Source: From the publisher & Netgalley for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 26, 2025
Rating:
Goodreads Synopsis:
Tory Van Dyne is the most down-to-earth member of a decidedly eccentric old-money New York family. For one thing, as book conservator at Manhattan’s Mystery Guild Library, she actually has a job. Plus, she’s left up-town society behind for a quiet life downtown. So she’s not thrilled when she discovers a woman in the library’s Christie Room who calmly introduces herself as Agatha Christie, politely requests a cocktail, and announces she’s there to help solve a murder— that has not yet happened.But as soon as Tory determines that this is just a fairly nutty Christie fangirl, her socialite/actress cousin Nicola gets caught up in the suspicious death of her less-than-lovable talent agent. Nic, as always, looks to Tory for help. Tory, in turn, looks to Mrs. Christie. The woman, whoever or whatever she is, clearly knows her stuff when it comes to crime.Aided by an unlikely band of fellow sleuths —including a snarky librarian, an eleven-year-old computer whiz, and an NYPD detective with terrible taste in suits—Tory and the woman claiming to be her very much deceased literary idol begin to unravel the twists and turns of a murderer’s devious mind. Because, in the immortal words of Miss Jane Marple, “murder is never simple.”
Review:
Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors. When I was in high school I picked up Curtain and then Body in the Library and was sold. I tried to read as many of her books as I could. I would often grab them at used bookstores while on beach vacations and read them while there. I love a murder mystery in the summertime.
This synopsis stole my heart from the moment I read it - wouldn't it be cool to have the Queen of Mystery appear to you to help you solve a crime?! I thought so. Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library follows timid book conservator Tory as she is thrown into a murder mystery case linked to her cousin Nic. Together they, Mrs. Christie, a detective, a young girl, and her librarian work together to figure it all out and more bodies appear as they go.
Tory was a great MC - she was vulnerable but determined, set in her ways, but also curious. Nic was a great side character, she is often so dramatic and over the top that she created comic relief when needed. Mrs. Christie was herself - she interspersed the dialogue with memories of her life, quotes from her books, thoughts about poisons, and ponderings about whodunit.
The plot - although a murder mystery - felt like a cozy hug. I loved the premise, the solving of the mystery was done so well and it really felt like normal people inserting themselves into an investigation and running with their thoughts. I think that magical realism part was done well - Mrs. Christie appears when she wants to, only in her room, and only really for the duration of the case. The explanation is just that - she is there to help solve a crime from the afterlife because she is bored. Other than that explanations are left to float. And for me this worked.
Overall, if you are a fan of Mrs. Christie, you will likely enjoy this book. It is a slower cozy read, but it is full of her vibe and facts about her and her life that I think you will enjoy. Super cute.
About the Author
Amanda Chapman is a lifelong mystery lover and wordsmith. An enthusiastic fan of traditional mysteries and of New York City she found herself wondering, "What if someone recreated Agatha Christie's personal library -– even to the furnishings and architecture -- in New York City? What would happen in that space?" And thus MRS. CHRISTIE AT THE MYSTERY GUILD LIBRARY, the first in a new series, was born.
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