Murder, Mystery, Mayhem
Abitofachristie podcast
Our podcast is inspired by Agatha Christie's works, delving into aspects from her books such as acting, terriers, witchcraft, and crime scene investigation. Guest interviews enhance understanding of these topics and the novels, with each episode covering a true crime case from the novel's publication year.
Is there a key piece of information that could assist in solving the case?
We are firm believers in the idea that knowledge broadens perspectives.
In Agatha Christie's novel "Cards on the Table," a crucial clue is introduced in the initial third of the narrative.
Understanding the game of bridge makes this clue more apparent, which can significantly assist in unravelling the mystery!
In Episode 9 of the podcast, we interviewed, Laura Covill, a coach for the Swedish National Bridge Team - her insights have flipped our understanding of the plot line!
Episodes 1-4
Episode 1
Mrs. McGinty’s Dead
Delving into Agatha Christie's "Mrs. McGinty's Dead" alongside author Margaret Moxom, drawing parallels between the fictional mystery and a true crime saga. Listeners decode the complex storyline, piecing together clues and historical backdrop from the book's era.
Episode 2
Three Act Tragedy
Explore Agatha Christie's "Three Act Tragedy" in Episode Two with guest Julian Hoult, a West End actor, discussing parallels between acting and the character Sir Charles Cartwright. Uncover a true crime mystery about the murder of Rev. Laceby Cecil in Australia and connections between these narratives.
Episode 3
The Pale Horse
Explore the mysterious world of Agatha Christie's "The Pale Horse" in an intriguing episode unraveling deaths linked to witchcraft. Guest Jade M Loren, a practicing witch, dispels myths and shares insights into the craft.
Episode 4
The Body in the Library
Exploration of Agatha Christie's "The Body in the Library" with a focus on CSI evolution and Miss Marple's relevance. Delve into the true crime of librarian Emily Abernathy's murder for a captivating mystery journey.
Episodes 5-8
Episode 5
A Murder Is Announced
Join us for a journey through Agatha Christie's 'A Murder is Announced,' an interview with the creators of 'Session Zero Podcast,' and a chilling true crime story about Emma Molloy and her son, John. Follow @abitofachristie on social media for more updates.
Episode 6
A Pocket Full of Rye
Dive into the world of Agatha Christie's "A Pocket Full of Rye".. Unraveling its secrets alongside a chilling true crime tale from France, we probe the mysterious death of Olga Duflos, exploring clues and suspects. Plus, don't miss our chat with author Karen Pierce, delving into her latest creation, "Recipes for Murder," celebrating Christie's mysteries through food. .
Episode 7
Dumb Witness Pt.1
Explore Agatha Christie's "Dumb Witness" novel on the "AbitofaChristie" podcast. Uncover mysteries surrounding the Arundell family and the Tripp Sisters through character insights and paranormal elements with psychic medium Julie Angel.
Episode 8
Dumb Witness Pt.2
Discover the extraordinary as we delve into the intriguing tale of canine intuition and supernatural insight in solving a chilling murder case. Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with Philip Stader, renowned Lakeland Terrier owner and social media sensation, alongside the internationally acclaimed Psychic Medium, Julie Angel Matthews. Together, we unravel the mysteries surrounding Maggie Moxom's riveting true crime narrative, 'The Rough Close Murder', where a harrowing fratricide sends shockwaves through a community. Prepare to be enthralled as we explore the unorthodox alliance between dogs and spirits, and the profound revelations they unveil in the pursuit of justice.
How can I listen?
Our Team
Hazel Jones
Host
Lara Jones
Copy Editor
Our Guests
Ep. 1 - Author
Maggie Moxom
Ep.2 - Actor
Julian Hoult
Ep. 3 - Witch and Author
Jade M Loren
Ep. 4 - Detective
Kieran James
Ep. 5 - Podcasters and D&D players
Ben and Mike
Ep. 6 - Author
Karen Pierce
Ep. 7 - Psychic Medium
Julie Angel Matthews
Ep.8 - Lakeland Terrier Owner
Philip Stader
We would love to hear from you!
