I picked up this novel because I’d seen a documentary about Agatha Christie’s life and was particularly intrigued about the eleven days in 1926 when Agatha disappeared. Her explanation at the time was that she had no memory of what happened.

Agatha was known for her detective novels but her fame was minor until her disappearance, when her car was found abandoned, her fur coat and case still in it. Where did she go? What happened?  De Gramont reimagines the events of those eleven days which makes for a very compelling and twisted tale.

For a start the story is from the point of view of Nan O’Dea who is the lover of Agatha’s husband. Her story, tragic and traumatic made for some very difficult reading yet it was so compelling. I enjoyed the way Nan and Agatha’s story intersected and when Nan’s motivation is finally revealed our sympathy for her certainly escalates.

De Gramont highlights the class divide beautifully and the plight of single pregnant women, the Catholic church, abuse and the role of women in their ‘proper’ place as wives to look after their husbands.

We are given various points of view, though mainly it is told by Nan. At times, it almost seemed a little far-fetched as a double murder occurs reminiscent of one of Agatha’s own stories, until the twist towards the end reveals a plausible  connection to her.

This one was definitely a page-turner and quite well-written. How close it is to any semblance of truth? We will never know.