What do you think?
Rate this book
The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie: The Facts Behind the Fiction
Did you know that many of Agatha Christie’s best-selling detective stories have their basis in reality? ‘Who killed Charles Bravo and why?’ asks retired Superintendent Spence in Elephants Can Remember. He refers to an unsolved Victorian murder mystery, one of many allusions to real life crime and criminals in Agatha Christie’s fiction. The infamous Dr Crippen, Jack the Ripper, John George Haigh, and many other real killers, fraudsters and spies, figure prominently in her plots, both explicitly and implicitly. Many of these cases belong to British criminal history, others originate from the USA and France. They cover a time frame from the eighteenth century to the 1960s, showing that Agatha Christie was not only an inspired writer of fiction but had a knowledge of true crime as well. There are even instances where she seems to have anticipated real life crimes, as in the case of the infamous poisoner Graham Young. This book explains the reality of these criminals and their crimes - some of which are well known, others largely forgotten - and how they are utilised in Agatha Christie’s stories. Armed with this book, fans of the author’s work will be able to gain new insights when reading her books either for the first time or on a repeat reading.
232 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2025
1 person is currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Oates
53 books10 followersJonathan D. Oates is a historian and prolific author on the subject of the Jacobite campaigns from 1689-1746. His focus is on military matters, the British Army and its commanders, and especially the English dimension of the period. This is his seventh book on the topic and he has also written about thirty articles on aspects of Jacobitism, anti-Jacobitism, and the military campaigns. He has also edited three volumes of relevant material; the memoir of a loyalist Scottish officer, the letters of the Duke of Cumberland, as well as a memoir of an eighteenth century Leeds schoolmaster. There are a number of other similar books in the pipeline, including one on sieges of the 'Forty Five. The author studied History at Reading University in 1988-1991, obtaining a First Class degree with a thesis about the 'Fifteen, and then a doctorate from the same place in 2001, covering responses in north eastern England to the two major eighteenth century rebellions. He has been employed as Borough Archivist for the London Borough of Ealing since 1999. He has also had books published about criminal, local, and family history, especially in and around London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 10, 2025
2.5 stars....sigh... The concept of this book really lured me in - I mean, what reader doesn't want to learn about "the Queen of Crime's" inspirations??? But this book just felt sodisorganized and poorly researched. I didn't feel like these were Dame Aggie's inspirations at all - just some random historical crimes with very little to connect them to any of her books!! Many were 20-50 years before she was writing, I mean, really?? (and I am NOT talking about famous cases like Jack the Ripper, either!) I kept trying to connect with this book but it was just wading through a bunch of randomness. It also needed more editing - a lot more. Honestly, I'm sorry I spent any time with it & if I hadn't needed it for a challenge I'd have DNF'd it early -but at least I can cross that one off!
December 27, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Interesting but dense and slow
Who hasn’t heard of Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime (fiction)? This nonfiction book explores the real-life cases that served as an inspiration for Christie’s bestsellers. The real crimes span not just the UK but also the USA and France, from the 18th century to the 1960s. In fact, the book states that Christie even anticipated some true crimes based on her knowledge in the field.
My Thoughts:
How could I not request such a book, especially when Rosh alerted me to its availability on NetGalley? Luckily, I got approval in less than 24 hours.
The book begins with an introduction where the authors present their idea and intentions for the book. They also make it clear that they did not spoil any of Christie’s works in the process. I truly appreciate that.
There are thirty chapters plus an afterword, acknowledgements, appendix… and illustrations! While the appendix is like a summarized table of which true crime was mentioned in which work, the illustrations are a mix of sketches and B&W pictures related to some of the cases mentioned so far. I’d have preferred if these were inserted within the respective chapters for greater convenience. I don’t think many people would read the book in a single sitting, so going back and forth and trying to remember who is who in the illustrations can be difficult.
Another interesting observation is that Christie had directly referred to some of these cases in her books using dialogues between characters. Though I wouldn’t say she was ‘inspired’ by them, she did pay them enough attention to analyze the whats, whos, whys, and whens.
Each chapter details the said case(s) with sources and is followed by a brief note of where/ how it was referred to Christie’s books, with a bit of interpretation from the authors. Apparently, some cases/ killers were mentioned or referred to in many books. For example, Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen seems to have been rather famous, with a ‘presence’ in about twelve works by Christie. Major Herbert Rowse Armstrong is another example.
As one can guess, Jack the Ripper, Brides in the Bath, and a couple of other ‘popular serial killers’ are also included in the book. Additionally, a chapter is dedicated to spies, considering Christie did have a thing for espionage (even if it was a minor thread).
Interestingly, a chapter has been dedicated to anticipated murders and murderers. The authors feel that certain crimes were foreshadowed in some of Christie’s books, or the events seem ‘too coincidental to claim otherwise’.
To summarize, The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie is a heavy read with a lot of information about real-life crimes and their ‘role’ in Christie’s works. It is certainly an interesting read, offering a glimpse into the stories, theories, and lives of killers from the past.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword True Crime, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: Interesting but dense and slow
Who hasn’t heard of Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime (fiction)? This nonfiction book explores the real-life cases that served as an inspiration for Christie’s bestsellers. The real crimes span not just the UK but also the USA and France, from the 18th century to the 1960s. In fact, the book states that Christie even anticipated some true crimes based on her knowledge in the field.
My Thoughts:
How could I not request such a book, especially when Rosh alerted me to its availability on NetGalley? Luckily, I got approval in less than 24 hours.
The book begins with an introduction where the authors present their idea and intentions for the book. They also make it clear that they did not spoil any of Christie’s works in the process. I truly appreciate that.
