Friday 18th September 2026

Cathy Rentzenbrink: The Agatha Cure

To conclude the literary part of today's events, the Agatha Christie Festival is delighted to welcome bestselling author, Cathy Rentzenbrink. Cathy's latest book, The Agatha Cure, is a literary detective story and a memoir of finding hope in reading.

One winter, Cathy, drained by life's upheavals and in need of comfort and escape, turned to her first literary love: Agatha Christie. By re-reading each of the Agatha Christie mysteries in publication order, Cathy explored parallels between her life and Agatha's, such as motherhood, marriage, and creativity and resilience. The book is a compassionate re-examination of Christie, and a story of how her life and work offer a guide to surviving difficult times.

This journey into the heart of the most successful writer of the 20th century is the perfect tonic for anyone in search of life-affirming resilience, and proof that if ever you're lonely, tired and in need of solace, getting in the bath with an Agatha Christie is always an excellent idea.

Cathy Rentzenbrink is the Sunday Times top ten bestselling author of The Last Act of Love, Dear Reader, How to Feel Better, Everyone Is Still Alive and Ordinary Time. She is a renowned book reviewer and literary festival panellist and host. Prior to writing her own books, Cathy was a passionate bookseller at Waterstones, working in seven different branches before becoming Publisher Relations Manager for the group. After that she became Project Director at literacy charity Quick Reads, then Books Editor at the Bookseller. She runs the Curtis Brown memoir-writing course and the highly popular online 'Sunday Sessions'.

@CatRentzenbrink | cathyreadsbooks.com

Please note: If you have bought a day ticket for Friday, this event is included in your day ticket.

Venue: Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey

Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking within the grounds for disabled visitors. Entry to the Spanish Barn is relatively level, but there are a few cobble stones to cross, before entering the completely flat interior. We have space for wheelchairs, although if you let us know in advance, we can ensure that there is ample dedicated space for the number of wheelchair users. We have again raised the height of the main stage this year, so that guest speakers can easily be seen and have a hearing loop in the front half of the Barn nearest the stage. We also have two TV screens midway down the barn screening what is happening on the stage. There is a disabled toilet available to the rear of the Spanish Barn.

If you have any particular access requirements or enquiries, do please get in touch and we will do whatever we feasibly can to accommodate you. Please email admin@iacf-uk.org

Getting there

Getting to the venue

The Spanish Barn is in the grounds of Torre Abbey. This is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station.

Parking

There is no parking in the grounds of Torre Abbey except for disabled parking. The nearest car park is Torre Valley - Torbay Council. This is a five-minute walk from the Spanish Barn.

Toilets

Toilets are available to the rear of the Spanish Barn for the duration of the Literary Festival.

Inside the Spanish Barn

Whilst we only have one evening event in the Spanish Barn this year, it can get cold so please dress with this in mind.

Food and Drink

The cafe at Torre Abbey is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am till 4pm and is dog friendly.

A short 10-minute walk away from the Spanish Barn are a variety of cafes, bars and takeaways.

Dogs

Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are not allowed in the Spanish Barn.

If you have any further questions, please email admin@iacf-uk.org

Read more about this venue