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Agatha Christie Book Collection launches in UK and Eire

06 Jan 12 12:05PM

If you've been wanting to collect Agatha Christie's novels in hardback and you live in the UK or Ireland then you are in luck. Our friends at Hachette have just launched The Agatha Christie Book Collection: a set of beautiful hardbacks based on the original first editions, each with an accompanying magazine which you collect every month.

Each book's dust jacket is a faithful replica of the original first edition cover artwork, and also features contemporary advertisements for other Collins Crime Club titles. The hardbacks themselves are red with black titles. For each of Christie's novels and short story collections the fact-filled magazine is full of really interesting information for the reader - details about Agatha Christie's life and times, the scene of the crime, the suspects, her inspirations and much more.

Issue One of the Agatha Christie Book Collection is one of the author's most celebrated and intriguing whodunnits, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, featuring the incomparable Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Issue 1 is on sale at the introductory offer of only £1.99. You can find more information (and how to subscribe) at www.agathabooks.co.uk. Or just go down to your local newsagent and they should be able to order it for you.

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99 comments

dcurzon 08 May 12 at 11:51a.m.

Specifically in relation to the typos. I actually quite like to see the odd typo here and there... However, as others note, Death on The Nile was almost unbearable, in my opinion.In fact I was so distracted with my own 'tutting', I couldn't wait to finish it and get it over with. At times there were numerous mistakes within one sentence.I really think Hachette should be considering how they plan to rectify this by means of a re-print, or something else.Additionally in my case, I'm trying to get my nieces and nephews interested in the writing.(As my parents did with me at a young age).However, as it stands they may need to skip DoTN... Other than that particular title, however, loving the books. Religiously re-reading (for the forth time) as they land on my door step.Hurry up number 8 and 9!

arge101 26 Apr 12 at 1:37p.m.

After a small hiccup when I was first subscribed (which has since been rectified), I am completely happy with this collection. The books are great quality, I have had no issues with the free gift (apart from the mugs which were smashed in the post but replaced instantly by Hachette). The only thing I haven't bothered with are the magazines but it definitely doesn't ruin my opinion of what is fast becoming a fine collection. Ok, so the company aren't entirely efficient at answering my e-mails but they have all been answered in the end (and it's not like my queries were life threatening!) And for only 5.99 a book I do not regret my decision to subscribe at all!

sweelie 25 Apr 12 at 6:48p.m.

Hello everyone ... I recently replaced the facsimile cover of "Ten Little Niggers" on my 1950's edition and so have the old one going spare. I've checked and it fits the magazine edition. Would anyone like it? No cost ... I'd just need an address to send it to? Private message an address and I'll post it off. There's also an American cover for "Floating Admiral" which I've never used.

Gtatler 25 Apr 12 at 2:29p.m.

Political correctness gone mad.

sweelie 25 Apr 12 at 11:03a.m.

Just picked up my copy of "And Then There Were None" ... first copy of this magazine that I've bought and hugely disappointed. First off the cover printing isn't fantastic ... I've ordered privately off the guy that provided the original scan and he would be horrified at how bad it is! The main gripe thought is that there is no mention ANYWHERE of "Ten Little Niggers" ... How can you produce a magazine about "And Then There Were None" without mentioning the original title? It's only worth buying to complete the facsimile collection that Harper Collins have just finished.

Gtatler 20 Apr 12 at 4:30p.m.

I see that 8 and 9 are available at newsagents. What a stupid way of doing business to make subscribers wait for at least another fortnight before receiving their copies.

johnwaynefreak 18 Apr 12 at 2:09p.m.

Just a quick reminder to everyone that the hardback edition (with facsimile dustjacket) of "And Then There Were None" (Issue 9) is out tomorrow - as a purist, I would have preferred "Ten Little Niggers", even if it was sold from under the counter and in a brown paper bag but you can't have everything! I recommend W H Smiths as a supplier, but act fast as our branch has been selling out, generally in the first week.

vespervent 17 Apr 12 at 6:30p.m.

