Poirot's Hastings Hugh Fraser signs up for Scarborough Books by the Beach

But his debut novel Harm is much harder-edged than anything Agatha Christie ever wrote.

It tells the story of a female assassin involved with Mexican drug cartels and, before then, growing up rough in 1950s Notting Hill.

“I’m thrilled we’ve got such a talented actor turned talented writer coming to Scarborough,” Books By The Beach co-director Heather French said.

Co-director Peter Guttridge said: “I first became aware of Hugh Fraser when he was virtually unrecognisable in the arthouse period film The Draughtsman’s Contract in wig and make-up – he was very sinister. So I’ve always been aware that behind the good-hearted Captain Hastings a dark side might lurk. His novel demonstrates that.’

Hugh Fraser is not the only crime-writer visiting Scarborough, of course.

Agatha Raisin creator, MC Beaton is also a guest at the festival.

Melvyn Bragg will be at Scarborough Spa on Friday April 15.

The festival runs from Wednesday April 13 to Sunday April 17.