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The reviews are rolling in!
“Some fascinating cultural, social and political background to add to Agatha!”
- Mizz Marple - Apple Podcast review
“Abitofa Christie, Hazel, has excelled herself again with part two “
- Julie Angel (International Psychic Medium)
“A really unique podcast about Agatha Christie. It’s engaging and will make you want to learn more about Agatha Christie.”
-Apple Podcast review
Voted in 60 Best UK True Crime Podcasts
ABitOfAChristie in the news
We have been really lucky to be featured in a few news articles and webpages. Click below to find out more about us:
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Maggie Moxom
Author
Margaret Moxom, now retired and residing in Werrington, Staffordshire Moorlands, has led a rich and varied life, transitioning from a secretary at an NHS mental health hospital to a prolific author and artist. With seven books under her belt, Moxom's literary journey began with her experiences in Ostend, Belgium, where she penned her first book, "Escape from Reality." This led to two short stories featuring a fictional detective based in Ostend.
Beyond writing, Moxom's passion for painting shines through on her website, Artweb/Margaret Moxom, where she showcases her oil paintings and accepts commissions. Her move to Staffordshire sparked an interest in local history, particularly the Potteries riots of 1842, inspiring her book "Footsteps in the Past," blending history with supernatural elements.
Further exploration into the paranormal led Moxom to write two sequels, "Footsteps in the Past - The Secret" and "Footsteps in the Past - John's Story," delving deeper into the characters' lives amidst industrial growth and societal struggles.
Venturing beyond Staffordshire, Moxom's fourth book, "Munford-Gunn," recounts the perilous journey of two families escaping persecution, while her fifth book, "Barlaston Murderer - Leslie Green," challenges the narrative surrounding a true crime case.
Her sixth book, "The Rough Close Murder," intertwines a historical fratricide with a contemporary haunting, showcasing Moxom's talent for blending fact with fiction.
In her latest work, "The Day the Sun Disappeared," Moxom tackles the RAF Fauld explosion of 1944, weaving personal stories into a compelling narrative that sheds light on a tragic event long shrouded in secrecy.
Moxom's ability to breathe life into historical events and infuse them with a touch of the supernatural makes her a unique and captivating storyteller. With each book, she invites readers to embark on a journey through time, exploring the complexities of the human experience.
Links to
Maggie’s work
Julian Hoult
Actor & Coach
Location: Wolverhampton, Tettenhall
About Julian:
Julian Hoult is a professional actor and acting coach based in Wolverhampton, specializing in preparing aspiring actors for drama school auditions, both for acting and musical theatre courses. With a wealth of experience in the industry, Julian brings a unique insight and expertise to his coaching sessions, helping students hone their skills and navigate the competitive world of theatre education.
Experience:
Julian's acting career spans a variety of prestigious productions and venues, showcasing his versatility and talent. His credits include notable roles such as Mr. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in the West End, productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company (The Jew of Malta, Love's Sacrifice, Volpone), the original West End cast of Soho Cinders at Soho Theatre, and performances in Sweeney Todd at Mercury Theatre and Jesus Christ Superstar on a world arena tour.
Julian's journey into the world of acting began with his own education. He successfully gained entry to multiple accredited drama schools, studying at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama on the three-year Acting course, from which he graduated with a first-class degree in 2011.
For aspiring actors seeking guidance and preparation for drama school auditions, Julian Hoult offers personalized coaching sessions tailored to individual strengths and goals. With his extensive experience and passion for nurturing talent, Julian is dedicated to helping aspiring actors achieve their dreams in the world of theatre.
Links to
Julian’s work
Jade M Loren
Author, Editor, Witch
About Jade:
Jade M Loren is a versatile writer, experienced copyeditor, and engaging podcast interviewer, bringing creativity and expertise to every project she undertakes. With a background in both writing and editing, Jade offers a unique blend of skills that contribute to the success of her endeavors.
