Subject

Detective novelist and playwright.  Born in Torquay, into a well-off family, where a bust has been erected, as Agatha Miller.  Married Archie Christie in 1914. Her first novel was published in 1920.  A successful writer her personal life suffered when, shortly after her mother's death, her husband declared his love for another woman.  On 3 December 1926 Agatha ran away from their Berkshire home to Harrogate where she registered in a hotel under her rival's surname.  She disappeared and a countrywide search ensued, with Archibold suspected of murder and her of publicity-seeking.  After 10 days some hotel staff identified her but she could not remember how or why she she went to Harrogate, and the mystery was never solved.  The Christies divorced in 1928.  That year she met Max Mallowan, 14 years her junior and married him in 1930.  This marriage was a success.  She accompanied Max on digs in the Near East and participated in the work of the expedition, as well as continuing to write.

Christie is the world's bestselling writer having sold 4 billion books.  Appointed CBE in 1956 and DBE in 1971, she became Lady Mallowan in 1968 when Max was knighted.