I didn't really see the need for coasters or mugs, so I ordered from my local newsagents. So far, the worst thing has been the typo's - which seem to have disappeared. Just got issue 8 - and am also happy to see that they are including the next issues at the bottom on the back rather than just the same three. Much happier with the set now - and with luck they should re-release the shoddy typo ones at the end for a discount. Not getting my hopes up though. :)

Gtatler 11 Apr 12 at 3:34p.m.

It's worth persevering as they seem to be getting their act together. I have now received 6 and 7 exactly 1 month after 4 and 5, so hopefully future issues will be received on time. I agree it's difficult to contact the publishers, but I imagine that they grossly under estimated demand, and had insufficient staf available. At least that's my charitable idea.

Jomeller 11 Apr 12 at 10:53a.m.

Is anyone else experiencing problems trying to contact Hachette Partworks? Their Customer Service it terrible and I have finally managed to speak to Pamela who has now confirmed (after 8 attempts) the account is closed.  I am sorry to say that I would never recommend any other Christie fan attempt to collect this collection as they are completely incompetent and rude!.
Such as shame as it was a lovely idea

killerqueen 11 Apr 12 at 9:32a.m.

Hi all just joined here. I have also just received issues 4 and 5 with the coasters which I thought were terrible and went straight in the bin as I can't see myself ever using them. I have all the books in paperback but many are falling apart so thought I would subscribe to this set. Love the jackets and looking forward to having all my much loved AC books in one set

suepons 11 Apr 12 at 8:09a.m.

Just received this morning books 4 and 5 together with coasters which were a very pleasant surprise. As previously advised in my case mugs were of such poor quality they went straight into the bin - however coasters are absolutely fine and am very pleased with them. In due course hope to contribute to 'errors treasure hunt'!

Gtatler 10 Apr 12 at 7:12p.m.

Can't understand comments on bad free gifts. I am glad to report that my mugs and coasters are perfect. The transfers on the mugs are correctly positioned. Of course they are not really for everyday use, but if they are used then the transfers may deteriorate. The coasters are really well made, strong, with the pictures nicely centred with a decent border each side. Of course they are intended to represent the book jackets, so of course could not possibly be square in shape.

SpearmintHippo 09 Apr 12 at 6:59p.m.

Got issue 4&5 on Saturday along with the free coasters.  Again the quality of the free gift is pretty shoddy.  The stickers aren't even cut to size and one is completely ruined by what looks like a watermark on one.  It definitely would make me think twice about subscribing to another partwork.  The coasters are in the cupboard along with the mugs and both are unlikely to see the light of day.  I can't comment on the books  as I haven't began reading them.

Gtatler 09 Apr 12 at 11:46a.m.

JaneMarpleKruger. Yes, there are MANY errors as noted in other posts below, but the chance of getting a relacement book are about ten trillion trillion to one I'm afraid. It is noted below that the proof readingleft a lot to be desired in the first few books, but that a team of proof readers will check future issues. Hope that is the case. As you say, the errors, both spelling and grammatical, really do spoil the books ---- or do they? Maybe it would be interesting to have a treaure hunt, finding and making a combined list of all errors found so far. Anyone interested in contributing to this? come on friends. How about it ?

JaneMarpleKruger 09 Apr 12 at 7:15a.m.

Dear, dear! I am most distressed, as you see I have just received Death on the Nile (which I think is issue 4) and it is full of the most appalling typos! Most upsetting as it detracts from what is a most enjoyable novel. Surely quality control or whatever they're called should have eliminated these. After all these books have been printed and reprinted for literally generations. Would it be too much to politely request that one is sent another copy without errors? At the very least please check future prints.

Maisy 02 Apr 12 at 6:30p.m.

maggiemoo - you're not alone, I have only received 1,2 & 3 as well.

billdawg 02 Apr 12 at 1:33p.m.

recently recieved ISSUE 7: A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED. A Brilliant Read, cant wait for the next Book and magezine. The Books are so appealing with thier original Covers and the Magezines provide us with fascinating info on Chrstie's life and the Analysis of the Crime Scene along with drawing of the Suspects definetely puts you in a detective's shoes

maggiemoo 01 Apr 12 at 2:40p.m.

i still have only issues 1,2,3 im waiting for the next lot to come..i hope they come soon 

SpearmintHippo 31 Mar 12 at 6:25p.m.