Experience:
As a freelance copyeditor, Jade has collaborated with City Owl Press, a renowned publishing house, ensuring the quality and accuracy of manuscripts before they hit the shelves. Her meticulous attention to detail and keen editorial eye have earned her recognition in the industry.
Jade's passion for storytelling extends beyond the written word. As a podcast interviewer for the annual WriteOnCon kidlit convention, she has engaged with authors and industry professionals, delving into the intricacies of the writing process and sharing valuable insights with listeners.
In addition to her editorial work, Jade is actively involved in the writing community as a critique partner, having collaborated with authors on projects such as Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal. She has also served as a mentor for aspiring writers through initiatives like TeenPit, offering guidance and support to emerging talents.
Jade's commitment to professional development is evident in her accreditations. She holds certifications in Proofreading and Copyediting from John Academy London, complemented by a foundation certificate in Creative Writing from the Open University. Furthermore, she earned a degree in Film Production from Staffordshire University, enhancing her storytelling abilities across different mediums.
Book:
In her book, Basic Witch's Guide to Intuitive Tarot, Jade M Loren shares her deep understanding of tarot as a bridge between the mundane and the magical. Drawing on over 10 years of experience as a witch and tarot reader, including work on psychic phone lines, YouTube readings, and TikTok live readings, Jade demystifies tarot and empowers readers to explore their intuitive abilities.
Through this guide, Jade encourages readers to embrace tarot without fear or self-doubt, offering practical advice on choosing a deck, connecting with the cards, and interpreting their meanings. With warmth and wisdom, she emphasizes the importance of finding one's own truth within the tarot's rich symbolism and cultivating a personal style of interpretation.
With her diverse skill set and dedication to excellence, Jade M Loren continues to make a significant impact in the literary world, both as a writer and an editor.
Links to
Jade’s work
A Love Letter to Agatha Christie: How My Passion Was Rekindled
Hello, I'm Hazel Jones, the voice behind ABitOfAChristie podcast. If you've tuned in, you probably already know about my deep affection for the queen of crime herself, Agatha Christie. But perhaps you're curious about the roots of my fascination and how this podcast came to be.
A hobby...me?
First and foremost, I wear the badges of parenthood, friendship and educator proudly. Yet, like many parents, I found that as I poured my heart and soul into raising my children, my personal hobbies and interests began to dim in the background. The evenings once filled with sports or leisure activities gradually and rightly made way for the bedtime routines and quality time with my little ones.
However, one night, while indulging in an Agatha Christie episode, a flood of memories from my childhood rushed back. I remembered visiting my Granny's flat after school, where she would often be engrossed in a Poirot or Marple mystery. My love for Agatha Christie was intricately woven with memories of my Granny, one of the most influential figures in my life.
Granny
My Granny, a Lancashire lady, had weathered life's storms with resilience and grace. Despite facing challenges, including the loss of her beloved husband when my mother was just a teenager, she remained steadfast and unwavering. To her, Agatha Christie's mysteries provided a welcome escape from life's pressures, offering a puzzle to solve and a world to explore.
As I reminisced with her about the past, discussing everything from wartime experiences to the timeless truths of human nature, I realised that Agatha Christie's work transcends generations. Her keen understanding of human character and the complexities of the human psyche resonated deeply with me.
My love for Agatha Christie is, in essence, a love for Margaret Ashworth, my Granny, and all those resilient, intelligent souls who leave an indelible mark on the world. Through her stories, Christie gifted us with a timeless catalogue of humanity, showcasing the busybodies, cheats, heroes, and innocents who populate our lives.
So, what now?
With my podcast, I aim to delve deeper into world history, the origins of my love for Christie's work, and the enduring impact of her stories in 2024. Because even in this fast-paced, technology-driven age, Agatha Christie's mysteries continue to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the universality of the human experience.
Join me on this journey as we uncover the secrets of Agatha Christie's world and celebrate the legacy of a literary icon who continues to enchant readers across generations.
The Chronicle
Alsager, Biddulph, Sandbach and Congleton
We were featured in our local paper on Thursday 2nd May 2024.
Hazel Jones spoke to Melanie Walker. A copy of the article is on this page: