1. Agatha Christie The Queen of Crime

2. Childhood Born Sept. 15, 1890 in Torquay, England Full name is Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller Father Fredrick= outgoing American; Mother Clara= shy Older siblings= Madge & Monty

3. Childhood Taught herself to read by age 5, rest of schooling was tutors & part-time Trained as a singer and pianist, but shyness impeded career Dad died when 11, grew close to mother & traveled together

4. Adulthood In 1912, met Archie Christie (an aviator), stormy relationship, married on Christmas eve in 1914, Archie returned to WWI two days after wedding. Agatha worked as nurse for the Red Cross in Torquay during the war

5. The Challenge Writing career begins as sister Madge challenged her to write novel. Took several years for The Mysterious Affair at Styles to get published. Christie received good reviews and an honor for her book.

6. Her life changes Aug. 5, 1919, her only daughter, Rosalind, is born Mother dies By 1926, Archie leaves Agatha for another woman and Agatha disappears!

7. A Real Life Mystery Dec. 1926, Agatha disappears from England for 2 weeks Abandoned car found Nationwide search, including acclaimed mystery writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Speculated murder

8. Mystery Solved Turned up at a spa in Harrogate, England. Registered as Teresa Neele Why did she do it? Amnesia? Pin blame on husband as revenge? Publicity stunt?

9. Rebuilding Life Travels world with Rosalind and continues to write. While on action-packed trip to Baghdad, met Max Mallowan. Traveled together. Return to England because Rosalind ill. Max proposes, married for 46 years Agatha died peacefully on Jan. 12, 1976