How to read Agatha Christie's books in the best order?
It is no exaggeration to start by saying that Agatha Christie is one of the most celebrated and best-selling authors of all time. Known for her intricate plots, cleverly devised mysteries, and memorable characters, she is widely considered the queen of crime fiction, with her books being translated in over 103 languages, and selling over two billion copies worldwide. While she has written a total of 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, she is most commonly remembered for creating detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple
Agatha Christie's work has remained extremely popular through the years and has played a vital role in the rise of detective novels. She has become almost synonymous with the genre and has been a significant influence on many other writers in this genre, including Gillian Flynn and Tana French.
How to read Agatha Christie books in order? Check out our suggestions below! Photo credit: Unsplash.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We only feature products that we believe in and use ourselves. Your support means the world to us and allows us to host this website. Thank you!
With such a massive portfolio of work, it can be daunting for new readers to start their journey into the literary worlds Christie’s created. So where does one start? We’ll try answering this question in the section below. So without further ado, here is our suggestion on how to read the most prominent Agatha Christie books in order:
"The Mysterious Affair at Styles" - This is the first novel featuring detective Hercule Poirot.
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" - This is the second novel featuring detective, Hercule Poirot
"The ABC Murders" - This is the third novel featuring detective Hercule Poirot.
"Murder on the Orient Express" - This is the fourth novel featuring detective Hercule Poirot.
"Death on the Nile" - This is the fifth novel featuring detective Hercule Poirot.
"The Big Four" - This is the sixth novel featuring detective Hercule Poirot.
"The Secret Adversary" - This is the first novel featuring detectives Tommy and Tuppence.
"The Seven Dials Mystery" - This is the second novel featuring detectives Tommy and Tuppence.
"The Murder at the Vicarage" - This is the first novel featuring detective Miss Marple.
"The Body in the Library" - This is the second novel featuring detective Miss Marple.
"A Murder is Announced" - This is the third novel featuring detective Miss Marple.
"They Do It with Mirrors" - This is the fourth novel featuring detective Miss Marple.
"The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side" - This is the fifth novel featuring detective Miss Marple.
"A Caribbean Mystery" - This is the sixth novel featuring detective Miss Marple.
"The Mysterious Affair at Styles"
"The Mysterious Affair at Styles" is the debut novel of Agatha Christie, which was first published in 1920. The story takes place at Styles Court, a country house in Essex, England, introducing readers for the first time to detective Hercule Poirot. A wealthy widow, Emily Inglethorp, is murdered and Poirot is called upon to investigate the case. With an array of suspects, including Emily's husband, her stepson, her companion, and her servants. the detective must battle conflicting testimonies, surprising alibies, and a general lack of evidence, in order to solve the mystery of Emily’s murder.
Christie’s debut novel is a classic “whodunit” that gives readers their first glimpse into her skill in crafting intricate plots and cleverly devised mysteries. Full of unpredictable twists and turns, The Mysterious Affair at Styles will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The novel is our recommended place to start your journey into the mind of one of literature’s best storytellers, as it gives us a great introduction to the character of Hercule Poirot - one of the greatest detectives in fiction.
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd"
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" was first published in 1926 and centers around the murder of wealthy businessman Roger Ackroyd in the small English village of King’s Abbot. The story begins with the reveal of Roger's murder and the subsequent investigation led by detective Hercule Poirot. In classic Christie fashion, intricate plots and cleverly devised mysteries fill the pages of the novel, which culminates in a surprising (and unexpected) twist ending. In fact, it is widely regarded as one of the most famous plot twists in the history of detective fiction.
The novel is also notable for its use of the unreliable narrator and its exploration of the theme of memory and perception. It is unanimously considered one of Agatha Christie's best works and it's a must-read for detective fiction lovers. "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" is a perfect blend of a classic detective story and a psychological thriller, making it a great addition to any bookshelf!
"The ABC Murders"
"The ABC Murders", first published in 1936, follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a series of murders that seem to be connected to a mysterious "ABC" guidebook. The murders are occurring in an alphabetical order and throughout the book the killer keeps taunting Poirot by sending him letters signed "ABC". The murders take place in various towns across England, starting with Andover, then Bexhill, and eventually, Crewe.
The novel is notable for its complex plot, with a wide range of suspects and motives. Poirot is faced with a series of red herrings and false leads, giving even the famous detective a run for his money. The killer's identity is not revealed until the very end of the novel, and the twist ending is considered one of the most surprising and shocking in Christie's oeuvre.
"The ABC Murders" is another classic example of Agatha Christie's masterful storytelling. Apart from the usual twists and turns, the novel also explores themes of identity, disguise, and the nature of crime.
