Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because it's fiction doesn't mean it's all made-up . . . Agatha Christie reveled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. Her choice of deadly substances was far from random--the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but this is not the case with poisons. How is it that some compounds prove so deadly, and in such tiny amounts? Christie's extensive chemical knowledge provides the backdrop for A is for Arsenic, in which Kathryn Harkup investigates the poisons used by the murderer in fourteen classic Agatha Christie mysteries. It looks at why certain chemicals kill, how they interact with the body, the cases that may have inspired Christie, and the feasibility of obtaining, administering and detecting these poisons, both at the time the novel was written and today. A is for Arsenic is a celebration of the use of science by the undisputed Queen of Crime.

Ten strangers are invited to a tiny island, each for a very different reason. Over dinner on the first night, a recorded message accuses each of the guests of a serious crime, all of which they deny. Then, by the end of that evening, one of the group is dead. A storm rises – now no one can come or go from the island. Then another dies, and another. The killer has to be one of them – but which one? Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 4 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 4 is equivalent to CEF level B2 with a word count of 20,000 – 26,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words

Hercule Poirot is enjoying a relaxing holiday when a glamorous actress arrives to join their group - then just two days later she is found murdered on a quiet, shaded beach. In his search for her murderer, Poirot quickly learns that beautiful Arlena Stuart was popular with men but mistrusted by women - he believes this murder was planned. It will take Poirot's mind to uncover the evil that happened on the beach that day. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 4 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 4 is equivalent to CEF level B2 with a word count of 20,000 - 26,000 words. Each book includes: - Full reading of the adapted version available for free online - Helpful notes on characters - Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot - A glossary of the more difficult words

An advertisement in the local newspaper announces that there is going to be a murder this evening at Little Paddocks – but this is news even to the people who live at Little Paddocks! Interested villagers and friends appear that evening – perhaps it’s a game, they think The lights go out, there is silence, and then a gun is fired… It seems this was no game. Someone really has been murdered! Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 4 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 4 is equivalent to CEF level B2 with a word count of 20,000 – 26,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words

Classics, modern fiction, non-fiction and more. Written for secondary and adult students the Oxford Bookworms Library has seven reading levels from A1-C1 of the CEFR. Listen along with downloadable MP3 audio. What does the name 'Agatha Christie' mean? To many people, it means a book about a murder mystery - a 'whodunnit'. 'I'm reading an Agatha Christie,' people say. 'I'm not sure who the murderer is - I think it's... ' But they are usually wrong, because it is not easy to guess the murderer's name before the end of the book. But who was Agatha Christie? What was she like? Was her life quiet and unexciting, or was it full of interest and adventure? Was there a mystery in her life, too?

When Colonel Protheroe is found murdered in the vicar’s study, it seems that almost everyone in the village of St Mary Mead had a motive to kill him. This is the first case for Agatha Christie’s legendary female detective, Miss Marple. She needs to use all her powers of observation and deduction to solve the mystery. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 5 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 5 is equivalent to CEF level B2+ with a word count of 22,000 – 30,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words • Free online resources for students and teachers at Collins site.

When famous actress Marina Gregg buys Gossington Hall, she wastes no time in introducing herself and her husband to their new neighbours by throwing a charity fкte. Everyone is enjoying seeing around the beautiful house and gardens, until tragedy strikes – Heather Badcock has been poisoned. But who would want to kill Heather? And how, in the middle of a busy party, did they do it? Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 4 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 4 is equivalent to CEF level B2 with a word count of 20,000 – 26,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words

In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days. Only I know the truth of her disappearance. I’m no Hercule Poirot. I’m her husband’s mistress. Agatha Christie’s world is one of glamorous society parties, country house weekends, and growing literary fame. Nan O’Dea’s world is something very different. Her attempts to escape a tough London upbringing during the Great War led to a life in Ireland marred by a hidden tragedy. After fighting her way back to England, she’s set her sights on Agatha. Because Agatha Christie has something Nan wants. And it’s not just her husband. Despite their differences, the two women will become the most unlikely of allies. And during the mysterious eleven days that Agatha goes missing, they will unravel a dark secret that only Nan holds the key to . . .

When a rich lady is murdered, there is one obvious suspect. Even his wife says he is guilty – but then his lawyer discovers evidence that brings everything into question. Is anyone telling the truth? Accompanied by three other short stories: The Rajah’s Emerald, Philomel Cottage, and The Actress. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 3 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 3 is equivalent to CEF level B1 with a word count of 11,000 – 20,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words • Free online resources for students and teachers at Collins site.

