This novel of historical fiction explores the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie for an 11-day period. Told from the point of view of Nan, who later became Archie Christie’s second wife, it presents a mystery within a mystery, with suspicious deaths at the spa hotel where Nan is staying as well as the backstory that drove Nan to pursue Archie.

Although I’m a moderate Agatha Christie fan, I didn’t know much about her personal life. It was hard to reconcile my mental image of her as a stout and rather dour older woman with the vibrant, young woman featured in this novel. Even so, she wasn’t young or lovely enough to keep her horrid husband, Archie, faithful. This is an enjoyable and creative “what if” novel. #TheChristieAffair #NetGalley

Not to be confused with The Mystery of Mrs. Christie or that episode of Doctor Who, this trend of exploring what happened during Agatha Christie’s mysterious 10-day disappearance in 1926 nonetheless continues with Nina de Gramont’s The Christie Affair.

I really enjoyed the characters in this. Despite my initial skepticism of having this story told from the POV of Archie’s mistress (and I’m still skeptical of the moments where she’s telling us what certain characters are thinking and feeling), I did really come to sympathize with Nan. Her own tragic love story was quite sad, as is the general commentary on how unwed pregnant women were treated back then. I also enjoyed the murder mystery here, with all its little nods to Christie’s famous stories.

That said, this book messed with history a bit too much for me. I know you have to spin a yarn when writing historical fiction, but I don’t like when authors change the hard-set facts to fit their own narrative. Saying what major facts get changed here spoils the twist of the book, so I won’t reveal it, but I wasn’t a fan.

In my opinion, a successful historical fiction uses the facts as a starting point and then fills in the gaps. Otherwise, just create a whole new story that is “inspired by” true events.

I feel like there are two types of people who picked up this book. The ones who wanted to read about the affair and the ones who wanted to read more about the disappearance. I was a part of the latter, and I think that’s why I couldn’t make it to the end. This quote feels fitting:

“Sometimes a life is so entirely disrupted, on such a large and unreasonable scale, all one can face is the ruined day.”

Told from dual timelines from the POV of the mistress, this book is more focused on the mistress than on Agatha. Although the first little bit intrigued me, it quickly fell off. I wanted to enjoy this book, but I really struggled with the story.

I didn’t have any expectations going into 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑 by Nina de Gramont. I’m admittedly not an Agatha Christie fan; in fact, I don't think I've ever read one of her books. (Yes, I am embarrassed!) I’d heard of her 11 day disappearance in 1926, and read up on it a bit about before starting the book. I was glad I did because that little bit of background showed me just how neatly the author wove her story into the real events of those 11 days.⁣
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For the first 10-15% of the book, I was unsure how I felt about it, and then suddenly, I was all in. I realized that I was loving the voice of the narrator, Nan O’Dea, the fictional mistress of Agatha’s husband, Archie. (Though him having mistresses was well known.) De Gramont gave Nan a great backstory and solid reasons to wind up involved in Agatha’s disappearance. Layer by layer, she built the story, creating some mystery of her own, and drawing me deeper and deeper into the lives of both Nan and Agatha. Whether you’re a Christie fan or not, I highly recommend 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘦 𝘈𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫⁣
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Thanks to @stmartinspress for an ARC of #thechristieaffair.

“ A long time ago, in another country, I nearly killed a woman.” So begins The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont @ninadegramont and, from the very first sentence, I was hooked.

Most true Agatha Christie fans know that she was missing for twelve mysterious days in 1926 and that she never divulged the truth about where she was, what she was doing, or who she was with. She only responded that she couldn’t remember.

The Christie Affair imagines one possible scenario, and what a story it is. Each twist and turn is crafted in a way that made me think that it was perfectly plausible. If you love Agatha, or even if you love factually-based historical fiction with a good mystery thrown in, The Christie Affair might be perfect for your TBR.

Thank you for the opportunity to review! Link to Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZr4GY7rutD/

“Agatha, Where are you?”
Nina de Gramont creates a believable “what if” account of the eleven-day disappearance of famed English mystery writer Agatha Christie in December of 1926. Agatha’s husband, Archie, is planning to divorce and marry his mistress, Nan O’Dea. The novel is narrated by Nan, as she speaks very personally on why her story is believable. Nan tells her story in reverse, going back in time with heartfelt descriptions and compelling dialogue between her love, Finbarr, relationships within her family and accounts of her own motherhood. Readers are treated to a mystery within a mystery with detectives, world news coverage and small hotel intrigue with quirky English characters. Nina de Gramont alternates Nan’s story with a visual countdown of “The Disappearance.” Historical mystery readers, buckle up for a ride through the English countryside, with twists and turns and crashes!
As Agatha says,” What some call murder, others might call justice.”

What a delightful novel! A clever story line written in an easy flowing prose.And no - Agatha Christie is not the main character but she plays an important part in the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

If you thought you'd read enough on Agatha Christie's disappearance in 1926 I'm here to tell you you're wrong. Not reading Nina de Gramont's take on this pulled-from-the-headlines plot would be a grave error.

