Agatha Christie's mysterious vanishing act remains unsolved
The disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926 shook the United Kingdom. Thousands of people embarked on a search for her, and the mystery of the writer's disappearance continues to intrigue to this day. The "Queen of Crime" passed away on 12 January 1976.
Agatha Christie, renowned globally as a master of crime novels, gained popularity through characters such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. The writer, whose books have sold billions of copies, left her home one December day in 1926 and vanished, swiftly becoming the top topic in the British media.
Information about the 36-year-old Agatha Christie's disappearance spread swiftly. Although she had not yet reached the pinnacle of her career, her works were already highly regarded. It's little wonder that the extensive search attracted the attention not only of the police but also of thousands of volunteers.
An incident that shocked England
It all began on 3 December 1926. Agatha Christie left her estate in Styles, Berkshire, bid farewell to her daughter Rosalind, and ventured into the unknown. Her car was later discovered by the roadside, further fuelling media speculation and interest. According to theories, personal and mental issues might have been the cause of her behaviour.
Shortly before, Christie had completed the novel "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd," which received excellent reviews. The author's disappearance caused a sensation and captured the imagination of both journalists and the public.
Intensive searches and the discovery of Mrs. "Neele"
Over 15,000 people participated in the search, scouring forests and lakes. Even aeroplanes were employed in the effort. After 11 days of disappearance, a breakthrough occurred: Agatha Christie was found at the Swan Hydropathic Hotel in Harrogate, about 300 miles from her home.
The writer had checked in under the name Theresa Neele, which was likely a deliberate decision, as Neele was the surname of her husband's mistress. Why did she decide to take such a step? It was suspected to be an act of revenge against her partner. Christie herself couldn't explain why she had not made any contact for so long. The entire story remains shrouded in mystery to this day and has inspired numerous books and films.