Reprinted for the first time in almost 90 years, this original novelisation of the very first Agatha Christie film is a unique record of the Queen of Crime’s movie debut and a bold attempt to turn one of her favourite short stories into a thrilling silent movie. Who poisoned the cruel and sinister Professor Appleby? Derek Capel, his neighbour, in love with the Professor’s wife, Eleanor? Vera, the house-parlourmaid, Appleby’s mistress? Or was it Eleanor Appleby herself? All three could be reasonably suspected of a motive which would prompt them to poison the most hateful villain who ever crossed the pages of fiction . . . The first ever Agatha Christie film was a 1928 black and white silent movie, loosely based on her first ‘Harley Quin’ story. Although no script or print of the film survives, this rare novelisation from the same year is a unique record of Christie’s first association with the motion picture industry – now in its remarkable tenth decade with the release of Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express. This new Detective Club edition includes an introduction by film and television historian Mark Aldridge, author of the authoritative Agatha Christie On Screen (2016), who reveals why the film’s harshest critic was Agatha Christie herself.

There is a dangerous atmosphere at Stoneygates, a centre for young criminals. When Miss Marple visits her friend there, she can sense the danger, too. One evening during her stay someone shoots at the administrator of the centre. He is not injured, but a visiting relative is shot dead at the same time in another part of the building. Could this be a coincidence? Miss Marple must solve the mystery. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 5 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 5 is equivalent to CEF level B2+ with a word count of 22,000 - 30,000 words. Each book includes: - Full reading of the adapted version available for free online - Helpful notes on characters - Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot - A glossary of the more difficult words - Free online resources for students and teachers at Collins site.

Poirot has a new challenge on his hands. The A B C murderer killed Mrs Ascher in Andover, then Betty Barnard in Bexhill, then moved on to Sir Carmichael Clarke in Churston – his pattern is clear. A B C even likes to write to Poirot and tell him where and when the next murder will be. So it should be easy to catch him, shouldn’t it? ‘Let us see, Mr Clever Poirot, just how clever you can be.’ Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 4 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 4 is equivalent to CEF level B2 with a word count of 20,000 – 26,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words Word count: 25,036. Headwords: approx. 1,700.

The Leonides family live together in a large and crooked house in a wealthy London suburb. When the elderly millionaire Aristide Leonides is murdered with a fatal injection, the family reluctantly suspect his glamorous, young second wife. Charles Hayward, who is engaged to the late millionaire’s granddaughter, observes the family closely and makes a terrible and shocking discovery… Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 5 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 5 is equivalent to CEF level B2+ with a word count of 22,000 – 30,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words • Free online resources for students and teachers at Collins site.

Poirot is on his way home to London on the famous Simplon Orient Express when a murder is committed. It is clear that no one entered or left the train, which means one of Poirot’s fellow passengers must be guilty – but which one? And why would they have murdered a man they didn’t know? Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 3 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 3 is equivalent to CEF level B1 with a word count of 11,000 – 20,000 words. Each book includes: • Full reading of the adapted version available for free online • Helpful notes on characters • Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot • A glossary of the more difficult words • Free online resources for students and teachers at Collins site.

Poirot is supposed to be on a relaxing holiday in Egypt, but soon finds himself caught in the middle of a confusing murder. The obvious suspect has an alibi, and not a single other person seems to have any reason to want to murder the beautiful young victim. Can Poirot find out the truth before the murderer strikes again? Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 3 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 3 is equivalent to CEF level B1 with a word count of 11,000 - 20,000 words. - Full reading of the adapted version available for free online - Helpful notes on characters - Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot - A glossary of the more difficult words - Free online resources for students and teachers at Collins site.

Poirot receives a phone call from famous crime writer Ariadne Oliver - she is staying with friends in Devon and she believes a murder is going to take place. When Poirot arrives to investigate, he can't understand her concerns - everyone is busy working together to prepare for a village fete. Why would anyone be planning a murder? Soon Poirot realizes that everything is not as it seems - but can he act quickly enough to stop the murder being committed? Collins brings the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to English language learners. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. Now Collins has adapted her famous detective novels for English language learners. These readers have been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 3 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 3 is equivalent to CEF level B1 with a word count of 11,000 - 20,000 words. Each book includes: - Full reading of the adapted version available for free online - Helpful notes on characters - Cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot - A glossary of the more difficult words - Free online resources for students and teachers at Collins site.