North Carolina
Agatha Christie, Classic Film Mysteries & Sherlock Holmes’ Legacy
Program No. 22387RJ
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Agatha Christie, Classic Film Mysteries & Sherlock Holmes’ Legacy
Agatha Christie, Classic Film Mysteries & Sherlock Holmes’ Legacy
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Participant Reviews
Based on 31 Reviews
SHOWING
My husband and I just completed the Classic Film Mystery program with Road Scholar. Not only did we love the location, Montreat, NC, for its beauty and accommodations, but we learned and enjoyed our fellow compatriots. We give this program an A+.
— Review left November 25, 2025
I joined Agatha Christie, Classic Film Mysteries & Sherlock Holmes’ Legacy in Montreat, NC because I really like to read and see films and mysteries are one of my favored genres. I was blown away by reviewing both mystery books and films as well as gaining insight into how these are created and the "tricks" that help set the tone and mood both in fiction and film. Our instructor, Bobbie Pell's education, experience and sheer talent which she shared with us make this a week event not to be missed, especially as it is in a beautiful and welcoming setting (not to mention the good food!).
— Review left November 14, 2025
It was great!!!!!
— Review left November 10, 2025
The Agatha Christie, Classic Film Mysteries program is very entertaining as well as educational. Our instructor obviously loved her subject and she projected that to our class. In addition, I enjoy meeting new people from all over the country who have so much to offer. I'll be back!
— Review left November 10, 2025
I truly appreciated and enjoyed my experience to the point that I am now looking at other programs. This was my first Road Scholar experience and there will be more in my future.
— Review left October 18, 2025
Good program instructor. Montreat is truly a treat.
— Review left October 18, 2025
The instructor was knowledgeable and delightful. Montreat was an outstanding location and the accommodations were very good. The activity level accommodated by limited mobility.
— Review left June 18, 2025
This program was filled with friendly folks, knowledgeable program instructor, lovely location, fascinating information, and delicious food.
— Review left June 2, 2025
Excellent lecturer who had 20+ years of history gathering and resereaching many if the classic mysteries..very good film clips too...tho food at the conference center was very good the accomodations themselves.were ok ..yes classic but somewhat humble..as very few amenities..as no toiletries microwave or fridge provided and no access for laundry w/odrivi g several miles to town..botton line great content,meals but accomodation tho historic were somewhat spartan
— Review left June 1, 2025
With entertaining content, an accommodating facility, and enjoyable hiking options in the surrounding grounds, this is a perfect course to share with an elderly acquaintance.
— Review left June 1, 2025
Montreat is a lovely location for a Road Scholar learning experience and we are exploring future classes there.
— Review left May 31, 2025
This retreat was so much more than mysteries, mayhem and murder—it was an immersion into the world of classic whodunits, film noir and femme fatales.
The Montreat Conference Center, standing for over a century in the mist-draped hills of North Carolina, was a setting straight out of a suspense novel. Its stone façade loomed like a set from a black-and-white thriller while the black iron windows cut stark silhouettes.
Blackout curtains cloaked the tall, gothic iron windows in the bedrooms, casting each room in darkness by nightfall. By day, when drawn back, our window opened onto a picture-perfect glimpse of the lake and the quiet college beyond
Down the hallways, were extra towels and toilet paper. In the closet, extra pillows and blankets were tucked neatly away, ready for a midnight chill or a long night of reading by lamplight. Rooms were spartan but roomy and meticulously clean.
Meals were served buffet style in a wide, welcoming dining hall creating a rhythm to the day—7:30-8:30, 12:15-1:15, 5:30-6:30. At lunch and dinner, a well-stocked salad bar was a constant. The main entrees were unpretentious and plentiful.
Between sessions, the common spaces invited quiet contemplation or boisterous sharing.
The people were a joy—fellow travelers in the world of suspense and sleuthing. Most weren’t casual readers; they were students of the genre.
But if there was a single thread that bound the entire retreat together, it was Bonnie Pell. Part master storyteller, part modern day minstrel, part guide, she moved through the week quoting clever lines and imparting a wealth of knowledge on the mystery genre. Her passion was matched only by her warmth and humor.
Kudos to all the marvelous staff at the mountain retreat of Montreat. Thank you for a memorable week full of mind blowing moments!
There was enthusiasm for a Part 2 from everyone I talked to at the retreat. Please, consider it, Bonnie!!!
— Review left April 24, 2025
Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Film Noir very entertaining
— Review left April 20, 2025
This was a very informative program on mysteries in fiction. Movies and written works were discussed with a fabulous teacher.
