Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Adventurous, Intriguing, Lighthearted, Romantic
- Read it if
- You enjoy classic Agatha Christie mysteries with a plucky amateur sleuth, international intrigue, and a touch of romance.
- Skip it if
- You prefer gritty, realistic thrillers or modern detective stories with complex psychological depth.
The Man in the Brown Suit Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Body on the Tracks and a Cryptic Note
Newly orphaned Anne Beddingfeld is bored with her quiet life in Little Paddocks and moves to London for adventure. At Hyde Park Corner tube station, she sees a man fall onto the live rail and die. A doctor, Dr. Curtis, examines the body and drops a paper. Anne picks up the note, which says: '17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle.' This incident, along with her desire for excitement, makes Anne want to investigate. She soon learns that the dead man was Sir Eustace Pedler's secretary, and a famous dancer, Anna the Gypsy, has been found strangled at a house called Kilmorden Castle, which Sir Eustace owns. These two events start to seem connected to Anne.
Voyage to South Africa and an Unexpected Encounter
Following the clue from the note, Anne decides to book passage on the Kilmorden Castle, a ship going to South Africa. She uses some of her small inheritance to get a cabin. Onboard, she meets Harry Lucas, a charming and rich American, who quickly shows interest in her. Harry's easy manner and apparent concern make him a good companion. However, Anne also sees a mysterious man, later identified as Colonel Race, on the ship. Someone ransacks Anne's cabin, and she barely escapes an attempt on her life, suggesting she is now a target in the mystery. She starts to think the events are connected to stolen diamonds.
Discovery of the Colonel's Lair and a Perilous Escape
After arriving in South Africa, Anne's investigations lead her to a remote house called 'The Mill House.' Believing it is connected to 'The Colonel,' Anne enters the property. Inside, she overhears a secret meeting of conspirators, confirming her suspicions about a dangerous organization. She learns about their plans and a hidden treasure. However, she is discovered and makes a daring escape, leaping from a window and running into the countryside. This close call strengthens her resolve to expose 'The Colonel' and his network, despite the extreme danger.
A Forced Marriage and a Desperate Plea
Anne finds herself in a difficult and vulnerable situation. She is pressured into marrying Harry Lucas, who, despite his earlier charm, shows a more sinister side, hinting at his involvement with the criminal group. This forced marriage is a desperate attempt by 'The Colonel's' network to control Anne and keep her from telling what she knows. During this time, Anne meets Race, who has been investigating the same criminal ring. She manages to tell him her situation, subtly showing her danger and need for help. Race, seeing her courage and the truth in her distress, begins to plan her rescue and to solve the conspiracy.
Unmasking the Impostor and the Real Colonel
Working together, Anne and Race start to put the complex puzzle together. They realize that the man Anne married, Harry Lucas, is an impostor working for 'The Colonel.' The real Harry Lucas, a good man, has been replaced. The true identity of 'The Colonel' is a master of disguise, always changing his appearance and using different names. Anne and Race eventually discover that 'The Colonel' is Sir Eustace Pedler, the respected Member of Parliament, who has been planning the entire criminal operation, including the diamond theft and the murders. His public image was a perfect cover for his illegal activities.
The Confrontation and the Stolen Diamonds
Anne and Race confront Sir Eustace Pedler. When exposed, he tries to escape. A tense chase follows, ending in a dramatic confrontation where Sir Eustace's crimes are fully revealed. The stolen diamonds, the reason for much of the plot, are recovered. It is revealed that the man who died at Hyde Park Corner tube station was a member of Sir Eustace's gang who had betrayed him, and Anna the Gypsy was murdered because she had information. The entire network of spies and criminals, built by Sir Eustace, starts to fall apart under Anne and Race's efforts.
Justice Served and a New Beginning
With Sir Eustace Pedler's true identity and crimes exposed, he and his accomplices are arrested and brought to justice. The large criminal organization, which had been operating secretly for years, is finally broken up. Anne, having survived many attempts on her life and played an important role in solving the mystery, is a changed woman. Her initial desire for adventure was met beyond her expectations, but at a significant personal cost. The experience, however, has made her resilient and capable. Afterward, Anne's forced marriage to the impostor Harry Lucas is canceled, leaving her free to choose her own path.
