This is the second compilation or synthesis of Agatha Christie’s famed notebooks, as compiled by John Curran, the Christie estate’s literary advisor. In this book he uncovers how Christie got her ideas and worked them out into the plots we know and love. The book is organized by decade, and this approach really brought home how long ago some of the classic Christies were actually published. It also highlights just how prolific she was at the peak of her career, writing multiple novels and plays in a single year (and not just adapting her novels to the stage—creating entirely new plays). Each decade concludes with snippets of unused ideas by Christie with commentary and speculation on how these ideas might have been worked into a full story.

As with Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks, each chapter begins with a list of books that are discussed in detail. They Came to Baghdad and Endless Night come in for a large share of discussion, so it may be wise to read those Christies in particular before reading this book.

This book also includes an alternative version of a Miss Marple story; it is worth reading to compare with what was actually published.

Recommended for Christie fans. ( )

This is a book full of fascinating information culled from the secret notebooks of legendary author Agatha Christie. It's a book that is something that should be dipped into rather than devoured in one sitting. A great book for the true Christie lover. ( )

Why read: Received for review from publisher

What impressed me: The highlight of the book for me was the plot ideas that Christie came up with, yet never used in her books. That's what made the book interesting and worth the read.

What disappointed me: So very dry. And obviously full of spoilers for any Christie novel I haven't read yet. Lists upon lists upon lists of characters with little variation. Vaguely interesting, but the repetitive nature of the book gets old quickly.

Recommended: Only for hardcore Agatha Christie fans. ( )