Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library is the latest release from Amanda Chapman. With an anticipated release date of August 26, 2026, it takes readers to the Mystery Guild Library in New York City. Tory Van Dyne lives and works in the Mystery Guild Library. One evening, she settles down to read a book in the best room of the library, the Christie Room. Imagine Tory’s surprise when she discovers she’s not alone. Her companion introduces herself as Agatha Christie, and she’s here to help Tory solve a murder. But how is it possible, as Christie died almost 50 years ago?
I want to thank Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library. All opinions presented here are my own.
Synopsis from Goodreads
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 a found family of unlikely 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.”
Positives
- Under 400 pages.
- Multiple suspects, and plenty of red herrings.
- Interesting cast of characters.
Negatives
- The wording, especially in the beginning, is a bit clunky.
My Opinions
I will tell you right now that the main reason I wanted to read this book is that it includes Agatha Christie as a character. Books that feature historical figures often pique my interest, as I want to see how the author portrays them. Since I love reading Agatha Christie’s books, I also enjoy reading books that feature her.
My biggest issue with the book was in the first third or so, when Tory was stumbling over what to call Mrs. Christie when talking about her to other characters. It kept pulling me out of the book. Yes, I understand her shock and awe at meeting her idol. But her constant stumbling was hard to read. Once she stopped doing that, the book flowed a lot more.
There are several quotes throughout the book from Christie’s books, both as chapter headers and in the dialogue. I didn’t find them to be spoilers, even though I haven’t read all of the books mentioned. And those from the books I have read made me smile.
While I had my suspicions about who the murderer was, it was still a surprise when it was explained. I’m also not 100% sure I believe the murders could have happened in the way described.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library. If you enjoy reading Agatha Christie books, I think you will enjoy reading Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library. I think any mystery reader will enjoy it as well.
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Sounds like a fun book!
It started slowly, but then took over and I struggled to put it down.