The Real Harry Lucas and a Romantic Twist
After everything settles, Anne finally meets the real Harry Lucas, the man whose identity was stolen by the criminal network. He is a genuine, kind person, very different from the impostor she was forced to marry. There is an immediate connection between them. Having shared a common enemy and a strange, intertwined fate, they are drawn to each other. Their shared experiences and the unusual way they met create the beginning of a romance. The adventure that started with a body on the tracks ends with Anne finding not only justice, but also love and a true partner in the real Harry Lucas, fulfilling her desire for a meaningful life.
The Man in the Brown Suit Characters
Anne Beddingfeld
Protagonist
An orphaned young woman seeking adventure, who stumbles into a dangerous international conspiracy.
Anne is initially portrayed as a somewhat naive and bored young woman, recently orphaned and yearning for excitement beyond her quiet village life. Her move to London is driven by a desire for adventure, which she finds in spades after witnessing a death at Hyde Park Corner. Despite her lack of experience, Anne possesses a keen observational eye, a sharp intellect, and an unwavering determination. She is remarkably brave, often putting herself in perilous situations to uncover the truth, driven by curiosity and a strong sense of justice. Her resourcefulness and courage are key to unraveling the mystery.
Relationships: Sir Eustace Pedler (Antagonist, the 'Colonel' she pursues); Colonel Race (Ally and fellow investigator); Harry Lucas (Impostor) (Deceptive suitor, forced husband); Harry Lucas (Real) (Romantic interest, future husband)
Sir Eustace Pedler
Antagonist
A respectable Member of Parliament who secretly orchestrates a vast criminal enterprise as 'The Colonel'.
Sir Eustace Pedler presents himself as a charming, wealthy, and highly respected Member of Parliament, a pillar of society. This public facade, however, cleverly conceals his true identity as 'The Colonel,' the ruthless mastermind behind an international diamond smuggling and espionage ring. He is intelligent, manipulative, and utterly devoid of scruples, capable of ordering murders and orchestrating complex deceptions to protect his illicit empire. His ability to maintain such a convincing double life makes him a formidable and dangerous adversary, and his reveal as the true Colonel is a significant plot twist.
Relationships: Anne Beddingfeld (Target and investigator); Colonel Race (Opposing investigator); Harry Lucas (Impostor) (Subordinate and accomplice)
Colonel Race
Supporting
A British Secret Service agent investigating the same international criminal organization as Anne.
Colonel Race is a seasoned and highly capable agent, working for the British Secret Service. He is intelligent, observant, and possesses a calm, authoritative demeanor. He initially encounters Anne on the Kilmorden Castle and, while initially wary, quickly recognizes her potential and her unwitting involvement in the case he is pursuing. Race becomes Anne's most crucial ally, providing guidance, protection, and crucial insights into the workings of the criminal underworld. He is dedicated to justice and the dismantling of the 'Colonel's' network, and his experience complements Anne's amateur enthusiasm.
Relationships: Anne Beddingfeld (Ally and colleague in investigation); Sir Eustace Pedler (Antagonist he is pursuing)
Harry Lucas (Impostor)
Supporting
A charming but duplicitous man working for 'The Colonel', who manipulates Anne.
This character is a key member of 'The Colonel's' organization, tasked with charming and controlling Anne. He is charismatic and seemingly genuine, initially winning Anne's trust. However, his true nature is revealed to be manipulative and ruthless, culminating in his coercion of Anne into a forced marriage. He is a master of deception, effectively impersonating the real Harry Lucas to further the 'Colonel's' aims. His actions highlight the insidious nature of the criminal network and the lengths they will go to protect their secrets.
Relationships: Anne Beddingfeld (Deceptive suitor, forced husband); Sir Eustace Pedler (Leader of his criminal organization)
Harry Lucas (Real)
Supporting
The genuine American millionaire whose identity is stolen, later becoming Anne's romantic interest.