There are thirty chapters plus an afterword, acknowledgements, appendix… and illustrations! While the appendix is like a summarized table of which true crime was mentioned in which work, the illustrations are a mix of sketches and B&W pictures related to some of the cases mentioned so far. I’d have preferred if these were inserted within the respective chapters for greater convenience. I don’t think many people would read the book in a single sitting, so going back and forth and trying to remember who is who in the illustrations can be difficult.
Another interesting observation is that Christie had directly referred to some of these cases in her books using dialogues between characters. Though I wouldn’t say she was ‘inspired’ by them, she did pay them enough attention to analyze the whats, whos, whys, and whens.
Each chapter details the said case(s) with sources and is followed by a brief note of where/ how it was referred to Christie’s books, with a bit of interpretation from the authors. Apparently, some cases/ killers were mentioned or referred to in many books. For example, Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen seems to have been rather famous, with a ‘presence’ in about twelve works by Christie. Major Herbert Rowse Armstrong is another example.
As one can guess, Jack the Ripper, Brides in the Bath, and a couple of other ‘popular serial killers’ are also included in the book. Additionally, a chapter is dedicated to spies, considering Christie did have a thing for espionage (even if it was a minor thread).
Interestingly, a chapter has been dedicated to anticipated murders and murderers. The authors feel that certain crimes were foreshadowed in some of Christie’s books, or the events seem ‘too coincidental to claim otherwise’.
To summarize, The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie is a heavy read with a lot of information about real-life crimes and their ‘role’ in Christie’s works. It is certainly an interesting read, offering a glimpse into the stories, theories, and lives of killers from the past.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword True Crime, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
September 18, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie, by Dr. Anna-Lena Berg, Dr Jonathan Oates, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. There was a lot of crimes that inspired Agatha Christie apparently. From Jack the Ripper, to Lizzie Borden, and some crimes I have never heard of before, this was a very interesting read.
September 5, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
This is the perfect book for any fan of Agatha Christie's works or even someone who loves to read true crime. Bonus points if you like both! Since I haven't read all of Christie's works (one of these days, just there are so many other books to read first), I did have to be careful of what I was reading, since there were spoilers. It's a good thing my memory is horrid and won't remember any of them, anyway.
I did love the real life crimes were connected to the novel, and there were examples of how the characters differed from the real-life counterparts. For example, one was pregnant, and the other wasn't.
It bothered me that all of the photographs were at the end of the book rather than included in the passages talking about the people. However, I was very glad there weren't any gruesome crime scene photos. I have absolutely no idea why people would want those pictures included.
Definitely would recommend this book!
This is the perfect book for any fan of Agatha Christie's works or even someone who loves to read true crime. Bonus points if you like both! Since I haven't read all of Christie's works (one of these days, just there are so many other books to read first), I did have to be careful of what I was reading, since there were spoilers. It's a good thing my memory is horrid and won't remember any of them, anyway.
I did love the real life crimes were connected to the novel, and there were examples of how the characters differed from the real-life counterparts. For example, one was pregnant, and the other wasn't.
It bothered me that all of the photographs were at the end of the book rather than included in the passages talking about the people. However, I was very glad there weren't any gruesome crime scene photos. I have absolutely no idea why people would want those pictures included.
Definitely would recommend this book!
November 17, 2025
I love both Agatha Christie and true crime so this book was perfect for me. Each chapter was clearly laid out with the details of the crime and where it was used in the books. It was very interesting as listed crimes i have never heard off and gave more detail to others. i can see that for some it may feel like it more a selection of crimes and an attempt to connect them to her books as they are just mentioned . At times i would have liked to have had more information about both the crime and the story but overall this is brilliant. An ideal comparison to Agat.ha readers. Perhaps could have been more detailed or longer. It depends how this book is marketed its content appeals more to true crime readers than story readers in the way its written i would highly recommend this to both . Thank you netgallery, publisher and author
Read
September 28, 2025I’ve read a handful of Agatha Christie books, and while I’m more a fan of Poirot than Ms. Marple, I have read and enjoyed both. For people who have read — or who are going to read — Christie’s book, this is a fun companion, adding just a little more depth and flavour. In a combination of cold case files (some of these were never solved, like Lizzy Borden or Marguerite Steinheil) and murders, you can get a glimpse of the world Christie and her characters lived in. The social structure, the education expected of young women of standing, how people treated and reacted to one another. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past, with the added sprinkle of mystery.
Each chapter lets you know not only the name of the person at the center of the crime, but the stories that drew influence from it. Some, like Dr. Crippen, are referenced in over a dozen books; others are simply an influence for a scene or two. This is helpful for people who haven’t read those stories yet, either giving away the twist or the murder or letting them know to wait on this chapter until they’ve read those books.
I recommend this to any fan of mystery and murder — not just fans of Agatha Christie. The writing is conversational (if perhaps a little biased), and everything is laid out cleanly. The author’s clearly had a passion for this book, and it shows. Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Each chapter lets you know not only the name of the person at the center of the crime, but the stories that drew influence from it. Some, like Dr. Crippen, are referenced in over a dozen books; others are simply an influence for a scene or two. This is helpful for people who haven’t read those stories yet, either giving away the twist or the murder or letting them know to wait on this chapter until they’ve read those books.
I recommend this to any fan of mystery and murder — not just fans of Agatha Christie. The writing is conversational (if perhaps a little biased), and everything is laid out cleanly. The author’s clearly had a passion for this book, and it shows. Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 3, 2025
A look at the true crime cases which were either directly referenced by Agatha Christie in her books, or had similarities in the plot points used by the author. Historic murderers such as Dr Crippen are here alongside some more 'modern' killers including Reginald Christie, & Brady & Hindley. There are also fraudsters, spies, & a short section on child killers such as Mary Bell.
