Jeremy Vine vividly recalls the first time he encountered Agatha Christie. He was eleven years old and enjoying a lie-in on a Saturday morning when his mother gave him a copy of ‘Hercule Poirot’s Christmas,’ suggesting he might like it.
His mother correctly predicted the book would be a hit, but she didn’t realize just how popular it would become. She described the intriguing premise: a wealthy man gathers his family for Christmas, announces he’s rewriting his will, and is then mysteriously murdered in a locked room, leaving behind only a tiny piece of rubber as a clue. She admitted that was all it took to captivate her.
Growing up, Paul Vine was a huge fan of Agatha Christie, reading all of her 66 detective stories and thrillers. So, after already writing books about his career and one novel, it’s no surprise he turned to mystery writing. His first detective novel, Murder on Line One, came out in 2022, and his second, Turn the Dial for Death, is being released now. Both books feature Edward Temmis, a 43-year-old host of a radio talk show. Does that sound a bit like the author himself?
He recalls a conversation with a HarperCollins publisher who advised him that for crime novels, it’s best to set the story in a location you know well. This advice shaped the settings for his books, and he’s currently writing the third installment after his first novel, Murder on Line One, became a Sunday Times bestseller, leading to a multi-book deal.
My wife is from Devon, and we used to vacation in Sidmouth every summer with our daughters. The local radio station there felt like a place where older and newer DJs were constantly competing for listeners, trying to stay ahead of other stations and manage their own personal anxieties. That’s the kind of atmosphere I’m trying to capture.
Vine explains that the main character’s job is perfect for a mystery story because he naturally connects with people and their problems. This gives him a constant stream of situations where he can investigate, solve puzzles, or help others – providing endless story possibilities.
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The person seeking help on the show is actually the main suspect in her husband’s murder – a doctor killed by a crossbow – even though she has a solid alibi. Adding to the complexity, the host, who is also investigating the case, is dealing with personal troubles while the radio station faces a crisis. A mysterious motorcycle accident near the picturesque Sidmouth seafront – known for its beautiful 1930s architecture – further complicates things. The whole situation feels like a classic Agatha Christie mystery, and it follows that familiar plot structure closely.
He hinted at a key principle from Agatha Christie’s writing: a good mystery needs to be fair to the reader. You can’t introduce the killer late in the story and expect it to feel satisfying. The author needs to provide enough clues for the reader to potentially solve the mystery, but still keep it challenging and surprising.
I’m hoping around 30 to 40 percent of people will confirm they understand – that feels like a good success rate. If fewer than that say yes, I’d start to question if I’m explaining things clearly. She also points out that people are easily misled by false stories. For example, if someone tells a detailed story about a friend named Peter and his supposed death in the fog, even if it’s completely made up, people tend to believe it.
The BBC has acquired the rights to Murder on Line One, meaning fans of Agatha Christie-style mysteries may soon be able to enjoy the story on screen, alongside those who have read the book. The sequel, Turn the Dial for Death, is also likely to be adapted for television.
Vine is hoping Jason Isaacs will be cast as Temmis, praising his performance in ‘The White Lotus’ and believing he’d be a great fit for the role. However, they’re wondering how the people of Sidmouth, a charming seaside town, might react to it being portrayed as a hotbed of crime in the show.
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2026-04-20 19:54