"Murder on the Orient Express"
"Murder on the Orient Express", first published in 1934, centers around the murder of an American businessman, Mr. Ratchett, on the luxurious Orient Express train, which is traveling from Istanbul to Calais. The train is stranded in a snowdrift, and all the passengers become suspects. The investigation is led by detective Hercule Poirot, who must race against time to find the killer before they strike again.
The novel is notable for its complex plot, with a wide range of suspects and motives. Poirot is met with a series of puzzling red herrings and false leads, which makes it difficult for him to solve the case. It is not until the very end of the novel that the murderer's identity is revealed, and the surprising ending is considered one of Christie's most shocking offerings.
Murder on the Orient Express" is an expertly written mystery that will captivate readers from start to finish. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns and contains elements of both detective fiction and a psychological thriller. This novel is a perfect blend of classic and innovative storytelling, making it a must-read for mystery fans and readers of Agatha Christie. It's also considered one of the best examples of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.
"Death on the Nile"
Death on the Nile is a classic detective novel written by Agatha Christie, first published in 1937. The story is set on a luxurious steamer traveling down the Nile River in Egypt and centers around the murder of a wealthy heiress, Linnet Ridgeway. The investigation is led by detective Hercule Poirot, who must race against time to find the killer before they strike again.
One thing that makes Death on the Nile stand out from Christie’s other novels is it’s pacing. The reader isn’t instantly thrown into a murder mystery, but instead, gets to spend time getting to know the full cast of characters and really delve into Linnet's story. Poirot, already established as a character from the previous novels, shines at his best here, giving readers a glimpse into the full extent of his deductive abilities.
"The Big Four"
Agatha Christie's detective story "The Big Four" was first released in 1927. The focus of the narrative is on the actions of "The Big Four," a powerful and enigmatic criminal organization that aspires to rule the world. Detective Hercule Poirot is in charge of the inquiry and has to work quickly to identify the group's boss before they strike once more.
The novel is renowned for its intricate narrative, which features a wide variety of suspects and motives. Poirot finds a true challenge in solving the case, with a number of false leads and surprising twists that bar his way on every turn. Staying true to herself, Christie keeps the big reveal until the very end of the book, delivering a classic unexpected ending, which has had readers gasping in surprise for nearly a century.
Power, secrecy, and the nature of crime are other issues, which are covered in the book. The narrative skillfully combines parts of traditional detective stories with psychological thriller components to keep the reader interested all the way through.
"The Secret Adversary"
The Secret Adversary is a mystery novel written by Agatha Christie, first published in 1922. It is the first novel to feature the characters Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, a young duo who become amateur detectives. The story begins with Tommy and Tuppence, both out of work, discussing their future prospects when they come across an advertisement seeking someone to take on a confidential mission.
Tommy and Tuppence take on the job, which leads them to a series of mysterious events and dangerous encounters. They soon find themselves caught up in a web of espionage and political intrigue, as they race against time to uncover the truth behind the mysterious organization known as "The Young Adventurers Ltd."
Throughout the novel, readers will enjoy the witty banter between Tommy and Tuppence, and their clever detective work. Agatha Christie's signature twist ending will also keep readers on the edge of their seats. The Secret Adversary is a classic Christie novel that is sure to delight fans of the detective genre.
"The Seven Dials Mystery"
"The Seven Dials Mystery" by Agatha Christie is a novel that features the detective duo Tommy and Tuppence Beresford as they investigate a series of murders that seem to be connected to a mysterious club, known as the "Seven Dials Society". The murders all seem to be connected to the club's members and their pasts, and the Beresfords must navigate the complex web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth.
The novel is filled with twists and turns, and readers will enjoy trying to solve the crime alongside the two detectives. Christie's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this a page-turner that will keep readers guessing until the end. This book is a great example of how Christie's writing style is so engaging, and why she is considered one of the greatest mystery writers of all time.
"The Murder at the Vicarage"
"The Murder at the Vicarage", first published in 1930, is set in the small English village of St. Mary Mead, and follows the investigation of the murder of Colonel Protheroe, the local vicar. The victim was not well-liked by the villagers, and many of them had a motive for murder. The main suspect is the vicar's wife, but, of course, she has a rock solid alibi. The investigation is led by the local amateur detective, Miss Marple, who uses her knowledge of human nature and her understanding of village life to solve the crime.
"The Murder at the Vicarage" is a great read for detective novel readers who are looking for a well-crafted, exciting and intriguing story that will keep them guessing until the end. The novel is also a great way to introduce readers to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. Agatha Christie's writing style is so captivating that it keeps the readers hooked, and this novel will be no different. The story is a perfect blend of mystery, crime, and a touch of humor which makes it a perfect read for detective fiction enthusiasts. This novel is also the first to feature the beloved Miss Marple as the main detective. Her unique perspective as an older woman and her ability to understand the motivations of the suspects makes her one of the most interesting and unique detectives in fiction.