This is an worthwhile read for Christie aficionados who wonder about some of the more obscure crime references in her works. I found it interesting that many of the cases referred to, & which would have been instantly recognisable to her contemporary audience, have largely faded into history whereas the more enduring cases (Jack the Ripper etc) are used sparingly, if at all. Overall it's an informative read. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
This is an worthwhile read for Christie aficionados who wonder about some of the more obscure crime references in her works. I found it interesting that many of the cases referred to, & which would have been instantly recognisable to her contemporary audience, have largely faded into history whereas the more enduring cases (Jack the Ripper etc) are used sparingly, if at all. Overall it's an informative read. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
October 19, 2025
Throughout her vast output of writing, Agatha Christie used a knowledge of true crime to inspire her plots. In this book Oates and Berg explore some of those inspirations. Each crime is not given a lot of detail but what makes this book so fascinating is the linking to the novels, short stories and plays. It's a clever mix of true crime over the centuries and a homage to the great fiction writer.
September 29, 2025
This tome for Christie fans meets the brief exactly ... and - more importantly - concisely!
Authors Oats and Berg highlight all true crime references in Christie's books, providing concise summaries of these cases, and then discuss how they were used in the fictional stories.
Definitely one for true Agatha Christie fans! And all ready for adding into my own personal Agatha Christie library upon publication!
Authors Oats and Berg highlight all true crime references in Christie's books, providing concise summaries of these cases, and then discuss how they were used in the fictional stories.
Definitely one for true Agatha Christie fans! And all ready for adding into my own personal Agatha Christie library upon publication!
September 30, 2025
This is the perfect book for any Agatha Christie fan that wants to do a true crime deep dive based on her books. Back when Christie was writing, many of the crimes detailed in this book were common knowledge to her readers. Now with the exception of Jack the Ripper and Lizzy Borden many of the crimes have been forgotten. The book goes into great detail about the specific criminals and crimes that Christie mentions in her books often through an off handed comment by a character. Some of the details given feel tedious, but overall I found it fascinating to learn more about how criminals were prosecuted (or not) without the forensic knowledge that is available to us today.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword True Crime for allowing me to have a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword True Crime for allowing me to have a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 8, 2025
Have you ever wondered where great authors get their inspiration? What are the things that resonate and get the creative juices flowing? This book answers that question by looking at the various works of Agatha Christie and seeing where fact and fiction become one. It is fascinating to review the various crimes that were the grist for her mill. Some of them were very familiar as they are well known murders. Others were less widely known and in many cases, they were the more interesting, perhaps because they were new to me.
Not only did she have the ability to lift a tragedy, change features and names and present it as good fiction, but she would often have her characters refer to various murders. Often it was to highlight how fact and fiction were similar but often just to make a point. Either way, she clearly had a wide command of some of the darkest histories and was adept at turning them into literature. The authors are no slouches at putting the two together. It makes for an interesting read, one that could easily become a book that could be read in short snippets rather than all at once as I did.
I liked how the resource material was listed after each story rather than all at the end. This is definitely a must for Christie buffs. Four purrs and two paws up.
Not only did she have the ability to lift a tragedy, change features and names and present it as good fiction, but she would often have her characters refer to various murders. Often it was to highlight how fact and fiction were similar but often just to make a point. Either way, she clearly had a wide command of some of the darkest histories and was adept at turning them into literature. The authors are no slouches at putting the two together. It makes for an interesting read, one that could easily become a book that could be read in short snippets rather than all at once as I did.
I liked how the resource material was listed after each story rather than all at the end. This is definitely a must for Christie buffs. Four purrs and two paws up.
October 2, 2025
I received a free copy of the Crimes that inspired Agatha Christie on Netgalley for an honest review. Even though I’ve never any of Agatha Christie’s Fiction novels she’s very well known in the industry for her gripping tales, theatre shows and tv shows based on her books and this book and the many true crimes that happened during her time that inspired many of them. I found this very intriguing and some of the cases I had heard of but quite a lot that I hadn’t and they make you realise why they inspired her so much. For me this was a great read and I’d recommend for true crime enthusiasts.
September 9, 2025
This is the best book to read as a companion to Agatha Christie. If you wish to learn more about the possibilities of what inspired Christie (cause let’s be honest the woman was an enigma) to write her iconic books. This is the right book for you. it gives details of the crimes and ties them to Christie’s books at the end of each chapter. If you wish to expand into learning more about the legend herself, this book is a good resource.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC!
November 29, 2025
An informative book which delved into all the various crimes which inspired the queen of classic murder mysteries Agatha Christie. The crimes themselves were all well written and executed on page vividly outlining the protagonists involved and it made for an enlightening and reflective read.
Thankyou to Net galley and Pen and Sword for an arc of this insightful non fiction true crime book.
Thankyou to Net galley and Pen and Sword for an arc of this insightful non fiction true crime book.
November 2, 2025
Agatha Christie's genius was adapting over 30 real-life crimes into fiction. Her "mosaics" of plot, method, and motive drew heavily on sensational press reports spanning two centuries.
The Lindbergh Kidnapping (1932): Inspired Murder on the Orient Express.
Dr. Crippen (1910): Influenced Roger Ackroyd, Sleeping Murder, Five Little Pigs, Mrs McGinty's Dead, and 8 others.
Lizzie Borden (1892): Woven into And Then There Were None, The Clocks, Ordeal by Innocence, and 4 others.
Brides in the Bath (1912-14): The drowning method is seen in A Caribbean Mystery, Murder on the Links, and After the Funeral.
