Agatha Christie's 'insightful' letters being sold

A unique collection of personal items connected to Agatha Christie, the renowned English crime writer, is expected to fetch over £1,000 at an upcoming auction. These artifacts belonged to Phyllis Rice, who served as the housekeeper at Christie’s holiday residence, Greenway House, located in Devon. The auction will take place at Wessex Auction Rooms in Chippenham, Wiltshire, this Friday.

Included in the collection are six handwritten letters addressed to Rice, as well as notes containing detailed instructions on caring for Christie’s beloved dogs. Bridget Meadows, the auctioneer, emphasized the significance of the collection, stating, “These lots form a wonderful insight into Agatha Christie’s personal life at Greenway House.” She further expressed that it had been a privilege to research and catalogue the items, which had remained with the family until recently.

The assortment also features signed first editions of Christie’s works, including *Five Little Pigs* and *Star Over Bethlehem*. Christie, celebrated worldwide as the best-selling author with 66 detective novels such as *Murder on the Orient Express* and *Death on the Nile*, was born in Torquay, Devon, in 1890 and passed away in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, in 1976 at the age of 85. The letters themselves reveal a variety of details, from compliments on clothing alterations made by Rice to payment arrangements, as well as information about Rice’s trial period at Greenway House.

Additionally, the collection contains notes from the housekeeper listing contact details for Christie’s literary agent, doctor, builder, solicitor, and others. According to Meadows, the auction has garnered considerable interest from Christie enthusiasts worldwide, who she hopes will help drive the final price beyond the initial £1,000 estimate. The bidding is scheduled to start at 12:00 GMT on Friday

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