The real Harry Lucas is an American millionaire, a kind, honest, and adventurous man whose identity is stolen by one of 'The Colonel's' agents. He is a victim of the criminal conspiracy, his life disrupted by the impostor. When he finally appears, he is a stark contrast to the manipulative man Anne was forced to marry. He shares a unique bond with Anne due to their intertwined fates and the extraordinary circumstances that brought them together. His character represents genuine goodness and becomes Anne's eventual romantic partner, providing a happy resolution to her tumultuous adventure.
Relationships: Anne Beddingfeld (Romantic interest, future husband)
Suzanne Blair (Anna the Gypsy)
Mentioned
A beautiful ballet dancer murdered for her connection to the stolen diamonds and the 'Colonel'.
Suzanne Blair, known by her stage name Anna the Gypsy, is a beautiful and mysterious ballet dancer whose murder sets off a crucial part of Anne's investigation. She is found strangled at Kilmorden Castle, a property connected to Sir Eustace Pedler. Anna was involved with the criminal network, likely as a courier or someone with incriminating knowledge about the stolen diamonds and 'The Colonel's' operations. Her death is a key piece of the puzzle, indicating the ruthless nature of the criminals and the high stakes involved. Her connection to the cryptic note found by Anne is paramount to unraveling the mystery.
Relationships: Sir Eustace Pedler (Connected through the crime and his property)
Dr. Curtis
Supporting
The man who drops the cryptic note, later revealed to be an accomplice of 'The Colonel'.
Dr. Curtis is the seemingly benevolent doctor who examines the man who falls on the tube tracks. He is the one who 'accidentally' drops the note with '17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle,' a deliberate act designed to mislead or initiate a further stage of the criminal plan. He is an accomplice of 'The Colonel,' his medical profession providing a convenient cover for his involvement in the criminal enterprise. His role highlights the pervasive nature of the conspiracy, with agents operating in seemingly innocuous positions.
Relationships: Sir Eustace Pedler (Accomplice in his criminal network)
The Secretary (Mr. Flemming)
Mentioned
Sir Eustace Pedler's secretary, whose death at the tube station triggers Anne's investigation.
The secretary, later identified as Mr. Flemming, is the man whose death on the Hyde Park Corner tube tracks Anne witnesses. He is initially reported as Sir Eustace Pedler's secretary, but it is later revealed that he was a member of 'The Colonel's' gang who had double-crossed them or was attempting to expose them. His death, initially appearing accidental, is in fact a murder orchestrated by the criminal network. His demise is the inciting incident of the entire plot, directly leading Anne into the heart of the conspiracy.
Relationships: Sir Eustace Pedler (His employer and eventual murderer); Anne Beddingfeld (The witness to his death)
The Man in the Brown Suit Themes
Adventure and the Lure of the Unknown
This theme is about Anne Beddingfeld's desire for adventure and how it leads her into a dangerous international mystery. Her initial boredom with village life and her move to London are to find excitement. The incident at the tube station, instead of stopping her, makes her want to investigate, leading her to follow clues and travel to South Africa. This theme shows the excitement of the chase and the unexpected results of seeking the unknown, changing Anne from a passive observer to an active part of a thrilling, high-stakes drama.
“What Anne wanted was adventure. She had always wanted adventure.”
Identity and Deception
This theme is important to the plot, as many characters use false identities or appear to be something they are not. 'The Colonel' is a master of disguise and false names, with Sir Eustace Pedler being his true hidden identity. The character of Harry Lucas is also split between an impostor and the real man, causing confusion and danger for Anne. The widespread use of deception forces Anne to always question what she sees and trust her instincts, showing how easily truth can be hidden and how dangerous it is to judge only by appearances in the criminal world.
“It was difficult to believe that the smooth, urbane Sir Eustace Pedler was the ruthless, sinister Colonel.”
The Dangers of Curiosity and Courage
Anne's strong curiosity is both her greatest strength and her biggest risk. Her decision to pick up the dropped note and then follow the 'Kilmorden Castle' clue directly puts her in mortal danger. This theme explores the line between bravery and recklessness, as Anne repeatedly risks her life, facing attempts on her life and a forced marriage. Her courage in the face of great odds is admirable, but the story constantly emphasizes the dangerous consequences of her adventurous spirit, showing that her search for excitement comes with a real cost.
