All About Agatha Christie

800
Books #112

All About Agatha is a podcast all about, well, Agatha. Agatha Christie, of course: the Queen of Crime, a real-life Dame of the British Empire, and author of sixty-six mystery novels that spanned the Twentieth Century, defining a genre. For five years, Catherine Brobeck and Kemper Donovan revisited these novels in publication order, ranking them according to pre-set criteria (plot, character, etc.). Tragically, Catherine Brobeck passed away at the end of 2021. Since then, Kemper has completed the podcast's ranking project, and now contents himself with celebrating the greatness of Christie by attempting to solve the ultimate mystery where she is concerned. Why Christie--and Christie alone--endures as powerfully as she does.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • mrs mc gonagall's sister
    U R so valued
    Thank you for all you do. Under all the pressure of our life-disruptions in 2020, Your podcast is fresh air and yummy food. ❤️👍 Anthony Horowitz is so full of (much needed) Positive energy. Absolutely a favorite. His voice is so relaxed and easy to enjoy
  • LailaLCR
    Revival
    I appreciate the breadth and depth of your conversation on an author I have loved since 6th grade (12 years old). It’s easy to get settled and feel “been there done that,” with mysteries but I still love re-reading them endlessly. So your insightful conversations stir up new and fresh ideas and perspectives. Thank you!
  • pinky2anne
    Love this show
    So fun to reread my favorites Christies and then settle in to listen to the corresponding episode. Love to hear the historical context and breakdown of the plot mechanics.
  • Bulverde Girl
    Injecting political beliefs
    I am so disappointed, and, frankly, very tired of hearing various celebrities opining about the presidential election. I thought “All about Agatha“ was above that. Please keep in mind that our president - elect was overwhelmingly elected. “All about Agatha” has always been a safe Haven to “get away from the world“, which I have appreciated very much. Maybe it is better to keep one’s political beliefs private instead of insulting half of the American population? Just a thought…….
  • Judyp64
    Fun guide to Christie-verse
    This podcast is a fun part of my reading routine. After reading a Christie book (I’m reading them in publication order) I go back and find the podcast episode that corresponds. It’s like going to book club discussion and helps me organize my memories of the book. Sound quality is great, keepers voice is pleasant. The tone is just right—fun and erudite without feeling dry.
  • Greybird17
    Agree with “problematic male host”
    Discovered this podcast when it showed up on YouTube and started listening to episodes in chronological order. Pros: good concept, a chance to revisit the stories and (for me) the beloved 80’s PBS adaptations (loved having the “Mystery “ theme used for the podcast intro). Also found Catherine Brobeck to be the superior host by far: intelligent, concise, engaging. When Kemper and Catherine are having a more or less equal exchange they made a good pair and the podcast sparkles. Cons: Sadly, sadly, no more Catherine. Also, while not opposed to the idea of ranking, found the minutia of assigning numeric values tiresome and time consuming. Became annoyed at Kemper’s tendency to run on and on and on…. Not that what he said was necessarily bad, just felt that he loved the sound of his own voice. Conclusion: I will not be listening to this podcast once there I hit the episodes with a single host. And I will try not to be tune out whenKemper monopolizes the conversation. And I am very, very sorry that this is no longer a problem.
  • Joy pink
    Makes me feel good about life
    This is a perfect show! One of my life long topics, Kemper's beautiful voice, and always a topic that pulls me in and makes me so happy to be there! Thank you!!!
  • Sand_Waves
    They don’t really like her books.
    After listening to a couple of dozen episodes, it is obvious that while the hosts claim to be fans of Agatha Christie, they don’t actually think very highly of any of her books. The litany of story factors that they don’t like grows with almost each podcast, and they recite the entire list in each review. I found their complete ratings list and see that their ratings confirm this. Using the possible 50 points available, and applying the standard A=90%-100%, B=80%-89%, etc., the hosts gave not one of the books a “A”, only 2 received a “B”, and 7 were given a “C”. The hosts gave a whopping 86% of Dame Christie’s books a failing grade. 36% “D” and 50% “F”. I could share specifics about the podcasts that I found lacking, but I think the ratings say it best.
  • Mriban
    Problematic male host
    The male podcaster is a bit of a mansplainer throughout the series and talks over the other host. The content is amazing, I’m just having a hard time dealing with him not giving Catherine a moment to speak! The irony of them reviewing one of the most popular female authors and not letting Catherine speak is not lost on me
  • Lli2123
    Favorite podcast
    This is my favorite podcast. Thank you so much Kemper. I’ve just about finished listening to the older episodes so please keep it going!
  • NotNerve
    #1000
    my mom loves this podcast and is so glad there’s other people in the world who adore agatha christy more than she does
  • Mcher611
    Must listen for Agatha Christie fans!!!
