Agatha Christie fans and enthusiasts are invited to be part of history and vote on which book title should be inscribed on a specially commissioned tribute to the ‘Queen of Crime’.

As the International Agatha Christie Festival (8-17 September 2023) gets underway, we, together with Torbay Culture, Artizan Collective, Agatha Christie Festival and Agatha Christie Limited is thrilled to announce a unique opportunity. Agatha fans and enthusiasts are invited to select the book title that will be inscribed on a brand-new tribute to Torbay’s most famous resident.

The specially commissioned bronze statue is being developed by Brixham artist, Elisabeth Hadley. Elisabeth was chosen in January 2022, following a public vote to create and install a new permanent Agatha Christie tribute as part of the Council’s plan to regenerate Torquay’s harbourside.

Elisabeth’s bronze creation will show Agatha Christie, sitting on a bench, holding a book as she admires the surroundings, she was so passionate about.

15 possible titles have been shortlisted, based on their local connection to the area to ensure the tribute remains authentic. The shortlisted titles are:

1. The ABC Murders
2. And Then There Were None
3. The Big Four
4. The Body in the Library
5. Dead Man’s Folly
6. Evil Under the Sun
7. Five Little Pigs
8. Ordeal by Innocence
9. Peril at End House
10. Postern of Fate
11. Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?
12. The Regatta Mystery
13. The Sittaford Mystery
14. Sleeping Murder
15. Towards Zero

Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Culture & Events and Parking for Torbay Council, said; “The natural beauty of the English Riviera provided the inspiration for many of Agatha Christies books. As we celebrate Agatha’s legacy during the International Agatha Christie Festival, we are thrilled to launch this unique opportunity as we ask Agatha fans to vote for their favourite book title. By taking part in the vote, you’re getting to be part of history as we continue to honour the ‘Queen of Crime’.”

Jacob Brandon, Chair of Torbay Culture, said; “Audiences and communities have been at the heart of this commission from the start; from the initial selection of the artist and design, to the use of local models in Brixham to sit for the sculpture, and now this exciting vote that will add a unique detail to the finished piece that will make this a true Torbay commemoration of Agatha and her legacy.”

Anyone can take part in the vote which opens online today (Friday 8 September), voting closes at midnight on Sunday 17 September, with the winning title announced by Elisabeth Hadley shortly after. Votes can be made via: https://yoursay.torbay.gov.uk/agatha-christie

The annual International Agatha Christie Festival celebrates Agatha Christie’s life and legacy, with a packed programme of high-profile speakers, performances, art, and literary activities, film showings, guided walks, and dinner talks at a range of local venues. Further information on the International Agatha Christie Festival programme can be found at: https://www.iacf-uk.org/

Elisabeth’s creation was commissioned as part of our harbour public realm regeneration works after successfully securing £21.9 million from the Towns Fund to improve and enhance Torquay’s town centre. Upon completion of the regeneration work (updated information on the project will be available soon), the statue will have pride of place in the newly enhanced waterfront location.

The image shows the statue in development. Image credit - Elisabeth Hadley.