Still only got issues 1, 2 and 3. Wish they'd hurry up and send some more!

mickynez 28 Mar 12 at 10:31a.m.

by the way issue 9 is, and then there were none, this comes with the usa first edition cover rather than the origianal uk one. issue 8 is, the mystrious affair at styles, issue 10 is, sleeping murder and issue 11 is, endless night.

mickynez 28 Mar 12 at 9:24a.m.

yes thats how it ends, just thought it was strange that there were so many pages blank, lol,,, iv just got a murder is announced, im really happy with the books so far, im glad i didnt subscribe to them through the mail. but i think after this issue you have to get the newsagent to order them every two weeks, fingers crossed they dont get delayed and they come out every on time. its a great little collection and well worth the price.

vespervent 26 Mar 12 at 9:02p.m.

I am currently reading 'Crooked House'... nearly finished, and am glad to say that both it and 'The ABC Murders' were much better in terms of grammar. Shame about the first four, but standard has greatly improved. :)

Gtatler 21 Mar 12 at 12:10p.m.

Agree all comments by SpearmintHippo. I was told 4+5 were posted 4th March, when in fact they were posted 8th March and received 9th March, payment due 22nd March. The invoice was dated 4th, and strangely it said that it could take 14-28 days to be delivered! I could have walked up to Jarrow (where they came from) in that time and collected them myself. I look forward with bated breath to receiving the next 2 issues, but already my face is tuning blue. It will probably be mid to late April on past form.

SpearmintHippo 20 Mar 12 at 8:48p.m.

Even though I have the complete collection in paperback I decided to add these to my collection.  I would normally have got these part works from a local newsagent but when I was collecting the Poirot DVD's for some reason they weren't able to get me some issues, I'm missing 33 - 39.  That, and the free gifts made me decide to get this collection delivered direct to my door.  I've only just got issue 2 & 3, the free binder and mugs last week.  I'm not impressed with the delivery times especially as I subscribed as soon as the details were released.  I was distinctly unimpressed with the mugs, they are really cheap looking and I'm definitely not impressed with the proof reading mistakes in the 3 books that I have got so far - I am itching to read with a red pen in my hand!
Hachette need to improve the quality of this product and the speed of their deliveries or I for one will be cancelling my order.

johnwaynefreak 14 Mar 12 at 5:40p.m.

Books are bound in sections of 32 (sometimes only 16) pages - usually the last few pages are used for advertisements. Some of the Christie paperbacks carry say 5 or 6 one-page-advertisements at the back, others only have blank pages enough for 1 or 2, and some titles have the story end on the very last page. Presumably it isn't worth the partwork having advertisements as the 'coming soon' is featured on the back of the magazine, hence the blank pages at the end. Some setters would have spaced the text out so that the full pages would be used, for example, a chapter would end 1/2 to 3/4 of the way down a page, rather than wasting a page with just the final line or two at the top of a page.

Gtatler 14 Mar 12 at 2:29p.m.

Mickynez: The book should end with the words :- My father nodded his head gently. "Yes", he said. "I've thought so for some time. Poor child..."
Hope your copy is complete.

mickynez 14 Mar 12 at 11:16a.m.

regarding the messgae i just posted, my mistake, i found a copie on line and it ends the same. i just thought that there might be some missing text as there is 6 double blank pages at the end of the book, but it seems the text is all there and they are just blank pages. maybe justto fill the book up as it isnt a thick one. cheers mick

mickynez 14 Mar 12 at 11:04a.m.

just bought the crooked house today, iv not read the book so im not sure but it looks like my copie has about ten pages missing from the end. the writting just cuts off all of a sudden and then there is ten blank pages? anyone know whats happened.

meiko 09 Mar 12 at 5:53a.m.

Coming from Germany, I find it slightly disappointing that I can't order this collection. Only for UK & ROI
Anyway, I already collected the german Agatha Christie Collection edition from Hachette. Quite a good collection, only the book covers are looking somehow cheap. Here, the new british Agatha Christie Book Collection is looking much better.
What's the status of the collection? Are the new issues finally arriving or are you still waiting for it?

Gtatler 08 Mar 12 at 12:00p.m.