    Love the idea of reading the novel and listening to the related podcast episode discussing the book and adaptations! Both Kemper and Catherine add to my enthusiasm about her works! Their ranking system really helps to actualize opinions about the novels. Thank you both!
  • Running Mommy :-)
    Always looking forward to the next episode!
    Thank you so much Kemper for continuing to keep us all delighted with new episodes of All About Agatha! I discovered your and Catherine’s podcast in 2018. Then quickly became a regular listener. I didn’t and don’t mind the quality of the older episodes. As I began diving into back episodes while reading the corresponding books and watching the adaptations. I realized you’re my favorite podcast! You’re all excellent companions on the reading journey through Agatha Christie’s canon. I still miss Catherine and absolutely love hearing her voice especially when you put her in an episode, brilliant! Thank you to all the lovely guest hosts who come on to educate, enlighten and entertain us! Always having a wonderful time while listening to The All About Agatha podcast!
  • Fast-and-Easy-to-Use
    Helping Kemper Reach 1,000 Reviews
    I discovered this podcast from a library event for The Busy Body. Very enjoyable. Including the marathon episode on The Mousetrap!
  • Julie McQ
    Love it
    Love this show and am so so delighted that Kemper has carried on, please do continue with it! In my happy place when listening, thank you Kemper, and ❤️ Catherine.
  • SLOandSure
    So fun!
    I’m excited every time I see a new episode in my feed. The host is great!
  • weatherindallas
    Fantastic podcast
    A must for any Christie fan- or fan of golden age mysteries! Highly recommend!
  • Tossie
    Thank you!
    A highly recommended podcast about our favorite author and more. Insightful, well researched and fun!
  • DJ Jimmy D.
    FantastiChristie!
    I’ve coined a word to describe this podcast. If you’re a fan of the author’s work, you are really gonna love this podcast. It covers all the bases (including lots you didn’t even know existed)!
  • Sissi Stinketh
    Excellent podcast
    I love the short episodes and I LOVE the long ones =)
  • Family-to-go
    Listening pleasure
    I discovered this podcast during my daily COVID walks early in the pandemic and it re-introduced me to Agatha Christie. I came for the simple pleasure of rediscovering her genius and stayed for the thoughtful analysis (even when I disagree with a ranking) of story, place and time. Kemper and his guests are well versed and enthusiastic about Agatha in particular and mysteries in general.
  • saxismyax
    Agathism
    I found this podcast about 3 years ago and have so enjoyed listening to such depth and breadth of Agatha Christie materials. I don’t always agree with opinions voiced here but I love how those moments encourage me to really question why I hold the opinions I do. It’s a wonderful intellectual exercise as well as a thoroughly lovely form of entertainment.
  • brigdi
    Perfect for Christie lovers
    It’s really nice to hear detailed but never dull discussions of the finer points of Christie’s novel, plays, movies, and tv shows. I save it for whenever I have a long drive ahead of me. Thank you!
  • E3478
    Great podcast
    This is a great podcast if you enjoy Agatha Christie and all of her works. It’s well-researched and has been a great way to hear from Christie scholars, too. Not many people in my life have this particular interest, so it has been nice to find this community.
  • 222 like
    All about Agatha
    Love this pod! It’s great fun, and I always am excited for the next podcast! This is worth checking out!!!!
  • Bobber4
    Always wonderful
    Such a great podcast for the last 7+ years, love the diversions with other mystery writers
  • Kylie Cosmetics
    Love This Show
    This has been one of my favorite podcasts for a few years. I love the recaps and discussions of all of Agatha Christie’s work. And I’ve learned about other books in the genre both old and new from this podcast!
  • SUsB
    Love this podcast
    Growing up, Agatha Christie was my very favorite author. I have read pretty much all her books. These podcasts are just the best. The victims, the suspects, the plots—love how they break these down. Such a wonderful podcast. I am so glad I found it.
  • 88888ddddd
    All About Agatha
    Love this show. So welcoming, engaging, informative, and entertaining! Thank you Kemper and rest in peace dear Katherine.
  • TW92MM
    Delightful Post-Christie Listen
    I enjoy listening to the corresponding podcast episode so much after finishing an Agatha Christie book. I started listening to All About Agatha recently so it’s exciting to have all the backlog to listen to.
  • 2020jill
    I thought I knew Agatha…
    But this podcast has proven me wrong! I have read several of her books, but knew very little about Dame Agatha. However, I am learning and enjoying it so much! (Plus, Kemper’s expansive vocabulary keeps me on my toes.)
  • Neely1
    Great Podcast!!!!
    If you love all things Agatha, you will love this podcast!!!!
  • Fashion Mujahid
    A delight for Christie fans and mystery fans in general.
    Examining all the works of Agatha Christie was a bold thing to attempt. To do so fairly but compassionately, with a light heart and a touch of scholarly rigor, is a task I would have thought impossible. I became a fan before Catherine passed away, and those older episodes are a comfort that also sparks new insights into Christie’s works, life, and the 20th century she helped shape.