“Curiosity, that fatal feminine attribute, was Anne's undoing and her salvation.”
International Intrigue and Espionage
The novel explores a world of international spying and criminal networks, reaching from England to South Africa. 'The Colonel' runs a large organization involved in diamond smuggling and other illegal activities, suggesting a larger global crime web. The involvement of Colonel Race, a British Secret Service agent, further supports this theme, showing the broader international effects of the criminal operation. This theme adds complexity and high stakes to the mystery, making it more than a simple whodunit and into a thriller with international consequences.
“This wasn't just a murder. This was something bigger, something that stretched across continents.”
The Contrast of Appearance vs. Reality
This theme is central to the mystery, as many characters and situations are not what they seem. Sir Eustace Pedler, a respected public figure, is secretly a ruthless criminal. The charming Harry Lucas is an impostor. The initial 'accidental' death at the tube station is revealed to be murder. This constant reversal of expectations moves the plot forward and keeps the reader guessing. Anne's journey involves uncovering layers of deception to find the harsh truths underneath, showing that appearances can be misleading, especially in the world of crime.
“Things are seldom what they seem, Miss Beddingfeld, especially when diamonds are involved.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Cryptic Note
A seemingly innocuous piece of paper that serves as the inciting incident and central clue.
The note '17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle,' dropped by Dr. Curtis, acts as the primary catalyst for Anne's adventure. It's a classic Christie device: a small, seemingly random piece of information that, through the protagonist's curiosity, unlocks a much larger mystery. It directs Anne to the Kilmorden Castle and subsequently to the ship of the same name, propelling her into the heart of the international conspiracy. Without this note, Anne would likely never have become involved, making it the essential starting point for the entire plot.
Mistaken Identity / Impersonation
The use of characters assuming false identities to deceive and manipulate.
This device is crucial, especially with the character of Harry Lucas, where an impostor takes the place of the real man. This creates confusion, danger, and a romantic entanglement for Anne. Furthermore, 'The Colonel' himself, Sir Eustace Pedler, is a master of disguise and operates under various aliases, making him elusive and difficult to identify. This device highlights the theme of deception and adds layers of complexity to the mystery, forcing both Anne and the reader to constantly question who is truly who they claim to be.
The Red Herring
Misleading clues and characters designed to divert suspicion from the true culprit.
Christie expertly employs red herrings throughout the novel to obscure the true identity of 'The Colonel' and the full scope of the conspiracy. Various characters and events are presented in a way that makes them appear suspicious, diverting Anne's (and the reader's) attention from Sir Eustace Pedler, the actual mastermind. For instance, the initial focus on the man who fell on the tracks and Anna the Gypsy's murder provides specific, yet ultimately partial, truths that lead Anne down several false or incomplete paths before the full picture emerges.
The Amateur Detective
An ordinary person, not a professional, who takes on the role of investigator.
Anne Beddingfeld embodies the amateur detective trope. She is not a police officer or a trained spy, but an ordinary young woman driven by boredom and curiosity. Her lack of formal training often puts her in dangerous situations, yet her fresh perspective, keen observations, and sheer pluck enable her to uncover clues that professionals might miss. This device allows for a more relatable protagonist and emphasizes the idea that anyone can stumble upon and contribute to solving a great mystery, often with surprising effectiveness.
The Man in the Brown Suit Quotes
“Adventure is the salt of life.”
“I have always believed in the power of coincidence.”
“There is nothing so dangerous for anyone who has something to hide as conversation!”
“The truth is always the same, but lies are many.”
“Love is like a ghost; everyone talks about it, but few have seen it.”
“In this world, you must be the hunter or the hunted.”
“A woman's intuition is often better than a man's reason.”
“The past is a shadow that follows us everywhere.”
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
“Every mystery has its key; you just have to find it.”
“Sometimes the most ordinary things conceal the most extraordinary secrets.”
“In love and war, all is fair, but in mystery, nothing is as it seems.”
“The heart has its reasons, which reason does not know.”