Anyone tried to contact the publishers recently? Emails not answered at all. Telephone calls receive information which is a brush off, always assuming anyone answers. I finally got to speak to a representative who told me that issues 4 & 5 had been posted to me weekend ending 4th March 2012, after an unavoidable delay (I received issues 2 & 3 at the end of January). Now 4 days since then and still nothing received. What service are they using? Pigeon post? Even the Post Office don't take 4 to 6 days to deliver. I am most disappointed, and am actively reviewing carrying on with the subscription. After all I have got all 66 novels in paper back.

suepons 06 Mar 12 at 1:38p.m.

Going to your local newsagent for the books sounds like an excellent idea - my books are very slow in arriving only just received 2 and 3 - also mugs are of such poor quality - very rough and transfer pictures wrongly positioned and starting to peel - that they went straight in the bin - so newsagent looks like a very good option..............

jennifer1 06 Mar 12 at 12:32p.m.

If anyone is having trouble getting their books from Hatchette, and it looks as if many of you have had a few problems, may I suggest you do what I did and order from your local newsagent. I noticed there were many complaints about their reliability on other publications they have published, so I emailed them to make sure there wouldn't be any problems. They never replied so I order from my local paper shop. So you don't get the free binder and a couple of mugs but is it worth the hassle?
Jennifer

BrigidM 04 Mar 12 at 3:08p.m.

I agree - proof-reading is terrible in Death On The Nile. It spoiled the book for me! Yet the book itself was very good.

Gtatler 03 Mar 12 at 3:49p.m.

Hmmmmm. So the text of current issue of books is newly set up by the printers? I can hardly believe it. Surely more economical to purchase existing computer generated text files? After all every one of AC'c books has been published innumerable times. Files must be available.
Anyway, I have to report that as a D/D subscriber I have only so far received issues 2 & 3, at the end of January. Now the 3rd of March and no sign of my next 2 issues. It's all a bit frustrating. Perhaps the team of proof readers is still at work? How much longer must I wait?
I must say that I have subscribed to other part works and book collections in the past nd have NEVER had occasion to complain, until now.

Moderator2 02 Mar 12 at 3:34p.m.

Hello all and suepons -
Just to clarify the position the position on proofreading! The first four books were proofread by one person - and of course mistakes can slip through (anyone read a best seller recently?) but the rest of the collection is being proofread by a team of people so we're very confident that you will all be delighted going forward.
best wishes
Agatha Christie Ltd

suepons 02 Mar 12 at 1:49p.m.

I have complained to Chorion about the many errors in the books received so far and they replied within hours advising that the first 4 volumes were used as a pilot test and for some reason not proof read - but have sent reassurance that the rest should all be perfect - good news!

ClaudeLuttrell 01 Mar 12 at 9:07p.m.

Well I've just finished Death on the Nile, although I think this edition should be re-titled "The Murder of Death on the Nile" due to the horrendous amount of errors which persists all the way through. I think the proof-readers must have been on strike while they were preparing this one. Also disappointing is the magazine section on the suspects - three of the characters have motives attributed to them that don't actually feature in the book at all, but are instead taken from the Peter Ustinov film version.

Dellipop 01 Mar 12 at 7:24p.m.

maggiemoo-I received my mugs a week after my confirmation letter & my books the next week, but I am in Ireland so if you are in the UK you will probably get yours sooner.

maggiemoo 01 Mar 12 at 5:18p.m.

well they figured out why i had not heard nothing for a long time.so they phoned me set it up again on the phone then 2 weeks later got my conformation letter so now im waiting for my delivery.does anyone know how long it will take to be delivered after u receve ur conformation letter?

ClaudeLuttrell 28 Feb 12 at 9:51p.m.

If there were a lot of errors or misprints in the first three books, I really didn't notice them. But I'm currently about six chapters into Death on the Nile, and already the number of errors is appalling, it's really spoiling my enjoyment of the book. What a shame, this promised to be such a stylish collection of Agatha Christie books. Let's hope the previous high standard is resumed in The ABC Murders.

vespervent 27 Feb 12 at 9:21p.m.

Gtatler - Yeah, I've noticed that as well. It gets ten times worse in 'Death On The Nile'. While the conditions of the covers are brilliant, sometimes the actual writing is lacking. More proof reading is definately needed.

