The Mousetrap and Other Plays by Agatha Christie

Experience Agatha Christie’s Most Celebrated Stage Mysteries in One Timeless Collection

About the Book

The Mousetrap and Other Plays brings together some of Agatha Christie’s most celebrated theatrical works in one captivating paperback collection. This anthology features the world-famous The Mousetrap—the longest-running play in theatre history—alongside other masterfully crafted mystery dramas that showcase Christie’s genius for suspense, misdirection, and unforgettable plot twists. Whether you’re a devoted Christie fan, a theatre enthusiast, or someone discovering her work for the first time, this collection offers an intimate look at how the Queen of Crime conquered the stage with the same brilliance she brought to her novels.

From the Back Cover

“A gripping collection that proves Agatha Christie’s mastery extended far beyond the printed page—these plays crackle with tension, wit, and those delicious twists only she could deliver.”

About the Author

Dame Agatha Christie remains the best-selling novelist of all time, with over two billion copies sold worldwide. Beyond her legendary detective novels featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Christie was also a prolific and successful playwright whose works continue to be performed globally. Her play The Mousetrap opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has been running continuously ever since, earning a place in the Guinness World Records. Christie’s understanding of human nature, combined with her architectural precision in plotting, made her theatrical works as compelling as her beloved mysteries.

Who Is This Book For?

This collection is perfect for Agatha Christie enthusiasts who want to explore her theatrical legacy, theatre students and performers seeking classic mystery scripts, and anyone who appreciates clever storytelling with unexpected endings. If you’ve ever been fascinated by how a mystery unfolds in real-time on stage, or if you’re curious about the plays that have entertained millions of theatregoers worldwide, this book offers both entertainment and insight. It’s also an excellent gift for book club members, mystery lovers, and anyone who enjoys golden age detective fiction in a fresh, dynamic format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is The Mousetrap play included in this collection?
Yes, this anthology features The Mousetrap, the world’s longest-running play, along with several other stage plays written by Agatha Christie. It’s the perfect way to experience this legendary mystery if you haven’t seen it performed live.

Q: Do I need to have read Agatha Christie’s novels to enjoy these plays?
Not at all. These plays stand completely on their own and don’t require any prior knowledge of Christie’s other works. They’re written to be accessible, entertaining, and suspenseful for any reader, whether you’re new to Christie or a longtime fan.

Q: Are these actual play scripts or adapted stories?
These are Christie’s original stage plays, written specifically for theatrical performance. You’re reading the actual scripts as they were performed on stage, complete with dialogue, stage directions, and scene settings that bring the drama to life.

Q: What makes Agatha Christie’s plays different from her novels?
Christie’s plays showcase her talent for creating real-time suspense through dialogue and stage action alone. Without the internal narration found in novels, these mysteries rely entirely on character interaction, timing, and visual clues—making them incredibly tight and focused thrillers.

Q: Is this book suitable for reading aloud or book club discussions?
Absolutely! The play format makes this collection ideal for group readings, book clubs, or even informal dramatic readings with friends. The dialogue-driven structure sparks great discussions about character motivations, plot construction, and Christie’s brilliant misdirection techniques.