“To solve a puzzle, you must first understand the pieces.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What does Anne Beddingfeld witness at Hyde Park Corner tube station that sets the mystery in motion?
- A woman being robbed of her purse
- A man falling onto the live track and dying instantly
- A suspicious package left unattended
- A fight between two passengers
Show answer
B. A man falling onto the live track and dying instantly Anne witnesses a man falling onto the live track and dying instantly, which is the inciting incident that leads her to pick up the mysterious note dropped by the doctor and become involved in the mystery.
Question 2
What is written on the note that Anne picks up after the doctor leaves the tube station?
- "Meet me at Kilmorden Castle at midnight"
- "17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle"
- "The diamonds are hidden in Africa"
- "Beware of The Colonel"
Show answer
B. "17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle" The note reads "17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle," which Anne later connects to the murder of a ballet dancer and the missing diamonds, prompting her investigation.
Question 3
Who is found dead at Kilmorden Castle according to newspaper reports the day after the tube station incident?
- A wealthy businessman
- A famous actress
- A beautiful ballet dancer
- A police detective
Show answer
C. A beautiful ballet dancer The newspapers report that a beautiful ballet dancer has been found brutally strangled at Kilmorden Castle, linking the note to a murder and the missing diamonds.
Question 4
Why does Anne travel aboard the luxury liner Kilmorden Castle?
- To attend a friend's wedding
- To pursue the mystery linked to the note and the murder
- To take a vacation after inheriting money
- To work as a stewardess
Show answer
B. To pursue the mystery linked to the note and the murder Anne travels on the Kilmorden Castle to investigate the mystery, as the note mentioned it and she connects it to the murder and missing diamonds, seeking adventure.
Question 5
What happens to Anne aboard the Kilmorden Castle that increases the danger?
- Her cabin is pillaged and someone tries to strangle her
- She is accused of theft by the ship's captain
- She falls overboard during a storm
- She loses all her money in a card game
Show answer
A. Her cabin is pillaged and someone tries to strangle her Mysterious strangers pillage Anne's cabin and try to strangle her, showing that she is in grave danger and that the killers are after something she might have or know.
Question 6
What is the primary motivation of the villains in the story, as suggested by the plot?
- To frame Anne for the murder
- To recover a fabulous fortune in diamonds that has vanished
- To kidnap Anne for ransom
- To sabotage the Kilmorden Castle ship
Show answer
B. To recover a fabulous fortune in diamonds that has vanished The villains are after a fabulous fortune in diamonds that has vanished, which is connected to the murders and the note, driving their attempts to kill Anne and others.
Question 7
How does Anne's character contrast with typical mystery solvers in the story?
- She is a trained detective with years of experience
- She is the last person suited to solve the mystery but the only one who can
- She is a criminal mastermind orchestrating the events
- She is a journalist hired to cover the case
Show answer
B. She is the last person suited to solve the mystery but the only one who can Anne is described as a nice English girl looking for adventure, not a professional sleuth, making her an unlikely but determined protagonist who becomes crucial to solving the mystery.
Question 8
What is the alias or title used by the faceless killer that Anne must unmask?
- "The Doctor"
- "The Colonel"
- "The Phantom"
- "The Stranger"
Show answer
B. "The Colonel" The faceless killer is known only as 'The Colonel,' adding to the mystery and tension as Anne tries to identify this elusive figure.
Question 9
To which continent does Anne's journey to unravel the mystery extend, as mentioned in the book description?
- Asia
- Africa
- South America
- Australia
Show answer
B. Africa Anne's journey takes her as far afield as Africa, indicating the global scale of the mystery and the pursuit of the diamonds and killer.
Question 10
What element of the book's genre is highlighted by the combination of mystery, danger, and Anne's personal growth?
- Pure horror with supernatural elements
- A thriller with mystery and romance aspects
- A historical fiction piece
- A science fiction adventure
Show answer
B. A thriller with mystery and romance aspects The book is described as a thriller, mystery, and romance, blending suspenseful plot events with Anne's adventurous spirit and potential romantic developments, typical of Agatha Christie's style in this novel.
The Man in the Brown Suit FAQ
What is 'The Man in the Brown Suit' about?