Gtatler 27 Feb 12 at 3:20p.m.

Don't know about anyone else but I have found several mis-prints and duplicated words and phrases in the first 3 issues.
Wonder where the original text came from?
Some proof reader didn't do a very good job.

beckyboo2010 27 Feb 12 at 2:04p.m.

my favourite so far was 'The murder of Roger Ackroyd' and i cant wait to read 'death on the nile' im going to see that with my mum at the theatre!!

arge101 24 Feb 12 at 2:33p.m.

I've subscribed and have received issues 2 and 3 as well as my first free gifts.
This collection is amazing and well worth the money each month to re-read some of the greatest stories every written.
The books themselves are well produced and easily worth more than the subscription price alone.
There was a small delay in waiting for my first orders to come through but they were well worth the wait and I am anxiously awaiting my next delivery!

Gtatler 23 Feb 12 at 2:44p.m.

JB_Marple. There will be about 85 books in the series (66 of them full length novels, the rest short stories and collections) so I think you will certainly need more than 1 binder. I believe the cost will be debited automatically, but you could try returning for credit if you really can do without.

theatrequeen. I also subscribed straight away and received issues 2 & 3 at the end of January, together with mugs and binder, being debited on the 9th February the grand sum of £3.99. Expecting next 2 issues any day now.

theatrequeen 23 Feb 12 at 10:06a.m.

I subscribed straight away (I thought), but have only been sent the first issue so far... Does anyone know when the issues are printed, so I know when I should be expecting my next installment?

JB_Marple 21 Feb 12 at 1:28p.m.

I have been told that every so often subscribers will be sent binders at the cost of £5.99 each. I think one free binder is enough and do not want to be charged for anymore. Does anyone know if this is automatically debited from your account as a subscriber?

sweelie 21 Feb 12 at 10:34a.m.

I've been sent a list of the first ten Magazine Releases. 1 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, 2 Murder on the Orient Express, 3 Murder at the Vicarage, 4 Death on the Nile, 5 The ABC Murders, 6 Crooked House, 7 A Murder is Announced, 8 The Mysterious Affair at Styles, 9 And Then There Were None, 10 Sleeping Murder

Moderator2 20 Feb 12 at 3:37p.m.

@Valypan, @Mattinoz The Agatha Christie Book Collection is coming to Australia and other English speaking territories soon (not the USA, sorry). More news to follow!
@Gtatler and others - yes it would have been nice if the collection were published in publication order BUT in order to attract the largest possible audience it had to be published with a really famous title first .... There's nothing to stop you rearranging your collection in first publication order - that's what I'm going to do!

Gtatler 19 Feb 12 at 6:51p.m.

Haven't seen the list anywhere. You're lucky. Being a direct debit subscriber I appear to be 1 issue behind. I didn't know ABC had been published yet. That's the trouble with having 2 issues delivered together.

vespervent 19 Feb 12 at 1:18p.m.

Would anyone know the order in which the magazine is publishing the novels. After 'The ABC Murders', I haven't got a clue!!! 

Gtatler 15 Feb 12 at 12:47p.m.

Suepons. Yes you are right. There does not seem to be any logical order of books in the collection, which is rather a shame.

For those interested in the chronological order of AC's books
see this link to a page on this site.

Http://agathachristie.com/attachments/assets/Reading_order_with_dates.pdf

suepons 14 Feb 12 at 9:51a.m.

If I'm right the books aren't being issued in the order in which they were written - if this is indeed the case it seems a great pity as would certainly have added to the interest of receiving all the books in the collection in the right order.....................

mattinoz 14 Feb 12 at 3:54a.m.

I was also wondering, does anybody know how people outside the UK is able to get this collection, or is there plans to sell it abroad, I'm from Australia, and would very much like to get this collection, as I believe that evryone should have an oppertunity to obtain and read the works of one of THE greatest crime writters to have walked the earth.

valypan 11 Feb 12 at 12:02p.m.

WHy oh why is it not available to people outside the UK? This collection seems amazing!

HachettePartworks 07 Feb 12 at 1:16p.m.