Major Armstrong (1921): Used in Peril at End House, Murder is Easy, After the Funeral, and 7 other works.
F.H. Seddon (1911): Shaped Mysterious Affair at Styles, and After the Funeral.
True-Crime Sourcebook
Historical Motives: Elizabeth Canning (1753) inspired Lord Edgeware Dies. Madeleine Smith (1857) inspired Pale Horse. Constance Kent (1860) and Charles Bravo (1876) inspired Crooked House, The Clocks. Adelaide Bartlett (1886) inspired The Clocks.
Serial Killings: Jack The Ripper (1888) and Dr. Neill Cream (1891-92) inspired The ABC Murders, Cat Among the Pigeons. Post-War Killers (Haigh, Christie, Young, Roussel) inspired Ordeal By Innocence, The Pale Horse.
Domestic & Poison: Steinheil (1908), Greenwood (1919), Whistance (1920), Bywaters/Thompson (1922), Annie Hearn (1930), Waddingham (1935) inspired Murder on the Links, A Murder is Announced, Sad Cypress.
Unique Methods: Chopped Murders (Mahon/Thorne/Ruxton) inspired Dumb Witness, One two, buckle my shoe. Alfred Rouse (1930) and Wallace (1931) inspired The Body in the Library, Evil Under the Sun. Brighton Trunk Murders (1934) inspired Cards on the Table.
Fraud & Modern Thrills: Swindlers (Tichborne, Beck, etc.) inspired Witness for the Prosecution, Death in the Clouds. Spies (Cambridge Five, etc.) inspired Destination Unknown. Gough (1945) inspired The Mousetrap. Great Train Robbery (1963) inspired At Bertram's Hotel. Moors/Mary Bell (1960s) inspired Hallowe'en Party, Nemesis.
Christie's work is a thrilling reflection of the dark history of true crime.
The Lindbergh Kidnapping (1932): Inspired Murder on the Orient Express.
Dr. Crippen (1910): Influenced Roger Ackroyd, Sleeping Murder, Five Little Pigs, Mrs McGinty's Dead, and 8 others.
Lizzie Borden (1892): Woven into And Then There Were None, The Clocks, Ordeal by Innocence, and 4 others.
Brides in the Bath (1912-14): The drowning method is seen in A Caribbean Mystery, Murder on the Links, and After the Funeral.
Major Armstrong (1921): Used in Peril at End House, Murder is Easy, After the Funeral, and 7 other works.
F.H. Seddon (1911): Shaped Mysterious Affair at Styles, and After the Funeral.
True-Crime Sourcebook
Historical Motives: Elizabeth Canning (1753) inspired Lord Edgeware Dies. Madeleine Smith (1857) inspired Pale Horse. Constance Kent (1860) and Charles Bravo (1876) inspired Crooked House, The Clocks. Adelaide Bartlett (1886) inspired The Clocks.
Serial Killings: Jack The Ripper (1888) and Dr. Neill Cream (1891-92) inspired The ABC Murders, Cat Among the Pigeons. Post-War Killers (Haigh, Christie, Young, Roussel) inspired Ordeal By Innocence, The Pale Horse.
Domestic & Poison: Steinheil (1908), Greenwood (1919), Whistance (1920), Bywaters/Thompson (1922), Annie Hearn (1930), Waddingham (1935) inspired Murder on the Links, A Murder is Announced, Sad Cypress.
Unique Methods: Chopped Murders (Mahon/Thorne/Ruxton) inspired Dumb Witness, One two, buckle my shoe. Alfred Rouse (1930) and Wallace (1931) inspired The Body in the Library, Evil Under the Sun. Brighton Trunk Murders (1934) inspired Cards on the Table.
Fraud & Modern Thrills: Swindlers (Tichborne, Beck, etc.) inspired Witness for the Prosecution, Death in the Clouds. Spies (Cambridge Five, etc.) inspired Destination Unknown. Gough (1945) inspired The Mousetrap. Great Train Robbery (1963) inspired At Bertram's Hotel. Moors/Mary Bell (1960s) inspired Hallowe'en Party, Nemesis.
Christie's work is a thrilling reflection of the dark history of true crime.
October 5, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie is a well researched and engaging monograph curated and written by Drs. Jonathan Oates and Anna-Lena Berg. Due out in the UK 30th Oct. 2025 (30th Dec, elsewhere) from Pen & Sword, it's 232 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
Well written and annotated, this is a collection of true-crime histories which influenced Agatha Christie (and other authors). Some, like Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden, and Dr. Crippen, are still quite famous and well known down to the modern day, whilst some of the included stories (notorious in their day) have faded and will be unfamiliar.
The authors have done a good job of setting the real-life history in context, with contextual quotes from relevant works in Christie's oeuvre for readers to search up on their own. It's not annotated, there aren't really chapter notes, but the book's content is enhanced by numerous facsimile documents and archival photos of relevant locations and people, victims and perpetrators.
Four stars. Definitely one for the true crime podcast audience, and for die-hard Christie fans. None of the included photos are lurid, although there are some courtroom and media descriptions which were a bit explicit (but dulled from the passage of time). It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or for the true-crime lover's home reference library. Potentially some good nuggets of info for mystery writers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie is a well researched and engaging monograph curated and written by Drs. Jonathan Oates and Anna-Lena Berg. Due out in the UK 30th Oct. 2025 (30th Dec, elsewhere) from Pen & Sword, it's 232 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
Well written and annotated, this is a collection of true-crime histories which influenced Agatha Christie (and other authors). Some, like Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden, and Dr. Crippen, are still quite famous and well known down to the modern day, whilst some of the included stories (notorious in their day) have faded and will be unfamiliar.