"The Body in the Library"
"The Body in the Library" is a detective novel written by Agatha Christie, first published in 1942. The story takes place in the small village of St. Mary Mead, where the local amateur detective, Miss Marple, investigates the murder of a young woman whose body is found in the library of a local wealthy couple, Colonel and Mrs. Bantry. The victim is identified as a dancer from London, and the police suspect that she was involved in a scandalous affair. But as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the murder is more complicated than it first appeared.
The novel is a classic whodunit, with a large cast of suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. Miss Marple, with her sharp mind and understanding of human nature, uses her knowledge of the village and its inhabitants to unravel the mystery. The novel is notable for its cleverly constructed plot, unexpected twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion.
"A Murder is Announced"
"A Murder is Announced", first published in 1950, takes place in the small village of Chipping Cleghorn, where an advertisement in the local newspaper announces a murder to take place at Little Paddocks, the home of Miss Blacklock. Despite the skepticism of the villagers, a murder does indeed occur, and the local amateur detective, Miss Marple, is called upon to investigate. The suspects include the residents of Little Paddocks and their various guests, each with their own motives and secrets.
A big cast of suspects, an intricate narrative, and a number of red herrings make this book a classic whodunit. To solve the mystery, Miss Marple draws on her unique understanding of human psyche and her strong observational skills. In addition to delving into the topics of secrets, lies, and the nature of crime, the novel is remarkable for its deft use of setting and atmosphere.
"They Do It with Mirrors"
"They Do It with Mirrors" by Agatha Christie is a classic detective novel that features the beloved detective, Miss Marple. The story takes place at the Stonygates, a rehabilitation center for criminals run by the wealthy and eccentric Mr. and Mrs. Harmon. When Mr. Harmon is murdered, it is up to Miss Marple to unravel the complex web of lies and deceit that surrounds the suspects.
What makes "They Do It with Mirrors" stand out from other Agatha Christie novels is its unique setting of a rehabilitation center. The novel explores themes of redemption and second chances, making it more psychologically complex than other books in the series. Additionally, the characters in the novel are more fully developed and multi-dimensional, with deeper motivations than the typical Christie suspects.
Throughout the book, Miss Marple's sharp wit and astute observations lead her to the truth, but the reader is kept guessing until the very end. With a large cast of suspects and a surprising twist, "They Do It with Mirrors" is a must-read for fans of classic detective novels.
"The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side"
"The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side" is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie, published in 1962. The book features Christie's iconic detective, Miss Marple, who is called upon to solve a murder that takes place in the small village of St. Mary Mead. The victim is a Hollywood actress who was visiting the village for a film shoot, and the murder occurs at a party thrown by one of the villagers.
The novel stands out from the rest of Christie's books because of its unique setting. The story takes place in the world of Hollywood and its glamorous lifestyle, which provides a stark contrast to the typical country village settings of most of Christie's novels. The book also features an ensemble cast of characters, including the actress's entourage, the villagers and the local gentry, which adds an interesting layer of complexity to the story.
"A Caribbean Mystery"
"A Caribbean Mystery" by Agatha Christie is a classic crime novel that follows the beloved detective, Miss Marple, as she embarks on a Caribbean vacation to escape the cold British winter. However, her holiday is cut short when she becomes embroiled in a murder investigation on the small island of Saint Honoré.
The tropical island provides a vibrant backdrop for the story and the local characters add a colorful and exotic element to the story. The novel also features a more complex and nuanced portrayal of its main character, Miss Marple, who is forced to confront her own prejudices and assumptions as she navigates the unfamiliar culture and society of Saint Honoré.
In contrast to her previous novels, the book showcases Miss Marple's ability to adapt to new situations and her willingness to learn from others, making her a more dynamic and relatable character. Furthermore, The book is less focused on the traditional "whodunit" and more on the exploration of the characters and their motivations. This gives the book a deeper level of complexity and nuance that adds to the reading experience.
Overall, "A Caribbean Mystery" is a unique and exciting addition to Agatha Christie's canon, and is a must-read for fans of detective fiction who are looking for something different from the usual.
Agatha Christie's detective novels have been popular for decades, and her characters and plots continue to delight readers today. Many literary experts (and amateur detective fiction lovers, such as ourselves) strongly advise that the best way to get introduced to her books is by starting with the first novels of her most famous characters, Hercule Poirot, Tommy and Tuppence, and Miss Marple, and then moving on to the other novels and short stories collections.
The author’s work has played a significant role in the rise of detective novels and her influence can be seen in the popularity of detective novels today. For those who want to experience the best of detective novels in 2023, we recommend checking out "The Chain" by Adrian McKinty and "The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse. Both of these novels were highly anticipated and are expected to be huge hits in the world of detective fiction.