Dear Agatha Christie fans
Due to circumstances beyond our control there has been a delay to some customers receiving their Welcome Letters. We are very sorry for this inconvenience and if you have any queries or concerns, please email us directly at agatha.christie@hachettepartworks.co.uk and we will ensure that your email is answered within 48 hours.
Yours Sincerely
Hachette Partworks

Dellipop 07 Feb 12 at 12:38p.m.

Received my mugs yesterday so hopefully I'll have my next issues waiting for me when I get home this evening as I have just finished the first and can't wait to get stuck into the next. I'm really happy with the two mugs, I wasn't expecting the quality to be as good as it is so it was nice surprise.

maggiemoo 06 Feb 12 at 10:07p.m.

ive not receved a conformation letter yet eather,i sent off the subscription the same day book 1 came out and still heard nothing..

SilverSkull 06 Feb 12 at 4:08p.m.

I haven't received anything yet either. I subscribed on the 20th and received a letter a few days later, but I haven't heard anything else since then. It's only been about 2 weeks though, so maybe I should just give it more time?

maggiemoo 06 Feb 12 at 12:48p.m.

i still not heard nothing or receved my books.ive emailed aswell still nothing.im getting alittle annoyed at the moment...what do i do :(

BillMacGill 05 Feb 12 at 6:30p.m.

I've tried it without spaces, with spaces and with dashes, all with no luck. I've tried two different credit cards and I even tried direct debit (which the form did accept but the following page just showed a series of server script errors).
UPDATE
I've now tried using a different browser and subscribed with no problems. Subscription confirmation email received within the minute.

Gtatler 05 Feb 12 at 6:14p.m.

@billMacGill. Try phoning 0871 472 4240. By the way, credit card entry should NOT have any spaces.

BillMacGill 05 Feb 12 at 6:12p.m.

I would dearly love to subscribe to this collection but when I try to subscribe on the website, using a credit card, it keeps telling me the credit card number is in the wrong format. Has anyone else had the same problem?
I have tried contacting Hachette via the website but no reply?
Can you subscribe by phone?

Gtatler 05 Feb 12 at 5:50p.m.

Glad to say 2+3+binder + mugs all received this week. Also had email from publishers that there will probably be 85 books in the collection. I wondered why this info was not more readily available. Maybe publishers thought it might put off subscribers when the total cost could be about £500 !

maggiemoo 03 Feb 12 at 10:40a.m.

moderator2 ive sent an email to the address in your comment as ive still not heard nothing and no books eather.could u please find out what has happened.thank you 

Moderator2 02 Feb 12 at 11:45a.m.

@aussiejohn, Hachette hope to release the collection in Australia (and other English langauge speaking markets - but not the US) - as soon as we have confirmation we'll let you know.
@Mr_Lansquenet, I'm afraid the availability of the collection in European countries is all to do with rights and permissions. I'm sorry!
@maggiemoo, please let email literaryestates@chorion.co.uk if you haven't heard from Hachette shortly and we'll enquire on your behalf.
@everyone else, Happy reading!!!

cabbieswife 02 Feb 12 at 10:01a.m.

I have just had my 1st delivery, books 2 and 3, a folder, no mugs

vespervent 01 Feb 12 at 5:14p.m.

I got issue 3 today. I'm having to order it in from my newagents, so unfortunately for me no free gifts. Suprisingly, the quality hasn't let up from previous issues. The majority of these magazines first couple of issues are amazing, but by issue 3 are printed wonky, loads of grammatical mistakes etc. However, it is in awesome condition with an awesome cover. Cannot wait to dig into a bit of Miss Marple! 
As I know:
Issue 4 - Death On The Nile
Issue 5 - The ABC Murders

Maisy 30 Jan 12 at 4:34p.m.

Issue 1 has arrived today!

maggiemoo 30 Jan 12 at 2:28p.m.

im so glad someone has there books thru shame about your cup im sure they will replace it brothercrew.im still waiting for my conformation letter let alone my books.i hope i here something soon...

brothercrow 30 Jan 12 at 1:56p.m.