The authors have done a good job of setting the real-life history in context, with contextual quotes from relevant works in Christie's oeuvre for readers to search up on their own. It's not annotated, there aren't really chapter notes, but the book's content is enhanced by numerous facsimile documents and archival photos of relevant locations and people, victims and perpetrators.
Four stars. Definitely one for the true crime podcast audience, and for die-hard Christie fans. None of the included photos are lurid, although there are some courtroom and media descriptions which were a bit explicit (but dulled from the passage of time). It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or for the true-crime lover's home reference library. Potentially some good nuggets of info for mystery writers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
September 13, 2025
Agatha Christie always claimed that she didn't base her character's on real people, beyond a glimpse of say a man in a wheelchair with a family inspiring the family from the Body in the Library. Perhaps that is true, but when it comes to the crimes, she was clearly more inclined to draw from the real world. Here is a comprehensive list of cases referred to in her books.
Some of these I already knew about - The acid bath murders, the Kent murder, Lizzie Bolden etc. Some I vaguely knew of and plenty were brand new to me. It was fascinating to read about these long forgotten cases, and get some context for books I've read countless time. I'd never known the story behind the murder on the links book for example, and I loved getting that more complete picture, it will give it added flavour the next time I return to it.
The author is clearly a huge fan of Christie and has worked hard to create compelling narratives covering ever case they can find.
There are a couple of times near the end of chapters where the writer comes dangerously close to not playing fair and almost reveals the killer in a book - indeed, if you were to read this, then pick up one of the stories mentioned, you would know who it was from hints here, which is okay when Christie has mirrored the real life case to the story, but less okay when its the writer comparing fact to fiction.
Nevertheless, this was a complete delight to read, both as a fan of Agatha Christie and of older true crime cases. It's an easy recommendation for anyone who falls into either of those camps, pick it up because you will enjoy yourself.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Some of these I already knew about - The acid bath murders, the Kent murder, Lizzie Bolden etc. Some I vaguely knew of and plenty were brand new to me. It was fascinating to read about these long forgotten cases, and get some context for books I've read countless time. I'd never known the story behind the murder on the links book for example, and I loved getting that more complete picture, it will give it added flavour the next time I return to it.
The author is clearly a huge fan of Christie and has worked hard to create compelling narratives covering ever case they can find.
There are a couple of times near the end of chapters where the writer comes dangerously close to not playing fair and almost reveals the killer in a book - indeed, if you were to read this, then pick up one of the stories mentioned, you would know who it was from hints here, which is okay when Christie has mirrored the real life case to the story, but less okay when its the writer comparing fact to fiction.
Nevertheless, this was a complete delight to read, both as a fan of Agatha Christie and of older true crime cases. It's an easy recommendation for anyone who falls into either of those camps, pick it up because you will enjoy yourself.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
September 29, 2025
Not only was Agatha Christie one of the most clever authors of all time, she also knew true crime cases and incorporated quite a few of them into her stories. There are poisonings, swindlers, espionage and kidnapping. I have read all of her mysteries a minimum of five times (except for my two least favourites) and feel a kinship with her. She practically feels like family. The authors emphasize they exclude spoilers from this wonderful book. So, do not be afraid to dig deep! Plentiful photos and illustrations at the back bring the details to life, many recognizable, others less so.
Agatha Christie sometimes used true criminal names and at other times referred to elements of crimes. In reading her novels, I have been able to identify probable references from her words. True crime cases add a layer of intrigue and insight and some such as Dr. Crippen obviously affected her significantly as she referred to him in at least twelve of her novels. She also included mentions of the cases of Elizabeth Canning, Charles Bravo (it was recognized that the guilty are far less important than the innocent), Madeleine Smith, Dr. Cream, and possible allusions to the Lindbergh case to name a few. Mystery still swirls around motives like the Lizzie Borden case. As in real life, Christie dangled red herrings galore.
All Agatha Christie and/or true crime lovers, this book is absolutely not to be missed. Though I was familiar with most of the cases here, I inhaled new-to-me details with great enthusiasm and gained further insight into one of my most beloved authors. The information could not be more riveting. This book endears me to her even more, if that's possible!
Agatha Christie sometimes used true criminal names and at other times referred to elements of crimes. In reading her novels, I have been able to identify probable references from her words. True crime cases add a layer of intrigue and insight and some such as Dr. Crippen obviously affected her significantly as she referred to him in at least twelve of her novels. She also included mentions of the cases of Elizabeth Canning, Charles Bravo (it was recognized that the guilty are far less important than the innocent), Madeleine Smith, Dr. Cream, and possible allusions to the Lindbergh case to name a few. Mystery still swirls around motives like the Lizzie Borden case. As in real life, Christie dangled red herrings galore.
All Agatha Christie and/or true crime lovers, this book is absolutely not to be missed. Though I was familiar with most of the cases here, I inhaled new-to-me details with great enthusiasm and gained further insight into one of my most beloved authors. The information could not be more riveting. This book endears me to her even more, if that's possible!
October 1, 2025
Agatha Christie has always fascinated me, especially when it comes to how she wove her tales and maintained mystery until the final lines of each story. This book provided valuable insight into the true crimes which potentially inspired some of the most intriguing cases, such as Lizzy Bordon, The Lindberg Baby kidnapping, and Jack the Ripper.
Each chapter focuses on a true crime with or without closure as some cases and individuals are not charged, though there is quite a bit of speculation. Either evidence didn't support charging someone, or there was enough doubt for a person to escape the charges. Some cases talk about individuals who were suspected but since they never committed another similar crime, it is hard to be certain they were the guilty. with each case, we learn something more about history and true crimes which may not have been as well known as others. who Elizabeth Canning may be could go under the radar but how her case possibly inspired Christie, is now more clear.
Though this book focuses on the true, historical crimes, it does mention how they tie into Christie's writings. Sometimes, they are only mentioned by a character in the story in passing, but perhaps if we knew the nuances of the crime, we would have better insight into the motives of Christie's fictional killers, and even how the story weaves itself together. I was highly intrigues and hope to run across more non-fictions in a similar vein. If you like true crime and history, this is certainly one to pick up. I'm giving it five stars because I can't fault an interesting historical account of crimes and their impact on literature.
Each chapter focuses on a true crime with or without closure as some cases and individuals are not charged, though there is quite a bit of speculation. Either evidence didn't support charging someone, or there was enough doubt for a person to escape the charges. Some cases talk about individuals who were suspected but since they never committed another similar crime, it is hard to be certain they were the guilty. with each case, we learn something more about history and true crimes which may not have been as well known as others. who Elizabeth Canning may be could go under the radar but how her case possibly inspired Christie, is now more clear.
Though this book focuses on the true, historical crimes, it does mention how they tie into Christie's writings. Sometimes, they are only mentioned by a character in the story in passing, but perhaps if we knew the nuances of the crime, we would have better insight into the motives of Christie's fictional killers, and even how the story weaves itself together. I was highly intrigues and hope to run across more non-fictions in a similar vein. If you like true crime and history, this is certainly one to pick up. I'm giving it five stars because I can't fault an interesting historical account of crimes and their impact on literature.
October 22, 2025
🕵️♀️ Review: The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie by Dr. Anna-Lena and Dr. Jonathan Oates
✨ A captivating blend of true crime and literary insight✨
Ever wondered where Agatha Christie found her chilling inspiration? This fascinating read uncovers the real-life mysteries that shaped her most iconic stories—from infamous disappearances, murders, and to headline-making crimes.
This book was an absolute treat for my mystery-loving heart. I grew up hearing Christie’s story. My mom is a huge fan. It didn’t take long till I was hooked too. We are taken behind the curtain of Agatha Christie’s imagination, revealing the real-life cases that sparked some of her most iconic plots. From the chilling story of Jack the Ripper to the mystery of the Lindberg Kidnapping, each chapter felt like peeling back layers of history and fiction at once.
What I loved most was how the authors bring us into her stories. They help us see how Christie absorbed the world around her and transformed it into timeless storytelling. Even more exciting was learning that she had knowledge of crimes and even anticipated them . If you have loved Christie or new to her stories this book will be a treasure. The book includes photos and a list of the true crime references in her books.
This perfect for mystery lovers, history buffs and anyone who has treasured Christie’s stories. Your going to enjoy this adventure.
Sky Full of Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
✨ A captivating blend of true crime and literary insight✨
Ever wondered where Agatha Christie found her chilling inspiration? This fascinating read uncovers the real-life mysteries that shaped her most iconic stories—from infamous disappearances, murders, and to headline-making crimes.
This book was an absolute treat for my mystery-loving heart. I grew up hearing Christie’s story. My mom is a huge fan. It didn’t take long till I was hooked too. We are taken behind the curtain of Agatha Christie’s imagination, revealing the real-life cases that sparked some of her most iconic plots. From the chilling story of Jack the Ripper to the mystery of the Lindberg Kidnapping, each chapter felt like peeling back layers of history and fiction at once.
What I loved most was how the authors bring us into her stories. They help us see how Christie absorbed the world around her and transformed it into timeless storytelling. Even more exciting was learning that she had knowledge of crimes and even anticipated them . If you have loved Christie or new to her stories this book will be a treasure. The book includes photos and a list of the true crime references in her books.
This perfect for mystery lovers, history buffs and anyone who has treasured Christie’s stories. Your going to enjoy this adventure.
Sky Full of Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 19, 2025
The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie by Jonathan Oates and Anna-Lena Berg is a fun and informative read that connects real crimes with some of Christie's stories.
I think using the word "inspired" might be a bit of overstatement in several of these cases, but that doesn't detract from the book as a whole. I found the true life crimes, and the glimpses at how the legal system and crime investigation functioned at the time, fascinating. What was acceptable at trial and what has changed since then made me wonder how our current norms will someday be viewed.
The descriptions of the crimes and trials are brief and to the point, which is necessary to keep the book readable. I thought the addition of sources for further reading after the chapters gave the reader the chance to read more about the ones that piqued their curiosity. I also looked some information up online just to supplement what was written. The book is very good and using it to direct further searches makes it even better.
Certainly any Agatha Christie fan will enjoy this but I think those with an interest in criminology will also find many points worth their time and might even spur them into doing more research in a different direction than crime novels.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I think using the word "inspired" might be a bit of overstatement in several of these cases, but that doesn't detract from the book as a whole. I found the true life crimes, and the glimpses at how the legal system and crime investigation functioned at the time, fascinating. What was acceptable at trial and what has changed since then made me wonder how our current norms will someday be viewed.
The descriptions of the crimes and trials are brief and to the point, which is necessary to keep the book readable. I thought the addition of sources for further reading after the chapters gave the reader the chance to read more about the ones that piqued their curiosity. I also looked some information up online just to supplement what was written. The book is very good and using it to direct further searches makes it even better.
Certainly any Agatha Christie fan will enjoy this but I think those with an interest in criminology will also find many points worth their time and might even spur them into doing more research in a different direction than crime novels.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 3, 2025
In the Venn diagram of Agatha Christie vs true crime, this book hits the jackpot.