The novel follows newly-orphaned Anne Beddingfeld, who witnesses a man's fatal fall at Hyde Park Corner tube station and finds a cryptic note reading '17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle'. This leads her to investigate the murder of a ballet dancer on the luxury liner Kilmorden Castle, the theft of a diamond fortune, and the mysterious 'Colonel', taking her from London to Africa.
Why should I read 'The Man in the Brown Suit'?
It's a thrilling blend of mystery, adventure, and romance with a spirited amateur detective in Anne Beddingfeld. The plot features international intrigue, from London tube stations to African locales, clever twists, and Christie's signature suspense, making it a standout in her non-Poirot/Marple works.
What is the background/setting of 'The Man in the Brown Suit'?
The story begins in 1920s London, specifically at Hyde Park Corner tube station, then moves to the luxury liner Kilmorden Castle, and eventually to South Africa, including Cape Town and the African wilderness. This global setting adds to the adventure and mystery elements.
What are the most memorable quotes?
Key quotes include Anne's declaration, 'I'm going to have an adventure!' reflecting her bold spirit, and the cryptic note '17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle' that drives the plot. Another is her observation, 'The world is full of interesting things if you only look for them,' highlighting her curiosity.
What writing style does Agatha Christie use in this book?
Christie employs a first-person narrative from Anne's perspective, blending witty, engaging prose with fast-paced thriller elements. The style mixes mystery suspense with romantic undertones and humorous touches, characteristic of her adventure-driven novels.
What minor details add significant meaning?
The note '17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle' initially seems random but ties to the murder date and location. The doctor's casual examination of the dead man at the tube station masks his involvement in the conspiracy, and Anne's orphan status fuels her risk-taking, making her more determined to solve the mystery.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
Early on, Anne's desire for adventure foreshadows her dangerous journey. The doctor's hasty exit after the tube station death hints at his guilt, and mentions of 'The Colonel' in passing conversations build suspense before his full reveal as the mastermind behind the crimes.
What unexpected character connections exist?
Sir Eustace Pedler, a seemingly minor passenger on the Kilmorden Castle, is later revealed to be involved with the diamond theft. The doctor from the tube station is connected to the murder plot, and Anne's love interest, Harry Rayburn, has hidden ties to the mystery that complicate their relationship.
What are unspoken character motivations?
Anne is driven by a deep-seated need for purpose after her father's death, not just adventure. Harry Rayburn conceals his past involvement with the diamonds to protect Anne, while 'The Colonel' is motivated by greed and power, using others as pawns in his criminal schemes.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
Anne shows resilience and naivety, balancing curiosity with danger. Harry Rayburn grapples with guilt over his role in the theft, leading to secretive behavior. 'The Colonel' displays manipulative psychopathy, orchestrating murders without remorse, highlighting themes of trust and deception.
What are the major emotional turning points?
Anne's decision to pursue the mystery after finding the note marks her shift from observer to active participant. Her near-strangulation on the Kilmorden Castle heightens fear and determination. The climax in Africa, where she confronts 'The Colonel', resolves both the mystery and her romantic tensions with Harry.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
Anne and Harry's relationship starts with suspicion but deepens into trust and romance as they work together. Anne's interactions with other passengers, like Sir Eustace, shift from casual to confrontational upon uncovering their roles. Her independence grows, challenging traditional gender roles of the era.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The exact fate of some minor conspirators is left unclear, and the full extent of 'The Colonel's' network is hinted at but not fully detailed. Anne's future beyond the adventure is open, leaving readers to imagine her life after the mystery is solved.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
Anne's decision to travel alone to Africa as a young woman in the 1920s was bold and unconventional. Some readers debate the romantic subplot as a distraction from the mystery, and the violence, such as the strangulation attempts, adds a darker edge compared to Christie's cozier mysteries.
'The Man in the Brown Suit' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The ending reveals 'The Colonel' as the mastermind behind the murders and diamond theft, with Anne and Harry exposing him in Africa. Anne and Harry end up together, symbolizing adventure leading to love. It suggests that courage and curiosity can overcome evil, with Anne's journey affirming her transformation from orphan to heroine.
About the author
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
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