I received my confirmation letter last Thursday, and have just had a phone call from my wife to tell me issues 2 and 3, plus the binder and the mugs have arrived today....
...unfortunately one of the mugs is broken, so I've emailed to see if i can get a replacement.

sweelie 30 Jan 12 at 5:41a.m.

maggiemoo ... I read further down the post that they are releasing "And Then There Were None" in the original american cover.  I think that there might be a MAD scramble to buy that one when it comes out as it's the only book needed to complete the Harper Collins Facsimile set and they aren't publishing it!!

maggiemoo 29 Jan 12 at 7:39p.m.

i sent off for a subscription for these the same day the 1st one came out and have not receved any conformation nothing.so book 2 has come out and still no conformation what has happened!!!

pixie0809 29 Jan 12 at 5:35p.m.

received my first book and nearly finished it. I was wondering what version of 10 Little N. boys or the US version And then there were none??? I have a copy of the original (non PC) version so will be holding on to this as it may be worth about a £5!!!!  Had a red leather bound collection from some years ago but didn't finish it so so pleased this set has come out

aussiejohn 29 Jan 12 at 3:58a.m.

How can we order this from Australia?  There is no other option bar UK and Ireland???
Will be cheaper for us to order direct to the UK.  If we wait for some distributor to pick it up here, it will cost double or more.
Moderators - please advise ASAP.
Thank you.
John in Oz

Mr_Lansquenet 28 Jan 12 at 10:31p.m.

I have to say, I am really disappointed. I mean, is there any UK/Irish citizen who doesn't own AC books yet? It's incredible that in 2012 people in Europe are not able to easily buy British products online. It would be extremely useful for foreigners to buy these books (no offense for UK and Ireland fans, but after completing my Italian collection, I was looking forward to start an English one, and this seemed just perfect!)
I'll write an email about this to the Website. Hope you'll do the same.
Ciao! 

GMP2000 28 Jan 12 at 6:59p.m.

I subscribed about two weeks ago and have received a confirmation letter from Hachette, I would imagine they have a big backlog during these early days. Books number 2 & 3 are now with me and looking forward to the next two already, looks like its going to be a good set.

OliviaXuan 27 Jan 12 at 5:34a.m.

Sadly ,I live in Malysia ....

Maisy 25 Jan 12 at 7:24p.m.

Yes, I have also subscribed from issue one and have still to receive my first book.

Moderator2 25 Jan 12 at 3:43p.m.

@Gtatler and @arge101 we've asked Hachette to comment here directly on when you'll get your books so look out for that shortly. Glad everyone's enjoying the collection.

SilverSkull 24 Jan 12 at 10:40p.m.

Hey everyone, this is my first post on this website!
I've been waiting for an Agatha Christie book collection for years, it's one of those things that just seems so perfectly suited for it.
I only learnt about the collection a couple days ago (and subscribed as soon as I heard about it lol) so now I'm waiting for my first book to arrive. Can't wait to get back into reading them (I've only read 9 so far)

arge101 24 Jan 12 at 8:03p.m.

@Gtatler I'm in the same position. I subscribed starting from issue 2 but have yet to receive it. From what I understand, we are supposed to receive issues 2 and 3 together but I have yet to receive a confirmation letter either (which I did receive for my other Hachette subscriptions). All emails seem to have fallen on deaf ears!

Gtatler 24 Jan 12 at 4:45p.m.

I see from other comments that issue 2 is already on sale. I have placed a subscription and have not so far received it. Maybe I will get 2 and 3 when 3 is issued ? Sorry to say that so far the part-work publishers have not replied to my email enquiries.

cgee2112 24 Jan 12 at 3:24p.m.

This is so not fair. I can't get this because I live in the USA. DOSE anyone know if we in the usa are going to be able to get this too??? I hope so. I know alot of people here that would LOVE to be able to get this.

DrShepphard 21 Jan 12 at 6:51a.m.

My favourite part of the magazine itself is the line up of illustrated suspects. Its a long one in issue 2. I want the binder but you have to subscribe and I dont want to only have one delivery per month when it comes out each fortnight.
Issue 3 - Murder at the Vicarage
Issue 4 - Death on the Nile
Cant wait!

crimelover1o 21 Jan 12 at 5:24a.m.

I love the new Agatha Christie Book collection, I have finished the first book and hope to get the second today.

DrShepphard 20 Jan 12 at 9:04p.m.

