Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller was born into an upper-middle-class family. She would become the best-selling fiction writer of all time, with over two billion books sold worldwide.

Her father Frederick Miller died, leaving the family in financial difficulty. Agatha was primarily educated at home by her mother who encouraged her creative writing.

Agatha was sent to finishing schools in Paris to study singing and piano. Though she lacked confidence for performance, these years refined her education and worldview.

She married Colonel Archibald Christie on Christmas Eve, just after World War I began. He was a Royal Flying Corps pilot, and they would have one daughter, Rosalind.

During World War I, Agatha worked as a VAD nurse and later in the hospital dispensary. Her knowledge of poisons, gained here, would feature prominently in her detective fiction.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles was published, introducing detective Hercule Poirot. The novel established her trademark puzzle-mystery format that would make her famous.

After her husband asked for a divorce, Agatha disappeared for eleven days, sparking a nationwide manhunt. She was found at a Harrogate hotel, having suffered amnesia. The incident remains partly unexplained.

Her marriage to Archibald Christie ended in divorce after he fell in love with another woman. The experience deeply affected her and influenced themes in her later work.

She married archaeologist Max Mallowan, fourteen years her junior. Their happy marriage lasted until her death, and she accompanied him on numerous archaeological expeditions.

The Murder at the Vicarage introduced Miss Jane Marple, an elderly amateur sleuth who would star in 12 novels. Marple was partly inspired by Christie's grandmother.

One of her most celebrated novels featuring Hercule Poirot. Its innovative solution and exotic setting made it an instant classic and has been adapted for film multiple times.

Originally titled Ten Little N****** (now And Then There Were None), this became the world's best-selling mystery novel with over 100 million copies sold.

She wrote the radio play for Queen Mary's 80th birthday. It would later be adapted into The Mousetrap, the world's longest-running play.

The Mousetrap premiered in London's West End. It has run continuously ever since, becoming the world's longest-running play with over 28,000 performances.

She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to literature. Her reputation as the Queen of Crime was now firmly established.

Queen Elizabeth II made her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, one of Britain's highest honors, recognizing her extraordinary literary legacy.

Dame Agatha Christie died peacefully at her home. She left behind 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, and the title of best-selling fiction writer of all time.