Sunday 21st September 2025, 12:00am

Secrets and Spies: Agatha Christie the War Writer

Jamie Bernthal-Hooker


Agatha Christie wrote her first mystery novel during the First World War, and reflected a world in turmoil. At the height of her career during the Second World War, global conflict shaped her work and how it was read, even as the adventures of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot were seen as escapist. Later, she engaged with the uncertainties and anxieties of the Cold War, seeing history repeat itself. Continuing with our celebrations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, in this talk, Dr Jamie Bernthal-Hooker explores Christie’s often overlooked thrillers, to unlock the mysteries of a remarkable twentieth century chronicler of war and warfare.

As J.C. Bernthal, Jamie is an Edgar Award-nominated author and editor of several books about the Queen of Crime, including Agatha Christie Goes to War with Rebecca Mills, The Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie with Mary Anna Evans, and Agatha Christie: A Companion to the Mystery Fiction, among others. He also writes comic mysteries and co-founded Golden Age Mysteries Limited, a research community devoted to Christie and her peers.

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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