— Review left April 5, 2025
Very interesting! Gave information about the individual mystery writers (Agatha Christy and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) and movie clips, which I expected, but also a great deal of information about structure and components of mysteries.
— Review left March 18, 2025
I am a lifelong mystery fan, and this program was a great way to spend a relaxing few days learning about Holmes, Christie and Hitchcock.
The conference center is in a quiet beautiful part of North Carolina neat Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The folks running the program were excellent, and I made some new friends from all over the country.
— Review left April 17, 2024
Terrific experience! Instructor Bobbi Pell, is a “teacher’s teacher” with her knowledge of subject, grest handout and well prepared oral information. She encouraged class discussion and was very approachable. I learned so much and highly recommend this program.
— Review left April 13, 2024
This was a most enjoyable program. The instructor, Bobbie Pell, was very knowledgeable of the subject matter and made it interesting to learn.
— Review left January 20, 2024
I am more likely now to read and see films of this genre. Also, the insights made those authors themselves and their contexts intriguing.
— Review left December 4, 2023
The program on Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and Alfred Hitchcock exceeded my expectations. I'm ready for another Road Scholar program on other mystery writers.
— Review left December 2, 2023
First time at a Road Scholar retreat and I truly enjoyed it. Highly recommend the Mystery writers program.
— Review left November 15, 2023
Wea thoroughly enjoyed this program. Bobbie was an excellent program instructor and it has made me want to read more of the mysteries and see the old movies that were discussed or shown.
— Review left November 13, 2023
This program gave a detailed description of the working minds of Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We got a chance to watch their products by clips and movies of their work.
It was an excellent program to do.
— Review left November 12, 2023
If you enjoy reading mystery books and watching movie clips this program is a real treat. Plus Montreat is a beautiful location in the Smoky Mountains to escape this crazy world for a week.
— Review left November 12, 2023
This was fun and so very interesting! I learned a great deal from our instructor and the other participants. I would recommend it to anyone who loves reading fiction.
— Review left November 10, 2023
Montreat (Mo(u)ntain Re(treat) is a really fun place for a Road Scholar program. Talking about mystery writers and watching film clips fabulous way to spend 4 1/2 days.
— Review left November 10, 2023
The Agatha Christie mysteries program is located in a beautiful mountain setting about 2 miles from the small town of Black Mountain, NC. The 100-plus year old Montreat Inn is a Christian retreat that is often used by Road Scholar for a variety of programs. Bobbie Pell is an excellent instructor who loves her subject--actually subjects--since she has a wide base of knowledge and teaches other courses for RS. She uses movie clips, handouts and humor to get her points across. Bobbie knows the area well and had many stories to help us understand. The meals are all onsite and are buffet meals served at special times. This was my fourth visit to Montreat and I am always glad to have a rental car to go into Black Mountain and to drive around the area to see the autumn colors. Each night there were activities arranged in the building for us. Tracy Bailey, the Coordinator, can help you get extra nights if the inn isn't too booked. My "Agatha" program had about 48 participants and there were other programs going on at the same time at Montreat. It is fun to talk to others to learn about future possibilities for classes there and elsewhere.
— Review left November 6, 2023
The very knowledgable Teaching Leader very effectively used a mix of lectures and films to teach about the elements of good mystery writing and presentation while focusing on, but not exclusively, the characters and stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.
— Review left November 5, 2023
Excellent mystery program. Bobbie Pell the Instructor presents a wonderful entertaining and educational program. The Assembly Inn is a beautiful historic Inn, clean, comfortable. The Inn faces Lake Susan in a breathtakingly beautiful location. A truly magical backdrop for this excellent educational and entertaining program.
— Review left November 4, 2023
My first Road Scholar experience certainly lived up to my expectations! The instructor, Bobbie Pell, was well versed in the topics of mysteries, written and on screen, and communicated well. The classes were interesting and covered a broad range of sub-topics. i especially appreciated her expanding on topics of interest to the class and allowing for exchange of new info. The evening programs were also entertaining. I enjoyed the Montreat facility although some updating is sorely needed (outlets, elevator repair, bed comfort, shampoo provided). I enjoyed learning about the history of the facility and the surrounding area. There was adequate free time to explore the region and to also enjoy the peace and quiet of Montreat.
— Review left October 6, 2023
Just finished the Mystery program at Montreat. My second program at Montreat & I hope to return. A lovely setting in the mountains near Asheville & everything under one roof - lodging, meals, educational programming & evening entertainment. Bobbie Pell is a knowledgeable & engaging instructor. Going home with a list of books to read & movies to watch.
— Review left September 30, 2023