I L-O-V-E-D this trot through the true crimes that were an Agatha Christie’s radar (was that invented then? I doubt it…but you get the point) The books details the murders, poisoning, and escapades that were in the news or the popular consciousness of the day. The authors go into enough detail to be interesting, but without getting bogged down in the minutiae. They then cite Christie’s works where the crime was mentioned in the text or possibly influenced a plot line.
The book cites the time between 1850 and 1925 as the “Great period of murder”, with many names that are recognised today such as Dr Palmer , Jack the Ripper, Neill Cream, Mrs Maybrick, Dr Crippen, and others such as Seddon, Joseph Smith, Armstrong and Bywater and Thompson to name but a few. There are fascinating cases such as William Wallace (made into a movie “The Man from the Pru) and the anachronistic Lizzie Borden, a demure Sunday school teacher accused of gruesome axe murders, plus better know crimes such as the abductions of the Lindenberg baby.
All in all an engrossing and enjoyable (if that is the right word!) book that intersects a slice of social history with the awesome works of Agatha Christie. Not to be missed!
I L-O-V-E-D this trot through the true crimes that were an Agatha Christie’s radar (was that invented then? I doubt it…but you get the point) The books details the murders, poisoning, and escapades that were in the news or the popular consciousness of the day. The authors go into enough detail to be interesting, but without getting bogged down in the minutiae. They then cite Christie’s works where the crime was mentioned in the text or possibly influenced a plot line.
The book cites the time between 1850 and 1925 as the “Great period of murder”, with many names that are recognised today such as Dr Palmer , Jack the Ripper, Neill Cream, Mrs Maybrick, Dr Crippen, and others such as Seddon, Joseph Smith, Armstrong and Bywater and Thompson to name but a few. There are fascinating cases such as William Wallace (made into a movie “The Man from the Pru) and the anachronistic Lizzie Borden, a demure Sunday school teacher accused of gruesome axe murders, plus better know crimes such as the abductions of the Lindenberg baby.
All in all an engrossing and enjoyable (if that is the right word!) book that intersects a slice of social history with the awesome works of Agatha Christie. Not to be missed!
October 6, 2025
For anyone who loves digging into the history behind the mystery, The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie by Jonathan Oates and Anna-Lena Berg is an interesting concept. The book dives into real-life historical crimes—some well-known like Lizzie Borden and Dr. Crippen, others more obscure—and draws connections to the plots and ideas in Agatha Christie’s vast body of work.
It’s definitely a valuable read for dedicated Christie fans. It offers some genuinely clever insights into how she may have used everything from Victorian murders to later cases, showing she was deeply knowledgeable about criminal history. The authors even touch on how Christie seemed to anticipate crimes, like the case involving the poisoner Graham Young.
While the connections are illuminating, the book feels very focused on the facts, which makes it a bit academic at times. It is a solid book for its specific purpose, adding new layers of appreciation for Christie's genius. It's a worthy addition to the shelf of any true mystery enthusiast.
★★★☆☆
#TheCrimesThatInspiredAgathaChristie #JonathanOates #AnnaLenaBerg #AgathaChristie #TrueCrime #MysteryAnalysis #BookReview #Bookstagram #LiteraryNonFiction #Whodunnit #BritishCrime #MysteryLover
It’s definitely a valuable read for dedicated Christie fans. It offers some genuinely clever insights into how she may have used everything from Victorian murders to later cases, showing she was deeply knowledgeable about criminal history. The authors even touch on how Christie seemed to anticipate crimes, like the case involving the poisoner Graham Young.
While the connections are illuminating, the book feels very focused on the facts, which makes it a bit academic at times. It is a solid book for its specific purpose, adding new layers of appreciation for Christie's genius. It's a worthy addition to the shelf of any true mystery enthusiast.
★★★☆☆
#TheCrimesThatInspiredAgathaChristie #JonathanOates #AnnaLenaBerg #AgathaChristie #TrueCrime #MysteryAnalysis #BookReview #Bookstagram #LiteraryNonFiction #Whodunnit #BritishCrime #MysteryLover
October 8, 2025
I was gifted this ARC from Netgalley and here’s my honest review.
This was a bit dry. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t read much nonfiction, and what I do read is typically EXTREMELY well written and easier to digest than a lot of nonfiction. This is not one of those. It is incredibly informative, but also boring. I kept getting confused as to who all the people were in each individual crime. Without any character background, it’s hard for me to remember who is who, so I should’ve had some foresight that this would happen.
The authors really do put a lot of information and obviously time into this book, and if I was using it as a reference as I read AC books, it would be perfect. It has the feel of a textbook, which is fine if that’s what you’re looking for, but I was expecting a bit more fluff and less cases.
All things considered, I didn’t enjoy this much. I feel bad rating it lower because I believe I’m not the targeted audience. For that reason, I’ll give it a 3⭐️, but I don’t plan on posting this one to social media because it would be unfair. The content in this is solid and informative, but not for me. This would be an excellent resource for anyone looking into AC’s writing or notorious crimes in this era though!
This was a bit dry. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t read much nonfiction, and what I do read is typically EXTREMELY well written and easier to digest than a lot of nonfiction. This is not one of those. It is incredibly informative, but also boring. I kept getting confused as to who all the people were in each individual crime. Without any character background, it’s hard for me to remember who is who, so I should’ve had some foresight that this would happen.
The authors really do put a lot of information and obviously time into this book, and if I was using it as a reference as I read AC books, it would be perfect. It has the feel of a textbook, which is fine if that’s what you’re looking for, but I was expecting a bit more fluff and less cases.
All things considered, I didn’t enjoy this much. I feel bad rating it lower because I believe I’m not the targeted audience. For that reason, I’ll give it a 3⭐️, but I don’t plan on posting this one to social media because it would be unfair. The content in this is solid and informative, but not for me. This would be an excellent resource for anyone looking into AC’s writing or notorious crimes in this era though!
