The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
True story behind Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap' to be published
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A non-fiction book based on the events that inspired Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap is due to be published by HarperCollins, announced The Bookseller on February 17. Written by Terence O'Neill, whose story and court testimony inspired Christie's play, Someone to Love Us will be published on March 4 (April 1 in Australia).
Terence O'Neill and his brother, Dennis, were taken to a foster home in 1945 on the Shropshire, England farm of Reginald and Esther Gough. The two suffered from beating and neglect, and later that year, Dennis died at the age of 12 from injuries he had sustained.
When he was ten years old, Terence O'Neill testified in the manslaughter case against his foster parents. The Goughs were given prison sentences, and the case made national and international headlines and led to the creation of provisions to protect children from neglect and cruelty.
The case also became the inspiration for Agatha Christie's radio play Three Blind Mice, which Christie later altered and developed into the full-length murder-mystery stage play The Moustrap. Known for its twist ending, The Mousetrap has been running continuously since 1957, the longest initial run of any play in history.
Now in his 70s, Terence O'Neill posted his writings about the events on HarperCollins's Authonomy website for unpublished authors, where it was found by editors. According to HaperCollins, O'Neill now lives with his family in South Wales.
http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/Titles/51157/someone-to-love-us-terence-oneill-9780007350186
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments