The Secret Adversary Agatha Christie
This is the first Tommy and Tuppence mystery which I have read – weirdly I had shied away from these books as I have always enjoyed Poirot and Miss Marple – therefore I didn’t think I would enjoy them, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Our story starts just after the Great War with our brave Hero’s having been demobbed from the Army searching for work and struggling. They were childhood friends and meet again in London by chance. This being so they decide to form The Young Adventurers and hire themselves out for anything and everything that comes their way.
There were many people in this situation after the war with the economy struggling and with a vast quantity of young people released from the Armed forces (and related fields) no longer having employment – they were given a severance cheque but that only goes so far. Agatha herself worked in various capacities during the war even training as a pharmacist which came in especially useful for knowledge of poisons and medical settings which feature in several of her books.
The Secret Adversary is Agatha’s 2nd book and at the time brought  in the princely sum of £50 as the publisher was unsure of the style working as a genre.
I would describe this book as more of a spy thriller than the murder mystery genre Agatha is known for. Weirdly the style seems more in the line of PG Woodhouse’s work than Agatha’s other books though there was some overlap time wise (ie Woodhouse published earlier 1908 for his Jeeves and Wooster series) it was more a product of the times than any conscious effort.
In their search for work Tommy and Tuppence are caught up in the affair of Mr Brown a shadowy underworld figure working against the British Government & the mysterious character of Jane Fynn. The story has all the elements of the time – is it Fascists? Is it Bolsheviks? Trade Unionists? Russians? Germans? Standard thugs? Or is it a combination of all of the above making strange bedfellows?
 

Endless Night – Agatha Christie
This book follows the story of a young couple Mike Rogers and his millionaire American wife Ellie Goodman. They meet seemingly by chance at a property called Gipsy’s Acre in England having seen an advert it is up for sale by auction. They are told by a local woman Mrs Lee that the land is cursed and no good ever comes of living there.
The young couple commission an architect Mike met on his travels called Rudolf Santonix to build them a house, and with his indomitable style he does taking the best advantage of the site. Shortly after moving in Ellie has an accident and calls for her old friend  and confidant Greta to come and stay while she recovers. Also added to our cast are Andrew Lippincott one of Ellie’s legal guardians , Cora Van Stuyesant Ellie’s glamorous stepmother and Major Philpott the local landowner.
However none of our cast of characters seems to have a direct motive to commit murder – so the twist in this particular tale is that no one seems to have a motive.
Endless night was adapted for cinema in 1971 with the film's chilling score being written by Bernard Hermann who was famous for writing many of Alfred Hitchcock's scores.

 
Throughout October, Harrogate hosts its annual Comedy Festival featuring a wide range of well-known acts, including Henning Wehn, Maisie Adam, Suzi Ruffell and Nigel Planer, to name just a few.  

If you love a good giggle and enjoy the cosy charm of boutique guest-house stays, then pack your best comedy attire and head to Harrogate this autumn. The Harrogate Comedy Festival 2025 is back in town, promising belly laughs, sharp wit, and top-tier performers.

Dubbed the “Comedy Capital of the North”, Harrogate has been cracking up audiences throughout October for over 16 years.  The festival blends comedy giants with new voices, offering a mix of stand-up, satirical set-pieces, and themed showcases.

On the Line-Up: Stars, Rising Talent, and Club Nights
You’ll find a brilliant mix of household names and up-and-comers, including:  Jack Dee, Stewart Lee, Maisie Adam, Suzi Ruffell, Ardal O’Hanlon, Jason Byrne, Tez Ilyas, John Shuttleworth, Paul Coulter, P Burton-Morgan, Nick Helm and many more.   
The Hyena Lounge Comedy Club (Saturday 4 October) delivers an evening of top-tier club comedy, featuring Ian Stone, Carl Hutchinson, and the award-winning Nina Gilligan, hosted by Dave Twentyman. It is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival.
For a truly local twist, Harrogate-born Maisie Adam hosts the Frank’s Fund Comedy Gala—a hilarious fundraiser featuring her and comedians like Pierre Novellie, Scott Bennett, and Jen Brister, all supporting a great cause.

Sample Itinerary
Friday
Arrive and check into The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages. Unpack, unwind, explore Harrogate’s tea rooms before heading to a pre-festival bar or grabbing an early dinner before an evening show.

Saturday
Sleep late, enjoy local bakery treats, and stroll through Valley Gardens.  In the evening you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which show to see.

Sunday
Linger over brunch, perhaps with some boutique-style shopping to follow before spending the evening at another show, perhaps timing your visit to allow you to attend Maisie Adam’s Frank’s Fund Comedy Gala which is sure to be a great evening. 

Monday
Reflect on the weekend’s best lines, enjoy a slow check-out, and maybe a spa treatment before heading home—refreshed and giggling.

Booking Tips & Notes
Acts are spread across October, so check show times and book in advance for the shows you really want to see.  Some of the tickets do sell out quickly, so don’t delay.  And, of course, ensure you book your room at The Camberley, The Lodge or a self-catering break at Camberley Cottages.  Whichever you choose, you are assured of a very warm welcome and all our accommodation is within easy walking distance of the comedy festival venues as well as a range of cafes, bars and restaurants.  We have some blogs which provide recommendations for eating out too, so do check those out, here.   

From smart satire to side-splitting silliness, Harrogate offers a perfect playground for comedy lovers. Check out who is on when, here.    Whether you stay for a few days to see a number of shows, or just book a long weekend so you can see your favourite comedian, you’ll get the best deal on accommodation by booking directly with us so why not click here and choose your room.  

​If you love life on two wheels, Harrogate offers the perfect blend of relaxed charm, invigorating landscapes, and world-class cycling routes. Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, our town is known for its beautiful gardens, fine architecture, and friendly cafés – but for cyclists, it’s also a gateway to some of the UK’s most rewarding rides.

Staying at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages makes the experience even more appealing. You’ll get that personal touch – a hearty breakfast tailored to fuel your ride, somewhere secure to store your bike, bike washing facilities, and somewhere to hang your wet kit if the weather lets you down.  We are also happy to put up packed lunches for you too. 

With the practicalities sorted, you can fully immerse yourself in long days of exploration, returning to a warm welcome and a comfortable room, before heading out to sample some of the delights of the Harrogate culinary scene.  We have a number of blogs providing tips on where to eat, so don’t forget to check those out too.

Harrogate rose to cycling fame when it hosted the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France, and has since been a regular feature in the Tour de Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Dales offer a great mix of sweeping views, undulating roads, and quaint stone villages – all easily accessible from the town centre.

You’ll find routes for every mood: challenging hill climbs if you’re chasing a Strava crown, or leisurely spins through green valleys if you prefer a gentler pace. Road surfaces are generally good, and the variety of terrain keeps each ride interesting.  There are plenty of cyclist-friendly café’s and pubs along the way, providing an ideal base for a cycling-centred getaway.
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There are many options for rides from Harrogate, but these three are particularly pleasant. 

1. The Nidderdale Loop (Approx. 35 miles)
For a medium-length ride that captures the beauty of the Dales, head out towards Ripley – a picture-perfect village with a castle backdrop – before following the River Nidd up into Nidderdale. The route takes you through Birstwith, Summerbridge, and Pateley Bridge, a charming market town where you can stop for tea and cake or a cone of Dales Icecream before taking on the gentle but steady climb out of the village.  Expect wide-ranging views from the moor tops and thrilling descents that will put a huge grin on your face.   You will find a map here.  

2. Tour de Yorkshire Taster: Harrogate to Masham (Approx. 45 miles)
If you fancy a ride with a professional pedigree, follow part of the Tour de Yorkshire route north out of Harrogate, looping through rolling countryside to Masham. This small market town is famed for its breweries – Black Sheep and Theakston – so you might want to plan a longer post-ride stop here. The ride includes a few challenging climbs and sweeping descents, with plenty of quiet lanes to keep the ride calm but interesting.  It’s a brilliant blend of challenge and enjoyment with stunning views throughout.
You can find a map of the ride here.  

3. Greenway to Bolton Abbey and Back (Approx. 50 miles)
For a longer day in the saddle, join the Nidderdale Greenway cycle path from Harrogate to Ripley, then head west towards Bolton Abbey. This estate has it all:  riverside meadows, woodland, and the romantic ruins of a 12th-century priory. The tea shop serves fabulous cakes too.

This route takes you past dry-stone walls, grazing sheep, and rolling hills before taking you through both Ilkley and Otley, both ideal locations for a well-earned rest and a slice of something sweet and tasty.  If you are stopping in Ilkley, why not visit the famous Bettys Tea Rooms for your coffee and cake.  Or perhaps try their famous Fat Rascals… a delicious scone-like confection, decorated with a smiley face and ideally served with lashings of butter and a delicious cup of tea.  You can find a map of this route here. 

Practical Tips for Your Stay

• Fuel stops: The region is dotted with cyclist-friendly cafés and tea rooms. Popular stops include Ripley’s ice cream parlour, Pateley Bridge’s bakeries, Bettys Team Rooms in Ilkley, and various village pubs.
• Navigation: While many routes can be found on Strava, a GPS device or phone app will help you follow quieter back roads without detours.
• Legs and lungs: Yorkshire’s hills can be short and sharp. Pace yourself early, and you’ll have the energy to enjoy the views at the top.

Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a challenging climb, seeking peaceful lanes through the Dales, or just want to soak in Yorkshire’s charm between leisurely coffee stops, Harrogate is the perfect starting point for your adventures and The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, are the perfect place to stay.  Choose your routes and then book your room here.

