A History of Highland Locomotives.

Bookseller Notes

Inscribed with the author's compliments on the title-page in 1951 - the recipient being the same 'Miss Christie' addressed in the laid-in typed letter, the contents of which clarifying that this is Agatha Christie (and properly Mrs Mallowan - Christie the residue of her earlier marriage). The letter begins by remarking that 'I have read and enjoyed all of your books to date', before venturing 'a few observations on your train mystery - "Murder on the Orient Express" - as I have more than an average regard for railways'; Allchin points out that the train on which the murder took place would 'strictly speaking' have been the "Orient-Simplon Express", and a second sheet provides further information regarding the distinction between this and other trains of similar name covering a similar route. Before praising her new play ('The Hollow'), he takes 'the liberty of enclosing' the present work in illustration of his fanaticism.There is no cause to think the Queen of Crime took any of his remarks on board.