You may already know that in December of 1926 then-burgeoning mystery author, Agatha Christie, left her home, telling her staff she was headed to Torquay. But when her car was found abandoned on the edge of a chalk pit with her suitcase and coat in the back seat, people were left trying to figure out where she had gone. Archie Christie was certainly a suspect in her disappearance, especially when news of his affair came to light. As the investigation continued and massive manhunts were underway, headlines screamed Agatha Christie's name throughout England and even in the United States. When Mrs. Christie was found in a Harrogate hotel she apparently was suffering from amnesia.

It's fairly easy to believe that Mrs. Christie either suffered from a concussion due to a car accident (as evidenced by her abandoned car) or a nervous breakdown with the recent death of her mother and her husband's affair. But others speculate that this was a publicity stunt. Surely, her name became a household one after a week of being plastered over headlines.

But until Nina de Gramont's novel, I've never seen quite a clever and creative speculation on what may have happened during her disappearance. Agatha Christie herself has only ever commented that she couldn't remember anything about her time missing. I couldn't have predicted even a fraction of the plot development that de Gramont created in The Christie Affair. Not only devising a convincing case, but also drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie's published books. Simultaneously an homage to Christie and a genius way to create multiple shocking moments and twists throughout the novel. After all, authors do tend to use inspiration from their own lives and experiences within the plots of their books. What better explanation than to see elements of Christie's own books peppered throughout this story.

I was so drawn in by this book; each storyline equally compelling. Reading it I didn't even realize I was reading a mystery, as well as historical fiction until the mystery was fully thrown into my face. This book is for fans of both genres, and fans of Agatha Christie. Nina de Gramont so seamlessly wove multiple plotlines together it was a thrill to read.

Didn’t finish this. I read about 25% and simply couldn’t focus my attention. I hate to have to say so, but it just wasn’t up to my expectations.

Once you’ve been “swept in directions you never meant to go,” you need to take control, author your own story and find your own justice.
The Christie Affair is intriguing with life experiences and connecting themes not only of the characters, but of women since time immemorial.
“The age of disappearing women has been going on forever,”..unwed and exiled mothers, stolen children, revenge, justice, sisterhood and heartbreak, DeGramont covers it all. I found myself rooting for the nefarious acts and cheering for a justice that comes darkly, as it is representative of so many collective injustices that I couldn’t help myself! This one had me thinking long past its end.

Agatha Christie’s disappearance in 1926 is still a mystery to this day. This book follows a historical re-imagination of heartbreak, revenge, twisty plots and dark secrets during the 11-day disappearance of Agatha Christie, as told by herself and her husbands mistress, Nan O’Dea. Vulnerabilities are well established of Agatha grieving over her husbands affair and her marriage, and that of Nan’s past which was/is absolutely heartbreaking. Nan’s desperation is so unbelievably strong you can feel it. Several deaths (a double-murder to solve) bring more mystery into the plot. I did feel a disconnect at times trying to distinguish between the past and the present, and which character I was supposed to be following. But I absolutely loved how well Nan’s story was integrated into Agatha’s disappearance, as it kept me turning the pages.

This book just did not work for me. I didn't like the main character nor the way the story was told.

It appears the story of the short disappearance of Agatha Christie has been the hot topic in the last couple of years, with fiction and non-fiction books being written. This is another tale, but told from the point of view of Archie Christie’s mistress, Nan, which was intriguing to me.

From the start this book it was a little uneven to me on how it flips through different years, though it is was clearly laid out from the author in what time and place we were. Nan is a clever woman who clearly wants to marry Archie Christie, but has an ulterior motive, that is revealed through this story.

At times it was extremely slow and then the author would change directions quickly and it felt more like we reading a mystery and it could be quite gripping. I found myself at times looking up the biographies of both Agatha and Archie Christie and found this a completely fictional story. Somehow when I read these types of stories I want a little truth to the tale. The events did take place we know that, but the premise is 100% fiction.

I did give this a better than average rating, because I was into the story itself, but this might have been better to actually take the Christie name out of it. The story alone without the name can completely stand on it’s own. Please note the author does say that it is completely fiction in her Author’s note, but still I was searching for some truth. Still, it is a fun read, which I know many people will love.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow what a great read. What a interesting perspective from the narrator!!! Fast read I could not put the book down.

The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont

This book will be my next book club recommendation. Character and narrator Nan O’Dea tells her version of Agatha Christie’s famous mysterious 11 day disappearance. That is the historical part. The rest is delightful fiction.

Nan weaves in her story of young love which leads to a horrific time in an Irish convent. Eventually, Nan becomes the paramour of Archie Christie, author Agatha Christie’s husband. Agatha has had enough and disappears leaving no clues, as well as her young daughter behind.

O’Dea creates a wonderful tale for the reader which includes murder, making this a mystery within a mystery. Friendships are spawned, rules of proprietary are broken and Agatha remains missing.

With a perfect ending that could have been created by Agatha Christie herself, you’ll enjoy this book from start to finish.

