Mysteries, Murders, Muddles and Mayhem!

Alex T. Smith is running a live workshop at the H M Weinrebe Learning Centre in the British Library on Monday 1 February, from 10.30 for an hour. It's called Mysteries, Murders, Muddles and Mayhem! and it's aimed at primary years 3-6.

During the session, Smith talks through how he weaves comedy and detective fiction together, so it's as much about the funny side of things as the mystery. It's part of the British Library's schools programme honouring the Queen of Crime, and it runs alongside the landmark exhibition Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, which is on at the same time. If you're taking a class or a group, it's a good way to tie into the exhibition.

There's a new character to meet, too: J. Algernon Pickle, an unlikely sleuth beaver and the star of The Mystery at Odd-Doings House. He's Smith's newest creation, and he makes an appearance during the workshop. For those joining remotely, live captions are available during the online streaming, so the session works whether you're in the room or tuning in from elsewhere.

It's free, but booking is essential. The workshop starts at 10.30 on Monday 1 February and runs for an hour at the H M Weinrebe Learning Centre in the British Library, London.