Five Authors Similar to Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie is the undisputed Queen of Crime. Her books have sold in their millions, even billions since the first one (A Mysterious Affair at Styles) was released in 1920.But it would be worth remembering that the 1920s, 30s and 40s were full of fiction writers, many whom were celebrated and revered as highly as Agatha Christie.
This blog celebrates writing from the time known as "The Golden Age of Crime", and it is time to shine the spotlight on some of Agatha Christie's literary contemporaries.
If you are a fan of old fashioned whodunits, traditional locked room mysteries or classic mystery, why not give one of these authors a try!
1- Gladys Mitchell (1901- 1983)
Gladys Mitchell was best known for her series of books starring Mrs. Bradley, who is described as a 'psychiatrist and consulting psychologist to the Home Office'. She featured in 66 books, all published between 1929 and 1975.
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Mrs. Bradley is perhaps the polar opposite to Christie's Miss Marple. Gone is the image of a fluffy little old lady who wouldn't hurt a fly! Mrs. Bradley seeks out clues with her eagle eyes, bullying and cajoling along the way and striking fear into the heart of those on the receiving end of her questions.
Where to start? I recommend Death at the Opera from 1934. Although this is the fifth book to star Mrs. Bradley, it is one of the best and doesn't require knowledge from any previous books. Set in a school, it deals with the death of a young teacher during the school's opera production.
2- Dorothy L. Sayers (1893- 1957)
Dorothy L. Sayers is most famous for her creation of Lord Peter Wimsey, who featured in eleven novels and several short stories. He is the traditional gentleman detective, with a keen interest in sleuthing as well as several other hobbies including bell-ringing as among the most unusual.The books are all set between the First and Second World War, and lovingly poke fun at the upper class aristocrats of the age.
A less well known creation is Montague Egg, who only features in short stories and no full length novels. He is very much the 'accidental' detective as he seems to fall into cases, rather than seek them out. He usually relies on his knowledge from his travelling salesman job to crack the case, with seemingly little effort.
Where to start? Hangman's Holiday is my favourite- it is a compilation of short stories featuring both Lord Peter Wimsey and Montague Egg. It would make an excellent opening book, as you can then find out which detective you like the best!
3- G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936)
Best known for the creation of priest turned detective Father Brown, Chesterton's books are the closest to Sherlock Holmes or even Agatha Christie's Poirot in my mind. There are several similarities, such as Father Brown talking to suspects about seemingly everyday matters to lull them into a false sense of security. The books are so cosy and cheerful, and I also really enjoyed the TV series that was previously on BBC.
Father Brown uses his experience of living in a sleepy town and seeing much of human nature in his role as priest to solve mysteries. He often cracks cases before the police, much to their disgust!
There are five collections of short stories all featuring the priest, dating from 1911 to 1935.
Where to start? If you can find it, the Complete Father Brown includes all the short stories and is a fantastic reading. However, if you prefer to keep your books a bit lighter, then read The Innocence of Father Brown as it is the first and a fantastic introduction. My favourite is 'The Invisible Man'.
4- Ngaio Marsh (1895-1982)
Ngaio (pronounced as Nigh-oh, to rhyme with 'bio') Marsh was a New Zealand writer. She wrote 32 books, all starring the character Inspector Alleyn who is part of the London Metropolitan police. The stories are incredibly well-thought out and full of details not always caught on the first reading.
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These days the books are reprinted in collections of three, so it is quite easy to find them all in print.
Where to start? As a Christmas read, I like Tied up in Tinsel from 1972 (it is the twenty-seventh in the series). And just look at this fabulous book cover!
A Man Lay Dead is the first, and is probably my favourite. It is a typical murder mystery, in which a guest at a party is murdered and the suspect list is limited to all the other guests.
5- John Buchan (1875-1940)
Perhaps not traditionally an author associated with the Golden Age of Fiction, I simply couldn't bear to leave him off the list!
I only discovered his most famous book, The Thirty-Nine Steps fairly recently when I happened to see it in the library. Once I read it, I was hooked and watched two film adaptations of it. One is from 1959, and there is another version from 1978.
Several of Buchan's books, including The Thirty-Nine Steps, star Richard Hannay. He has several years military experience, gained in both the Boer War and the First World War. His lifestyle is certainly not extravagant, but he lives comfortably well off in London. Richard Hannay features in five books, and Buchan also wrote several stand alone thrillers.
Where to start? The Thirty-Nine Steps is a classic of the early spy thriller genre, and its influence has extended to many writers such as Ian Fleming and perhaps the modern day Lee Child.
In terms of his other books, The Gap in the Curtain from 1932 is a fantastic read. It is perhaps more science fiction than crime, but has aged very well and is a gripping read.
I hope this post has given you some suggestions for some Golden Age crime novels, and maybe a few surprises! Please let me know if you have any recommendations of your own!
Do you think anyone can match up to Agatha Christie?