October 5, 2025
Whether you love true crime or are a fan of the works of Agatha Christie, this is a must read. The author has clearly dedicated a lot of time to painstaking research both by combing through Christie novels and digging in archives and police records.
The book is broken down into short chapters which give you enough detail to understand the case and then relates it to the specific Christie works in which the crimes are referenced. I loved the variety of cases referenced - although there were a few I had some knowledge of, the majority were brand new. I also loved that there was a big historical range of crimes referenced, there were around 200 years worth of murders and misdemeanours drawn on.
I did find that there were points at which I struggled, it felt like it was expected that the reader would also have read every one of Agatha Christie's works and was aware of all of their various interpretations - but on the whole I really enjoyed this and am busy thinking of who might appreciate a copy as a Christmas gift.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
The book is broken down into short chapters which give you enough detail to understand the case and then relates it to the specific Christie works in which the crimes are referenced. I loved the variety of cases referenced - although there were a few I had some knowledge of, the majority were brand new. I also loved that there was a big historical range of crimes referenced, there were around 200 years worth of murders and misdemeanours drawn on.
I did find that there were points at which I struggled, it felt like it was expected that the reader would also have read every one of Agatha Christie's works and was aware of all of their various interpretations - but on the whole I really enjoyed this and am busy thinking of who might appreciate a copy as a Christmas gift.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
September 1, 2025
Read via Netgalley.
This was informative and there was a good deal of information. It also ticked the box of linking the crimes to Christie works.
I struggled with some elements. The Kindle format was confusing. Some bits had titles, some just went straight into the next case.
There were some sections I had to keep reading because they weren't very concise or clear. There was a lot of "we will cover X in another chapter".
There was one section where the murderer was caught and hanged on X date. Then in the next paragraph it says, he later wrote a memoir. With what? A ouiji board?
The comparison sections to Christie works was interesting especially when compared to timelines and quotes, but quite often they just devolved into summaries of the whole plot and it was so hard to keep.up with the plot and characters and the names etc of the true crime being compared. The plot recaps really muddied the waters.
It was a solid read, it did what it said on the tin.
This was informative and there was a good deal of information. It also ticked the box of linking the crimes to Christie works.
I struggled with some elements. The Kindle format was confusing. Some bits had titles, some just went straight into the next case.
There were some sections I had to keep reading because they weren't very concise or clear. There was a lot of "we will cover X in another chapter".
There was one section where the murderer was caught and hanged on X date. Then in the next paragraph it says, he later wrote a memoir. With what? A ouiji board?
The comparison sections to Christie works was interesting especially when compared to timelines and quotes, but quite often they just devolved into summaries of the whole plot and it was so hard to keep.up with the plot and characters and the names etc of the true crime being compared. The plot recaps really muddied the waters.
It was a solid read, it did what it said on the tin.
September 25, 2025
This is a fascinating and compelling read at a number of levels. Great if you’re a Christie fan, it’s an ideal companion volume giving insight into many of her books and characters. Great for lovers if true life crime; many will be familiar with some of these high profile cases and interested to see how they influenced an author. And as a standalone, it’s so well written I suspect it will draw any reader into more true life crime and Christie’s)s books.
I haven’t read many of her books, but recently after a couple of biographies, I’ve come to understand that she was a complex individual with an amazing life and many of her titles drew on her own experiences. In that context, this adds even more context to some of her characters and plots. She was clearly a keen observer if people and events and I found this an easy and fascinating read.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
I haven’t read many of her books, but recently after a couple of biographies, I’ve come to understand that she was a complex individual with an amazing life and many of her titles drew on her own experiences. In that context, this adds even more context to some of her characters and plots. She was clearly a keen observer if people and events and I found this an easy and fascinating read.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
October 4, 2025
The Crimes That Inspired Agatha Christie by Jonathan Oates and Anna-Lena Berg is an irresistible journey into the darker corners of real-life mysteries that fueled Christie’s imagination. The authors skillfully uncover the true crimes—poisonings, swindles, disappearances, and betrayals—that found new life in her classic tales, offering fresh perspective without ever spoiling her plots.
Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, the book captures both Christie’s fascination with human nature and her gift for turning reality into masterful fiction. Even for readers well-versed in true crime, there are intriguing new discoveries and connections to savor. A captivating and respectful tribute to the Queen of Crime—perfect for any admirer who wants to glimpse the real cases behind her legendary stories.
Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, the book captures both Christie’s fascination with human nature and her gift for turning reality into masterful fiction. Even for readers well-versed in true crime, there are intriguing new discoveries and connections to savor. A captivating and respectful tribute to the Queen of Crime—perfect for any admirer who wants to glimpse the real cases behind her legendary stories.
September 21, 2025
One of the questions I always ask when I've finished a really good book is, 'How did they think of that?' Agatha Christie is often referred to as the Queen of Mystery. This book answers my question in several stories; she pulled the idea from true crimes. Christie took these crimes and gave them a few twists and some surprising reveals to keep her legions of fans reading her books. THE CRIMES THAT INSPIRED AGATHA CHRISTIE is a fascinating actual crime book that draws extra attention from Christie's use in her novels. This is definitely a 5 star read, BUT, will there be more versions?
November 12, 2025
Having always been a big fan of Agatha Christie’s works (and true crime!), I jumped that the chance to read about the crimes that inspired her writing. Overall I’d say this was a solid book that did a good job covering all of the cases that were mentioned (overtly or alluded to) in her novels, but it didn’t quite grip me as much as I hoped.
Thank you to Pen & Sword for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Thank you to Pen & Sword for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews