.

Before Agatha Christie became the greatest mystery writer of all time, she was a girl who loved books, make-believe, and puzzling out problems. She was a keen observer, always noticing the secrets hiding in the shadows and the clues just waiting to be uncovered. More than anything, Agatha loved detective stories. She longed to write her own mysteries, but she struggled when she put pen to paper. The letters came out jumbled, the words twisting and snagging. Writing became a new puzzle for her to solve.

Her family and teachers chided her for being lost in her head, but Agatha wasn’t lost…she had a mind of her own!

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Historical, Nonfiction, Mystery, Biography Memoir, Realistic Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of mystery writer, Agatha Christie. It showcases her beginning as a child, her motivations for wanting to be a writer, her going away to boarding school after her father’s death, her working as a nurse during the war, and her beginnings as a writer.

She didn’t become famous overnight, but when she finally had her manuscript accepted, her first book, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” brought a smile to her face.

This is her story about her observations, about her successes, and how despite not having support to follow her passion to write, this is what she wanted to do, and those of us who love her writing, are grateful she did.

Now, kids can appreciate learning about her in this beautifully illustrated version of her life.

Reading level: Age - 8+ - Grade 2nd+

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Agatha Christie for little ones. I really loved the illustrations and all the nods to Christie's works on every page. Inspiring, shows how perseverance really paid off for her. Definitely recommend if you love Christie as much as I do!!!!

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book biography of Agatha Christie devoted mostly of her early life and how she developed into a writer.
As a child, she loved solving puzzles and mysteries. She also enjoyed reading and hearing stories read to her plus creating imaginary mysteries with her dog. And she was very observant.
Her father died when she was young and her mother sent her to boarding school.
At school, she initially wanted to act but was too shy. She tried to write but her teachers rejected her work. So she became a nurse to help out in the war. Eventually, she returns to her writing and finds ideas everywhere. Her work in the hospital allowed her to do intensive research on poisons - which enabled her to figure out "how" the murder would be committed in many of her books.
Agatha finally finished her first book and sent it off to the publisher. It was rejected several times before a publisher finally accepted it and her illustrious career was off and running.

The author included more detailed information about Agatha at the end of the book along with author's and illustrator's notes.
If you are an Agatha Christie fan, the illustrator incorporated a lot of references to Agatha's books which are scattered throughout the pages.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child, I was a huge fan of Agatha Christie and often had my nose buried in one of her novels. Children's author Robyn McGrath's beautiful prose sets the scene in A MIND OF HER OWN: THE STORY OF MYSTERY WRITER AGATHA CHRISTIE, published by Beach Lane Books. I love how the biography opens with Agatha's question, "Where has he gone now?" because questions guide and enlighten not only a mystery writer or detective but also each of us as we journey through life.

The detailed illustrations by Liz Wong capture the contrast between Agatha's reality and her imagination. This reflects how I felt when reading her novels as a kid. Suspicious characters, fast-paced plots, engaging scenes, and sharp dialogues fill not only Agatha's notebooks, novels, and movies inspired by her books but also my childhood imagination.

I enjoyed learning about how Agatha Christie used real-life inspirations to create her characters and utilized various techniques to make her writing vivid. I highly recommend this picture book for its captivating storytelling and beautiful illustrations.

[Srividhya Venkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agatha Christie was my favorite author when I was a young adult. That makes me really excited to see this picture book biography about her written by Robyn McGrath.
It's interesting to learn that even though she was so popular as an author, it came after many struggles (rejections from publishers) and challenges (criticism of her writing skills). However, Agatha persisted and used her strengths in arithmetic and puzzles to craft unputdownable mysteries and her powers of observation to create inimitable characters.
The lovely illustrations by Liz Wong complement the story, providing readers with plenty of details to study, almost like clues in a mystery story.
This is an inspiring story that tells readers that success doesn't come without persistence and passion.
I highly recommend this book for teachers, librarians, mystery lovers (and Agatha Christie fans), as well as aspiring writers.

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

McGrath tells of Agatha’s fascination with mysteries and clues and how her experiences at home and in school and as a nurse and working in a hospital dispensary contributed ideas for book after book. Thank goodness, the early rejections of her work did not stop her! Now we have stories about Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot—stories that I and many others love to read and reread. And I’ll enjoy this book many times for the insights into Agatha’s mind and how her experiences shaped her stories. McGrath’s writing captures the activity of Agatha’s mind, “conducting a symphony of ideas”; and Wong’s illustrations capture the settings of Agatha’s life. Highly recommended for inspiring young readers and writers!

[Roxanne Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always in her head and playing make-believe, young Agatha Christie began the work of a future writer. As said in the book, "it's serious work." Meeting disappointment with jumbled words or criticism, young Agatha pushes through and perseveres. Young readers gain insight into her motivations as a mystery writer and how her childhood laid the foundation for her approach to writing. It is a fascinating read for young readers to understand the beginning of a writer, witness persistence, and understand the mind of one of our most famous mystery authors. I appreciate how the back matter acknowledges the complicated history of prejudice in her writing. 

[Tonya Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging, informative and inspiring historical about bestselling, novelist Agatha Christie. The author gives interesting tidbits about Christie's life growing up, and the story inspires readers to persist in following their dreams despite obstacles and set backs. The delicate, finely drawn illustrations include details that make you want to search the pages for clues. There is also a nice glossary of terms in the back of the book. I appreciate how the author also touched on problematic issues in Agatha Christie's writing in her backmatter author's note. After reading this, I'm excited to check out Robyn McGrath's other books!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography on Agatha Christie inspires me to follow my dreams a become a writer! Christie wasn't great at grammar and tended to ramble, but with persistence, she become a wildly successful author. I like the author's note at the end that gently reminds readers that although Christie was clever and well-traveled, she still held many prejudices that appear in her works. She was human and flawed, and sadly not ahead of her time in all ways. A cute introduction to teach young readers to an important writer that encourages them to follow their dreams.

[Harshita Jerath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlights the importance of perseverance and inspires young readers to pursue their dreams.

The repetition of “Agatha, always in her head” reminds readers that Agatha is always plotting her characters and creating stories in her imagination. If you have a young creator around you, you would appreciate this.

The detailed artwork perfectly complements the writing. I also enjoyed the back matter, which included additional information about Agatha Christie and the mystery vocabulary (so fun for young detectives)!

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written and illustrated biography of how a curious young girl became one of the world’s most renowned mystery writers. “Always in her head” and “with a mind of her own,” Agatha is fascinated by puzzles and math and constantly collecting snippets of dialogue and scenes for her stories by listening and closely observing the everyday scenes that surround her. Eventually she writes a complete manuscript and sends her first book off to be published, only to be rejected, over and over again (Ah, the life of a writer!) I love how this book shows kids that they need to be persistent in the pursuit of their dreams, just like Agatha! Great back matter gives additional details about Agatha’s extraordinary life.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MIND OF HER OWN is a biography that many young readers may be able to relate to - a child exploring her world, imagining puzzles, secrets and mysteries to solve…a child always in her head. As McGrath emphasizes, she wasn’t just in her head, she had a mind of her own. A story that documents the beginnings and struggles of a very well-known mystery writer and how persistence is key to achieving dreams. Great introduction to Agatha Christie and realistic peek into the world of a writer striving to get their book on the shelf.

[Candy Wellins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a young reader who loves mysteries, why not introduce them to the Queen of Mysteries, Agatha Christie. A MIND OF HER OWN by @robynrmcg and @lizwongart focuses on Christie’s childhood and how a keen awareness of the world around her (paired with a vivid imagination) led to her prolific writing career. I especially love that @robynrmcg highlights Christie’s writing strategies and her unwavering commitment to getting published (despite many rejections). This book would make a great addition to any library or classroom.

