Agatha Christie, born in 1890 in Torquay, England, is one of the most celebrated and prolific authors of the 20th century, often referred to as the "Queen of Mystery." With a career spanning over five decades, Christie wrote 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, and the world’s longest-running play, *The Mousetrap*. Her novels have sold over two billion copies, making her the best-selling fiction writer of all time, only surpassed by the Bible and the works of William Shakespeare.
Christie's stories are renowned for their intricate plots, ingenious twists, and memorable characters, most notably Hercule Poirot, the meticulous Belgian detective, and Miss Marple, the astute village spinster. Her debut novel, *The Mysterious Affair at Styles* (1920), introduced Poirot to the world, marking the beginning of an illustrious literary career. Christie had a unique talent for crafting puzzles that challenged readers to solve the mystery alongside her detectives, often employing red herrings and surprise endings that kept her audience guessing until the very last page.
One of Christie's most famous works, *Murder on the Orient Express* (1934), showcases her mastery in constructing a tightly woven narrative with a shocking conclusion. Similarly, *And Then There Were None* (1939), a standalone novel, is often hailed as her masterpiece for its tense atmosphere and groundbreaking plot.
Christie’s success extended beyond her novels; her play, *The Mousetrap*, opened in London in 1952 and has been running continuously ever since, setting a record for the longest initial run of any play in history.
Agatha Christie passed away in 1976, but her influence on the mystery genre endures. Her works continue to captivate readers worldwide, and her clever storytelling and iconic characters remain a gold standard in detective fiction.