 And then there was none.
One of Agatha's most famous works with stunning Theatre & TV dramatizations. Our cast is drawn to a remote Soldier Island where they are lured there with cryptic notes pertaining to be from people they know in a complicated and elaborate set up.
10 little Soldier Boys went out to dine; One Choked his little self, and then there was 9.
9 little Soldier Boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there was 8.
8 little Soldier Boys traveling in Devon; One said he’d stay there, and then there was 7
7 little Soldier Boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in halves, and then there was 6
6 little Soldier Boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one, and then there was 5
5 little Soldier Boys going for law; One got in Chancery, and then there was 4
4 little Soldier boys going out to sea; a red herring swallowed one, and then there was 3
3 little Soldier boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one, and then there was 2
2 little Soldier boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up, and then there was 1
1 little Soldier boy living all alone; He went and hanged himself, and then there was none.
So like the poem we have 10 strangers all drawn to Solder Island via a series of curious invites – all couched to lure the person – be it a job offer, a letter from an old friend etc – every letter tailored to bring the person to this location,
Thomas & Ethel Rogers – 2 domestic staff
Emily Brent – an older lady full of religious extremism
General Macarthur – a retired soldier lured with the idea of a reunion with old friends
Tony Martin – A hedonistic playboy with a tendency to drink too much and drive too fast
Justice Wargrave – known as a Hanging Judge
Vera Claythorne – a games mistress on a private secretary position
Philip Lombard – an adventurer with an eye to the main chance – freely admits he doesn’t have a lot of morals
William Blore – an ex policemen – left the force under a cloud.
Dr Armstrong – sees a lot of neurotic lady clients since he gave up surgery,
 
So we meet our cast of suspects or is it victims? And who is this M Owen who is supposed to be their host? And so the deaths begin – following the rhyme which ties in with the name of the Island (Soldier Island) and is displayed in every bedroom. The deaths follow the methods of the poem but who is the murderer?
 

We return to adventures with Hercule and Hastings meeting by chance in the country - this is at the very start of their partnership. Hastings is recovering from a war injury and has been invited by friends to stay at Styles for a short break. Our cast includes Emily Inglethorp & her husband Alfred who is a recent addition and much younger than his rich wife. Her two step-sons John, Lawrence and John's wife Mary. Also within the household is Evelyn the Secretary a bluff older woman, Dorcas the housmaid, Cynthia an impoverished relation living with them and working as a Pharmacist at the hospital and last but not least Dr Bauerstein. Our mystry starts with the death of Emily - but how was it done? she was in a locked bedroom by herself? Was it one of the sons who both were in a financial hole? was it the new husband? every member of the cast has a motive or opportunity for murder, there is various ways the poison could have been aquired - but who was it?

There are several events happening at The Great Yorkshire Events Centre this September.
The following events are happening:-

On the 13th & 14th of September there is The Harrogate health healing & wellbeing festival. - https://healthhealingfestivals.com/product/harrogate-festival-13-14-sept-2025-2/

On the 27th & 28th of September there is The Le Creuset factory to table sale
https://www.lecreuset.co.uk/en_GB/factory-to-table/cap0234.html

On the 27th of September there is The yorkshire baby show.
https://greatyorkshireeventscentre.co.uk/yec-events/yorkshire-baby-show-autumn-2025/

Looking ahead to November there is The Harrogate toy and train collectors fair.
https://greatyorkshireeventscentre.co.uk/yec-events/harrogate-toy-and-train-collectors-fair/

You can find further information on each event via the link:-
Events from 13 September – 6 December – Great Yorkshire Events Centre

Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie
Newly weds Giles & Gwenda we looking to settle in the UK – moving from New Zealand.
Gwenda is driving the countryside looking for a house to buy when she sees Hillside and is entranced. However once the purchase has gone through she keeps hitting weird things like thinking there should have been a door in a particular place, that steps on the patio should be somewhere different and a particular pattern in a bedroom should be a particular wallpaper then finding that pattern in the back of a wardrobe.
Gwenda thinks she is going mad – however its pointed out to her when she meets Miss Marple  in London that she might actually be recovering childhood memories. Further digging shows she once did actually live in that house but that in turn triggers a memory of a murder she must have seen as a child. The young couple proceed to dig into her fathers death in a sanitorium, the sudden and permanent disappearance of her stepmother Helen. This brings in Dr James Kennedy Helen’s brother, Helen’s highshool boyfriend Jackie Afflick, Walter Fane one of Helen’s devoted admirers and last but not least Major Richard Erskine who was also in love with Helen. However who was the killer – Gwenda’s childhood remembrances are vague and when they try and follow leads they all form dead ends.
This story is a change from Agatha’s usual style in that the murder was committed over 20 years earlier and for a while they aren’t even sure there was a murder. The story revolves around digging into the past and history of all the suspects, following up old servants and checking up where every member of the cast was at the time.