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Few associate Agatha Christie s detective novels with domesticity as the author s works are first and foremost known for her suspenseful plots and puzzling mysteries. Nevertheless, this publication aims to analyse Christie s construction of domestic elements in the context of Great Britain s socio-historical circumstances between the two World Wars. The interwar period challenged existing gender roles and stereotypes, assigning female fictional characters as well as feminine detection methods a more valued position in detective novels. Based on this background, this publication addresses three main research areas: detection methods, gendered locations, and the evil from within. Firstly, Miss Marple s and Hercule Poirot s feminine detection methods are analysed. The following chapter examines Christie s settings including her crime scenes in the context of the separation of private and public spheres, which emerged during the Victorian era. Lastly, Sigmund Freud s theory of the uncanny is relevant in analysing Christie s construction of evil.

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Ursula Gruber, Mag. phil.: Teacher Training (English, Psychology/Philosophy) for Secondary Schools, University of Vienna. Dipl.-Päd.: Teacher Training (English, Physical Education) for Middle Schools, University of Teacher Education Vienna. Student at Western Kentucky University and OCC/Michigan, USA. Currently teaching in Vienna.

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