  • Anita - R
    So chatty!
    Good pod. Hope you never stop talking!
  • 10Lynda
    All About Agatha
    Love this podcast! Perfect for mystery fans.
  • Holly 106
    All about Agatha, expanded
    I have loved Agatha Christie since childhood, but after listening to Catherine and Kemper’s reviews, I’ve come to appreciate her much more. As Kemper has expanded beyond the novels and short stories, I am a big fan of the scholarship, insight and warmth. He brings to the podcast.
  • Bytheplanets
    Absolutely amazing
    I adore this podcast. I’ve read (and re-read, and re-read!) almost all of Agatha’s books and stories (I’ve saved a few like Curtain). And now I am listening to every single one of the podcasts. I don’t always agree with Catherine and Kemper’s rankings but that keeps it interesting. 100 percent recommend!
  • trillionshelper
    Highly Entertaining
    Excellent, entertaining and erudite podcast and Kemper is a master of wit, knowledge and insight and at entertaining his listeners . Thank you !
  • Shadow Henry
    All About Agatha
    I was drawn to the podcast the minute I found it. Like most other readers, I was hooked on Agatha Christie from childhood. The podcast is a love-fest but so much more. Kemper and Catherine taught me how to analyze literature, how to become a more thorough reader and more sophisticated consumer. The guest spots are wonderful. I miss Catherine’s wit and insight, but I applaud Kemper for keeping the show going at such high quality. This podcast is a joy.
  • TiniBambini7
    Love, LOVE, love this podcast
    As a lifelong Agatha Christie enthusiast, I was thrilled when Kemper and Catherine started this podcast and have been listening from the beginning. I was saddened to hear of Catherine’s passing, but Kemper has been doing a fantastic job keeping this show going. This podcast is a treat and must-listen for any Agatha Christie fan!
  • Mialibra
    Such a wonderful tribute podcast
    I’ve been listening for years now and look forward to each new episode which provides wonderful details, fun discussions and has also introduced me to new authors and little known Christie’s which I have come to enjoy. I look forward to enjoying this podcast for years to come and you will too.
  • Miss Ter Eee
    Love the podcast
    Kemper has great guests is knowledgeable and engaging. Feel like I am listening to a friend!
  • aluethke
    Really good discussion
    I feel like Kemper Donovan gives Agatha Christie all the respect and credit she deserves, but he is also able to have objectivity about some of the flaws in her writing. This podcast also brings so much more to the table with other authors and explains social and historical perspectives when relating to Agatha Christie’s writing. He is entertaining and this is a great listen if you love mystery novels.
  • LSU puzzle fan
    Great fun!
    I really enjoy re-reading an Agatha book and then listening to their review of it. Thanks for your efforts!!!
  • Vio1988
    So much enjoyment…like chatting with great friends
    I’ve been a fan of Dame Christie for decades and stumbled across this podcast a few years ago. I felt like I instantly found friends to discuss her stories with. So greatly appreciate all the years of excellent podcasts with such insightful, fun hosts. Great for fans of fiction, mysteries, and just great fun!
  • DocSampson
    The go-to source for all things Agatha Christie
    The go-to source for all things Agatha Christie
  • AndréaG1
    The best Christie podcast around
    The absolute best Agatha Christie (or any mystery) podcast. There are full reviews of all the mysteries and short stories, as well as interviews with experts, fellow mystery authors, etc.
  • Jbyrne45
    The Best Mystery Podcast Around
    I know All About Agatha is an Agatha Christie-themed podcast and the world of mystery literature goes beyond Christie. Still, having sampled other mystery-themed podcasts on the internet, All About Agatha, in my humble opinion, is the best around. Kemper Donovan and his late podcasting partner Catherine Brobeck came up with such a unique concept: reading all of Agatha Christie’s novels and ranking them. But it was their execution of the concept that set the podcast apart from so many others. The quality and depth of their analyses of Christie’s works underscores not only their intelligence but their painstaking preparation. It’s incredible that you can get content like this for free. Although Catherine’s tragic passing was something that deeply saddened this listener and so many others, it’s so nice to see Kemper honoring her memory by continuing their passion project. I hope All About Agatha will continue to produce its unrivaled mystery content and that new listeners will continue to discover and enjoy Kemper and Catherine’s prior work. —John Byrne
  • Steven V
    Fabulous Agatha Christie podcast
    If you love Agatha Christie you’ll love this show. It is fun, entertaining, informative, and always interesting. I listen to every episode and enjoy every minute and I know you will too. So give a listen and learn to love your favorite Agatha Christie books and characters in a whole new way 😃👍
  • Quel the belle
    All things wonderful
    about Agatha Christie, but so much more. Interviews with authors, ranking of all the Christie works, I love it!
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.