Absent in the Spring

A Novel

A captivating novel of self-discovery by Agatha Christie, written under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott.

Agatha Christie, famous for her ingenious crime novels, also wrote about crimes of the heart.Written under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, Christie’s tales of romantic suspense further explore the human psychology she was so intrigued by, freed from the expectations of her mystery fans.

In one of six novels written under this nom de plume, Absent in the Spring tells the story of Joan Scudmore who, returning from a visit to her daughter in Iraq, finds herself unexpectedly alone and stranded in an isolated rest house by flooding of the railway tracks. This sudden solitude compels Joan to assess her life for the first time ever and face up to many difficult truths about herself. Looking back over the years, Joan painfully re-examines her attitudes, relationships and actions and becomes increasingly uneasy about the person who is revealed to her…

Agatha Christy Fan

As a fan of England in past days takes with this performance a long journey into a time I adore. I am older reader but love these stories like a twenty’s character. My mind captures a distant time of novels.

Fear of self reflection

This book was great. The fear and ignorance to see one’s self without the titles we place on ourselves. Really good listen

A short story with a lot of depth!

A wonderful story of self-reflection and Human failings. All set against the backdrop of seclusion and boredom.

This Is A Masterpiece!!!

Agatha Christie may be the most talented writer in the English language for at least the last 100 years, perhaps since Shakespeare. If you think I am exaggerating you need to read/listen to "Absent In The Spring". No it's not a detective story, it's an amazing journey inside the human mind and honestly there's no one more capable at guiding us through the maze of life and love than Agatha Christie.
I loved this book and finished it within 24 hours. I am gobsmacked by how beautiful yet tragic it is and I am of the mind that this may be Christie's best work. I couldn't put it down. The narrator is actually perfect for the words and the interactions. She expresses the emotions beautifully as if you could feel the tension mounting.
it's a book everyone should read. It's as mysterious as anything she's ever written. It's her Best Book.

Thought provoking!

I was surprised to thoroughly enjoy this very thoughtful novel. There’s a little of Joan and all of us. I’m so motivated to be more self-aware and courageous!