#StMartinsPress#NetGalley

Nina de Gramont uses the famously unexplained mystery surrounding Agatha Christie’s disappearance in 1926 as her inspiration for this most delicious tale, spinning a uniquely fascinating imagination about what transpired during those eleven days and why. I absolutely devoured every bit of it!

Told from the voice of Nan O’Dea, a fictional character loosely based on Archie Christie’s mistress and second wife, the author masterfully intermingles fact with fiction in this seductively addicting tale, more than once I had to remind myself that this was in fact a piece of fiction.

I had the opportunity to read an eARC and listen to and advance copy audiobook. Much of the story is told in the first person perspective of Nan, but switches to a third person omnipotent narration, and with this format, I found the audio narration really enhanced the storytelling. Lucy Scott’s narration was phenomenal.

This one had it all, mystery, murder, mischief and love. Recommended for Christie fans, fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, bookclub groups and historical fiction lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press and the author for the opportunity to read and listen to advanced copies of this fantastic story. #netgalley #macmillanaudio #thechristieaffair

This was an interesting fictional twist about the famous author Agatha Christie’s disappearance. The author, Nina de Garmont, creates her own story of the mistress of Agatha’s husband she named Nan O’Dea. The story is predominately written from the viewpoint of the mistress Nan, who wanted Agatha’s husband and child as her own. I liked how Nina portrayed classy Agatha, I like the character Detective Chilton, however, all characters rationalize revenge, murder, and skirting the law, plus self-serving behavior. True, deep love is given up to ruthlessly pursue getting what is wanted, no matter how many others will be hurt or destroyed to achieve that end. I wouldn't recommend this book, but if you want to find out for yourself, you may like it. I can't feel any empathy for a woman who would act like Nan O’Dea, no matter her history. There is a strong character flaw in her. It’s a fictional creation meant to entertain I just didn't find it gripping or even a page-turner. I appreciate St. Martin’s Press and NG for allowing me to read this eARC and give my opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Christie Affair
I had a hard time getting into this novel, the story line was good, but I didn't connect with the characters at the beginning, making it hard to stick with the characters and the storyline
The story is told my Nan, in both the past and present. Nan is the mistress to Agatha Christie's husband, Archie. He plans to leave Agatha to be with Nan. We learn that as a young lady, Nan became pregnant and was sent to live with the nuns until she gives birth. She was hoping that Finbar, the babies father would come for her. Current day, mid 1900's, Nan meets up with Finbar after all this time, she still has feelings for him, but can't bring her self to follow her heart, she must be with Archie. when Agatha fins out about Nan and Archie, she decides to leave for a few days, no one can find her. She finds a cottage to stay in and not alone. 
Overall this was a good story, I wish I had been into it more, just as not my favorite writing style. I don't want to discourage others from reading this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nina de Gramont and St Martin's Press for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I struggled to get through this one, even though it was very interesting and I enjoyed the characters. Just the way it was written had me a bit confused more than I would have liked.

The Christie Affair is the first book I've read by Nina de Gramont, and it certainly won't be my last! The story is loosely based around the actual mysterious 11-day disappearance of beloved mystery writer Agatha Christie. That is one mystery that Ms. Christie took to her death. This story, however, is told by Miss Nan O’Dea, and it's a story of star-crossed lovers, infidelity, abuse, heartache, revenge and murder.

In London in 1925, Nan O' Dea is Archie Christie's mistress. Archie is married to Agatha Christie, who is quickly becoming one of the world's favorite mystery writers. Nan doesn't seem to love Archie, so why is she trying to lure him away from his devoted wife? As 1926 draws to an end, Agatha disappears after Archie tells her he is leaving her to marry Nan. During the missing 11 days, Nan reveals to us how she is tied to the Christies, and we also learn of her young love and excruciating loss. Finally, we come to understand murder, and how some can believe it is justified.

I admit it took me a while to get into this story. The timeline was nonlinear and at times I became very confused with the jumping storyline. Also, Nan was detailing her story, but sometimes was telling us what she believed Agatha was doing and thinking. You can see how my mind was sometimes spinning! I am glad I stuck with it, however. Nan led an idyllic early life, particularly when staying with her aunt and uncle in Ireland. Here she met and fell in love with Finbarr, who became the love of her life. Then came The Great War and later the flu epidemic, which tore apart young love and led to Nan's descent into hell at the Sisters of Mercy Convent. Suddenly Nan transforms from being the hated "other woman" to a sympathetic figure. I expected to learn more about Agatha's disappearance and the author's take on it, but it's mainly Nan's story here. There was an "I didn't see THAT coming!" reveal related to a murder that made it all worthwhile, however! There were some terrific supporting characters here, most particularly Finbarr and Inspector Frank Chilton, who was tasked with finding Agatha. I think Chilton may have been my favorite character, a policeman still dealing with PTSD and injuries from the war. This turned out to be an excellent historical mystery, so don't let the confusing nonlinear timeline turn you away.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.