Im new on here but have come on since I started getting this magazine. Read the first, note my username, I would have never suspected that ending!!!
Im about a quarter of the way through Orient express now. The hardbacks are great arent they, nifty because they feel slightly smaller than I think you would expect from a hardback. The dust jackets feel like paper though.

johnwaynefreak 20 Jan 12 at 10:43a.m.

I have received a reply to an email I sent the partwork people - there will be 80 crime books (not 78 as I mentioned, I omitted "Pollensa Bay" and "Light Lasts"). "Ten Little Niggers" will be included but under its American title of "And Then There Were None". The remaining five volumes are tentatively scheduled as "The Mousetrap", "Appointment With Death and other plays", "Witness For The Prosecution and other plays", and the autobiography split into two volumes (not sure how this split affects the original dust jacket design!). So no Westmacotts, sadly. As with all partworks, the list is presumably subject to change.

vespervent 18 Jan 12 at 4:43p.m.

Issue 2 is just as good as Issue 1. The quality is perfect, and the novel just as interesting!!! It came out today, and as soon as I saw it, I bought it! Awesome issue. Can't wait for issue 3, The Murder At The Vicarage!

Sweezer 13 Jan 12 at 3:43a.m.

This is nice... but like agatha2day said, too bad it's not offered in the US. I have a similar collection from Bantam books from the 1980s or so, but there was no magazine with it, just the novels. I wish there was a way to get the magazines here anyway. I read only the first few novels in my collection as they came in, but then life got busy and I just put them away as the arrived over the next decade or so, and now I am taking them off the top shelf and am going to read them! I started an AC book read-along on a knitting site I frequent and that got me started. I have to go through my collection and see if I have them all... I believe there are 85 books and Agatha's autobiography, but I'll have to go through them with the list I got from this site to be sure. I'm looking forward to joining in the discussions on this site!!

agatha2day 12 Jan 12 at 12:16p.m.

Too bad we can't get these in the US; wonder if they will be offering these a la cart or through Ebay - so one can order this way?    These look like quality editions.

johnwaynefreak 10 Jan 12 at 2:05p.m.

vespervent, the partwork is down for 85 issues, which suggests to me the 78 volume crime canon (including "Ten Little Niggers" in one form or another), the 6 Westmacott romances and her autobiography. They would be silly not to include "Ten Little Niggers" in it's original dustjacket, especially as its absence in the Harper Collins facsimile series was so conspicuous. "Tintin In The Congo" is on bookshelves, so sometimes discretion and common sense do prevail over Political Correctness...

GordonTatler 09 Jan 12 at 6:43p.m.

Arge101 - I am sure this series of books was also on sale some years ago, probably 6 to 10 years.
Book great quality, magazine ditto. Although I have a full set of paperbacks, I have ordered through the web site and will be paying by direct debit (extra free gift).

arge101 09 Jan 12 at 11:38a.m.

I love Agatha Christie novels and have been waiting for a collection like this for years!
The only problem is I have just subscribed to Hachette's Marvel Comic Book collection! It came at completely the wrong time. Now I have to decide which to keep.

vespervent 08 Jan 12 at 3:29p.m.

Well.... I have very much wanted to start an Agatha Christie library, and have picked up one or two of hers in the past. Now, I have an easy way to do it!
I also wonder about 'And Then There Were None', however, that being possibly my favourite Christie novel I just can't wait to recieve it. I also wonder whether they will include the Mary Westmacott novels.
The first issue is a thrilling read. And it has set me up for the rest of the collection, bring on 'Murder On The Orient Express'!

hounslg 08 Jan 12 at 11:53a.m.

Just bought the first copy and very suprised at how good the quality is. Much better than the paperbacks I've got.
looking forward to the next edition.

phlipper 07 Jan 12 at 11:33a.m.

I wonder though, if they will keep the original title of "And then there were none" ("Ten little niggers" is what I bought it as, in Australia back in the 70s) seeing as the dust jacket is supposed to be a faithful replica of the original first edition.

johnwaynefreak 06 Jan 12 at 3:32p.m.

The books themselves are terrific quality and at only 5.99, regular price, this series is even cheaper than buying the paperbacks. The accompanying magazine (especially the Christie biography section) is most definitely a cut above the usual partwork standard. Any Christie fan looking to start a collection should look no further!