Saturday 20th September 2025, 12:00am

Making Enquiries: Inquiries into Information in A Murder is Announced

Michelle Kazmer

A Murder is Announced celebrates its 75th anniversary of publication in 2025. One of the most beloved Miss Marple novels, this story has been admired for its nuanced interpersonal relationships, immediate-post-war social commentary, and use of the writing itself to clue the solution. It is the noteworthy plot device that draws the reader and characters into the story – an advertisement placed in the local newspaper – that forms the initiation of Dr Kazmer’s talk.

As an information scientist, Kazmer has long been fascinated with how information systems and behaviour appear throughout Christie’s stories. While the published newspaper is the first example of an information system in A Murder is Announced, it is far from the last; as the characters continue their information behaviours including “making enquiries”, the solution of the crime comes closer. Dr Kazmer delights in exploring information science aspects of Christie’s works in engaging and novel ways; expect this talk to be both surprising and entertaining!

Michelle Kazmer, PhD, is Dean and Professor of the Florida State University (USA) College of Communication and Information and a lifelong crime fiction fan who became enamoured of Agatha Christie at the age of 12. Her Christie scholarship has been included in edited volumes, conferences, repertory theatre notes, invited lectures, podcasts, radio, and television.

Venue: Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey

Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking within the grounds for disabled visitors. Entry to the Spanish Barn is relatively level, but there are a few cobble stones to cross, before entering the completely flat interior. We have space for wheelchairs, although if you let us know in advance, we can ensure that there is ample dedicated space for the number of wheelchair users. We have again raised the height of the main stage this year, so that guest speakers can easily be seen and have a hearing loop in the front half of the Barn nearest the stage. We also have two TV screens midway down the barn screening what is happening on the stage. There is a disabled toilet available to the rear of the Spanish Barn.

If you have any particular access requirements or enquiries, do please get in touch and we will do whatever we feasibly can to accommodate you. Please email admin@iacf-uk.org

Getting there

Getting to the venue

The Spanish Barn is in the grounds of Torre Abbey. This is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station.

Parking

There is no parking in the grounds of Torre Abbey except for disabled parking. The nearest car park is Torre Valley - Torbay Council. This is a five-minute walk from the Spanish Barn.

Toilets

Toilets are available to the rear of the Spanish Barn for the duration of the Literary Festival.

Inside the Spanish Barn

Whilst we have no evening events in the Spanish Barn this year, it can get cold so please dress with this in mind.

Food and Drink

The cafe at Torre Abbey is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am till 4pm and is dog friendly.

A short 10-minute walk away from the Spanish Barn are a variety of cafes, bars and takeaways.

Dogs

Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are not allowed in the Spanish Barn.

If you have any further questions, please email admin@iacf-uk.org

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