[Donna Cangelosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun, inspiring picture book written by Robyn McGrath! This informative story introduces young readers to mystery writer Agatha Christie’s and shows how her curiosity, keen ability to notice details, and ability to finding clues to solve problems drove her to become a renowned mystery author. Liz Wong's lovely illustrations capture the period perfectly. Kids, parents, and teachers will love the themes of persevering and follow dreams.

[Lindsay Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This PB biography about Agatha Christie delves in the young mind of one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) mystery writers. Robyn McGrath pieces out the puzzle of Christie's young life, as she follows her passion of writing and mysteries and works to write her own. Lots of SEL in here: perseverance, dedication, self-discovery, listening to one's on heart and mind! The artwork by Liz Wong ties this book up in the most wonderful bow.

[Robert Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished watching "The Residence", a series about a murder at the White House. There were references to Agatha Christie, and my mother was a BIG Christie fan. I started looking for books by and about Christie, and was able to get this one through inter-library loan from my awesome and friendly neighborhood library! I really enjoyed this read. Now, on to "The Mysterious Affair At Styles"!

[Angela Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and captivating story about Agatha Christie's journey from curious kid to the world's most best-selling author!

Imaginative kids have a new hero in Agatha, and the back matter about her life and process is very cool. Where would we be without Poirot and Miss Marple in the world?

I love the refrain throughout the book: “'Agatha, always in her head.' Agatha has a mind of her own!"

[Suma Subramaniam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Agatha's story. Having read Agatha Christie's books growing up, this was a good way to learn about her life. The author has a detailed note at the end that describes Agatha's life, her writing, and her books. The illustrator has also delivered a beautiful rendition of the story in images.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sleuth-tastic look into the life and mind of Agatha Christie. Author Robyn McGrath has penned another fantastic picture book bio, this time about best-selling mystery author, Agatha Christie. Insightful, fascinating and inspiring, this book makes a wonderful gift for detective lovers of all ages. Highly recommend.

[Kimberly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved learning more about Agatha Christie and her inspiring story in this beautiful book. Kids and adults alike will learn from, and enjoy the storytelling in this book, paired with beautiful and informational art. What a fun and accessible way to learn about history and this well-known author! A must-have for every bookshelf!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today is Agatha Christie’s birthday. I read this book to celebrate. I didn’t like that so much is left out of her story. But the detailed drawings are delightful. The additional information in the back helps. But I wanted more of it illustrated. I also wanted more about how the author and artist are connected to their subject.

[K.C. Norton]

Tag yourself: I’m the maid chugging gravy straight from the serving dish on page 10. 😆

I wish there had been more visual easter eggs, honestly. As a biography, I thought this was was pretty boring. Maybe if kids already knew who Agatha Christie was, they’d be interested, but I wanted it to be more engaging. Alas.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the idea of a picture book biography of Agatha Christie but this is just a swing and a miss for me. It's a little boring, and a little not written for children. Not enough information of substance and just frankly not atmospheric enough for me.

[Lisa Gerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robyn McGrath's biography for children about Agatha Christie is lovely. It shows how Agatha was inquisitive and trying to solve mysteries even as a child. The repetitive refrain throughout keeps kids wanting to continue reading and would make for...
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[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! I enjoyed reading about this beloved storyteller and her path to success. The book has lovely alliteration and illustrations that bring the characters and setting to life. It just might inspire kids to become writers, too!

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this picture book biography of Agatha Christie. I especially liked paging through and finding all the clues to her book titles hidden in the pages!

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet view into the early life of mystery writer Agatha Christie. It was fun to learn a thing or two. Lovely illustrations by Liz Wong.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story about a favorite author. I learned something new and was thoroughly entertained by the text and illustrations. Fantastic for young readers!

[Carrie Tillotson]

An interesting look at the life, struggles, and successes of mystery-writer, Agatha Christie!

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).