The reason for her disappearance has been hotly contested over the years, with suggestions ranging from a nervous breakdown brought on by the death of her mother and embarrassment from her husband Archie’s affair, to a cynical publicity stunt to promote the successful but still little known author.
The couple went their separate ways soon afterwards, with Archie marrying Nancy Neale and Agatha marrying archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan.
Agatha made no mention of the disappearance in her autobiography, which was published posthumously in November 1977.
In The Christie Affair author Nina de Gramont’s character Nan O’Dea is loosely based on Nancy Neale.
Nan’s attempts to escape a tough London upbringing during the Great War led to a life in Ireland marred by a hidden tragedy.
After fighting her way back to England, she sets her sights on Agatha because Agatha Christie has something Nan wants.
And it’s not just her husband, Archie, despite their affair.
In this novel, though very different, the two women become the most unlikely of allies. And during the mysterious 11 days that Agatha goes missing, they will unravel a dark secret that only Nan holds the key to.
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont is published by Pan MacMillan Australia, RRP $32.99.
HOW TO ENTER
For a chance to win this book, send your name, address, daytime phone number and the answer to this question: What is the name of the cat in today’s Man’s Best Friend? to: Country Life ‘Christie’ Competition, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632, by Friday, April 1.
WINNER
Congratulations to Margaret Clements, Fay Alexander and Nerissa Hoog who each won a copy of High Stakes.
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