Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, DBE (1890–1976), was an esteemed British writer, known predominantly for her sixty-six detective novels and fourteen short story collections. Renowned for creating fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Christie's work has seen her named the 'Queen of Mystery', and made her one of the bestselling authors of all time. Her ingenuity in plotting, often characterized by clever twists and turns, has garnered critical acclaim and a massive global readership. In 'The Collected Works of Agatha Christie (Vol.1)', readers are treated to a showcase of Christie's early accomplishments which include some of her most celebrated mysteries. Christie's work is known for its tight plotting, meticulous clue construction, and a psychological depth that both entertains and puzzles readers. With literary craft that reveals itself in her careful weaving of the mundane with the sinister, Christie's storytelling has set the benchmark in the genre of crime fiction. Her books have been translated into numerous languages, showing that her appeal traverses cultural boundaries, reaffirming her legacy in the world of literature. Her play 'The Mousetrap' holds the record for the longest initial run of any play in history, providing further testament to her standing in the arts.