Agatha Christie display opens at Neston Library before touring Cheshire West libraries

A major exhibition celebrating the life and work of Agatha Christie, the world's best-selling novelist, is coming to Cheshire West and Chester libraries.

Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery opens at Neston Library on 30 October before touring Great Boughton, Little Sutton, Chester and Winsford Libraries in 2027.

Inspired by the British Library exhibition of the same name, Cheshire West and Chester Libraries is one of 33 library services taking part in the UK-wide Living Knowledge Network celebration of Christie's life and literary achievements.

Marking 50 years since Christie's death, the display explores the origins of her iconic characters, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, while revealing how her childhood, travels and experiences helped shape the stories that continue to captivate readers around the world.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a borough-wide programme of events celebrating Christie's enduring appeal. Taking place at both host venues and neighbourhood libraries, the programme will bring the world of mystery and detective fiction to audiences across Cheshire West and Chester.

Highlights include a new mystery story by bestselling crime writer Ann Cleeves, which will feature at a special launch event on Wednesday 4 November at Neston Library. Visitors can also enjoy author talks featuring Kelly Mullen, Sophie Hannah, Jo Cunningham and Katy Watson.

Music lovers will have the opportunity to discover the classical works that inspired Christie and featured in her novels through a special concert, while those fascinated by the science behind her stories can explore the intriguing world of poisons and remedies.

Other events will examine the history of crime and justice across Cheshire West, offering fresh perspectives on the themes that made Christie's novels so compelling.

Younger visitors will be able to test their detective skills through interactive mystery-solving activities, while local artists and aspiring designers will have the chance to create new covers for Christie novels as part of a national British Library initiative.

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Education, Communities and Public Health), said:

"Agatha Christie remains one of the world's most loved authors, and we're delighted that residents across Cheshire West and Chester will have the opportunity to experience this fascinating exhibition in their local libraries. Alongside the display, we've put together an exciting programme of talks, activities and events for all ages, giving people new ways to discover Christie's life, work and lasting influence.

“Whether you're a lifelong fan or completely new to her stories, there will be something for everyone to enjoy."

Together, the exhibition and events programme will offer audiences of all ages new ways to discover Christie's remarkable legacy and explore why her stories continue to captivate readers more than 50 years after her death. Further activities and events will be announced during 2027.

Lucy Rowland, Lead Curator of Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery at the British Library, said:

“We’re honoured to be working with the Christie Archive Trust and Agatha Christie Limited to mark the legacy of Agatha Christie, the most famous crime writer of all time. It’s a pleasure to invite audiences to learn more about Christie’s life, explore her journey to becoming an iconic writer and celebrate how adaptations of her novels for stage and screen continue to enthral audiences today, over 50 years after her death.”

For information about all upcoming library events, sign up to the newsletter or follow libraries on social media:

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There are 22 libraries across Cheshire West and Chester, a Mobile Library and Home Library Service. It is free to join and books can be borrowed from and returned to any library.

You can access computers and WiFi for free or join in with a wide range of events and activities for all ages. There are also thousands of free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines to borrow.

To find out more visit the Council’s website:

Libraries

About Agatha Christie

Born in Torquay, England in 1890, Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. With over one billion books sold in English and another billion in over 100 languages, she is outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. She wrote 80 crime novels and collections of short stories, over 25 plays (including The Mousetrap, the world’s longest running play), and six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. Her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, introduced the world to the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, followed a decade later by the shrewd and often-underestimated Miss Marple.

Agatha Christie was made a Dame (DBE) in 1971 and died peacefully in 1976 at the age of 85.

About the Living Knowledge Network

The Living Knowledge Network (LKN) is a growing partnership of national and public libraries united by a mission to support libraries as beacons in their communities and as spaces of discovery, dialogue and inspiration. Founded by the British Library in 2016 in collaboration with the National Libraries of Scotland and Wales, the Network now includes over a third of all UK public libraries, bringing collaborative exhibitions and events directly to people through libraries on their doorstep.