Best Agatha Christie Books: Top 10 Must-Read Novels by the Queen of Crime

If you’re a fan of mystery novels, you’ve probably heard of Agatha Christie. With more than 70 novels, plays, and short stories to her name, Christie is considered one of the most prolific and influential writers in the history of crime fiction. Her works have been translated into more than 50 languages and have sold over 2 billion copies worldwide. But with so many books to choose from, where should you start? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Agatha Christie books and help you decide which ones to add to your reading list.

Agatha Christie was born in 1890 and began writing detective fiction in the 1920s. Her most famous characters include Hercule Poirot, a Belgian detective with a keen mind and a distinctive mustache, and Miss Marple, an elderly spinster with a sharp wit and a talent for solving crimes. Christie’s books are known for their intricate plots, surprising twists, and memorable characters. Her influence on the genre of detective fiction is still felt today, with many modern writers citing her as an inspiration.

So, which Agatha Christie books should you read first? In this article, we’ll break down her most famous works by series and standalone novels, and provide some context for each one. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to her work, we’ll help you discover some of the best Agatha Christie books and why they’re worth reading.

Highlights:

• Agatha Christie is one of the most prolific and influential writers in the history of crime fiction, with more than 70 novels, plays, and short stories to her name.
• Her most famous characters include Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, and her books are known for their intricate plots, surprising twists, and memorable characters.
• In this article, we’ll break down Christie’s most famous works by series and standalone novels and provide some context for each one.

About Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is one of the most famous and beloved mystery writers of all time. Born in 1890 in Torquay, England, Christie began writing as a child and went on to publish over 60 novels, as well as numerous short stories, plays, and non-fiction works. Her most famous characters include the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and the elderly spinster Miss Marple.

Christie’s writing style is known for its intricate plots, clever twists, and attention to detail. Her stories often feature a closed circle of suspects, a seemingly impossible crime, and a brilliant detective who must use his or her wits to solve the case. Christie’s work has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold over 2 billion copies worldwide.

In addition to her writing, Christie was known for her adventurous lifestyle. She traveled extensively throughout her life, visiting exotic locations such as Egypt and Iraq, and even serving as a nurse during World War I. She was also an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing bridge and other card games.

Overall, Agatha Christie’s legacy as a writer and cultural icon continues to endure to this day. Her stories have inspired countless adaptations, from films and television shows to stage productions and video games. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to her work, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of Agatha Christie’s timeless mysteries.

Hercule Poirot Novels

Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot is one of the most iconic detectives in the world of detective fiction. He is a fictional Belgian detective, characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, logical reasoning, and distinctive appearance. Poirot has appeared in over 30 novels and numerous short stories, and his popularity has not waned over the years.

Murder on the Orient Express

“Murder on the Orient Express” is one of the most famous Hercule Poirot novels. The story takes place on the luxurious Orient Express train, where a murder occurs, and Poirot is called in to investigate. The book is full of twists and turns, and the ending is sure to surprise you.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is another classic Hercule Poirot novel. In this book, Poirot is investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman, Roger Ackroyd. The book is known for its clever plot twists and the surprise ending that has become a hallmark of Christie’s writing.

Death on the Nile

“Death on the Nile” is a novel that takes place on a Nile cruise, where a murder occurs, and Poirot is once again called in to investigate. The book is full of suspense and intrigue, and the setting of the Nile adds an exotic element to the story.

The A.B.C. Murders

“The A.B.C. Murders” is a unique Hercule Poirot novel that involves a series of murders that are committed in alphabetical order. Poirot is tasked with solving the case before the killer can complete the alphabet. The book is full of suspense and is a great example of Christie’s ability to create a complex and intriguing plot.

Three Act Tragedy

“Three Act Tragedy” is a novel that involves a series of murders that take place during a dinner party. Poirot is once again called in to investigate, and the book is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Murder on the Links

“The Murder on the Links” is a classic Hercule Poirot novel that involves a murder that takes place on a golf course. Poirot is called in to investigate, and the book is full of suspense and intrigue. The book is a great example of Christie’s ability to create a complex and engaging plot.

These are just a few of the many Hercule Poirot novels that Agatha Christie wrote. Each book is unique and full of suspense and intrigue, and they are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you are a fan of detective stories or just looking for a good read, the Hercule Poirot novels are sure to satisfy your craving for a good mystery.

Miss Marple Novels

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple novels feature the beloved amateur detective, Miss Jane Marple. Miss Marple is a sharp-witted, elderly spinster who lives in the quaint village of St. Mary Mead. Her keen observation skills and understanding of human nature help her solve complex murder mysteries.

Murder at the Vicarage

“Murder at the Vicarage” is the first novel in the Miss Marple series. Published in 1930, the novel is set in St. Mary Mead and features the murder of Colonel Lucius Protheroe. The novel introduces Miss Marple as a secondary character, but her astute observations help solve the murder mystery.

A Murder is Announced

“A Murder is Announced” is a popular Miss Marple novel published in 1950. The novel features a murder that is announced in the local newspaper, and Miss Marple is called upon to solve the crime. The novel is known for its intricate plot and clever twists.

The Moving Finger

“The Moving Finger” is a Miss Marple novel published in 1942. The novel is set in the small village of Lymstock, where a series of poison pen letters cause chaos and suspicion among the residents. Miss Marple helps solve the mystery behind the letters and the subsequent murder.

The Body in the Library

“The Body in the Library” is a classic Miss Marple novel published in 1942. The novel features the discovery of a young woman’s body in the library of Colonel and Mrs. Bantry. Miss Marple is called upon to help solve the mystery, which involves a cast of colorful characters and unexpected twists.

These four novels are essential reads for any fan of the Miss Marple series. Other notable novels in the series include “The Murder at the Vicarage” and “Thirteen Problems”.

Stand Alone Novels

Agatha Christie is well-known for her famous recurring detectives, but she has also written many standalone novels that are just as thrilling and captivating. Here are a few of the best standalone novels by Agatha Christie that you should definitely check out:

And Then There Were None

“And Then There Were None” is one of the most popular and best-known books by Agatha Christie. It is a classic murder mystery that takes place on an isolated island where ten strangers are invited by a mysterious host. As the story unfolds, the guests start to die one by one, and it becomes clear that there is a murderer among them. The twist ending of this book is one of the best in the genre.

Endless Night

“Endless Night” is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a wealthy widower who falls in love with a young woman from a lower class. The couple decides to build their dream home on a piece of land that is rumored to be cursed. As strange things start to happen, the couple begins to realize that they may have made a fatal mistake.

Crooked House

“Crooked House” is a murder mystery that takes place in a wealthy family’s home. When the patriarch of the family is murdered, his granddaughter decides to investigate the crime herself. The suspects are all members of the family, and there are plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the end.

The Man in the Brown Suit

“The Man in the Brown Suit” is a thriller that follows a young woman who witnesses a man’s death on the London Underground. She then becomes embroiled in a dangerous adventure involving a secret society, stolen diamonds, and a serial killer.

In conclusion, Agatha Christie’s standalone novels are just as captivating and thrilling as her famous detective stories. Whether you are in the mood for a murder mystery or a psychological thriller, there is a book on this list that will satisfy your craving for a good read.

Tommy and Tuppence Series

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery series featuring a charming detective duo, then the Tommy and Tuppence series by Agatha Christie is a must-read. The series follows the adventures of Thomas Beresford (Tommy) and his wife Prudence (Tuppence) as they solve crimes and mysteries together. Here are a few of the most popular books in the series:

The Secret Adversary

The first book in the series, “The Secret Adversary,” introduces readers to Tommy and Tuppence as they stumble upon a secret organization while searching for work after World War I. The book is full of adventure, espionage, and danger as the pair try to uncover the truth behind the organization and their mysterious leader, Mr. Brown.

N or M?

In “N or M?,” Tommy and Tuppence are recruited by British intelligence to help track down a pair of spies who are operating in England during World War II. The book is full of intrigue and suspense as the couple work to uncover the identity of the spies and prevent them from carrying out their mission.

By the Pricking of My Thumbs

In “By the Pricking of My Thumbs,” Tommy and Tuppence are on the hunt for a missing woman and become embroiled in a mystery involving a creepy old house and a possible murderer. The book is full of twists and turns, and readers will be kept guessing until the very end.

Overall, the Tommy and Tuppence series is a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries. The books are well-written, with engaging characters and intriguing plots that will keep you turning the pages. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, these books are sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Other Notable Works

Agatha Christie has written many notable works, and here are some of her other must-read books:

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

“The Mysterious Affair at Styles” is Agatha Christie’s first published novel and introduces her famous detective, Hercule Poirot. The story revolves around the murder of Emily Inglethorpe, a wealthy heiress found poisoned in her locked bedroom. Poirot is called in to solve the case and uses his incredible puzzle-solving skills to uncover the truth. This book is a classic whodunit and a must-read for any Agatha Christie fan.

Peril at End House

“Peril at End House” is a classic Agatha Christie mystery that takes place in a seaside resort. The impoverished owner of End House hosts a party where fireworks camouflage the shot that kills her cousin. Which of the other guests is a murderer? The book is perfectly paced, and the plot twists keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Five Little Pigs

“Five Little Pigs” is a unique mystery in which Poirot is asked to solve a murder that occurred 16 years earlier. The book is told from the perspective of five different characters, each of whom has a motive for the murder. Poirot’s investigation leads him to a surprising conclusion. This book is a great example of Agatha Christie’s ability to create complex and intriguing plots.

Ordeal by Innocence

“Ordeal by Innocence” is a psychological thriller that explores the themes of guilt and innocence. The book revolves around the murder of Rachel Argyle, a wealthy philanthropist. The prime suspect is her adopted son, Jacko, who dies in prison before the trial. Two years later, a stranger arrives at the Argyle household with evidence that proves Jacko’s innocence. The book is full of twists and turns and is a must-read for any Agatha Christie fan.

Sparkling Cyanide

“Sparkling Cyanide” is a classic Christie mystery in which a woman dies after drinking cyanide-laced champagne at a dinner party. The book is full of twists and turns, and the reader is kept guessing until the very end. This is a great example of Christie’s ability to create complex and intriguing plots.

Towards Zero

“Towards Zero” is a classic Christie mystery that takes place at a seaside resort. The book revolves around the murder of Lady Tressilian, a wealthy and influential woman. The prime suspect is her ward, Neville Strange, who has a complicated relationship with several of the other guests. The book is full of twists and turns, and the reader is kept guessing until the very end.

Overall, these books are highly rated on Goodreads and are beloved by fans of Agatha Christie’s work. Each book is a great example of Christie’s ability to create complex and intriguing plots that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Adaptations and Influences

Agatha Christie’s works have been widely adapted into movies, TV shows, radio dramas, stage plays, and even video games. Her stories have been a source of inspiration for many writers and filmmakers. Here are some of the most notable adaptations and influences of Christie’s works:

• Kenneth Branagh directed and starred in the 2017 movie adaptation of “Murder on the Orient Express,” which was a commercial success. Branagh’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot, the famous detective, received mixed reviews, but the movie was praised for its production design and cinematography.
• Michael Rogers, the protagonist of “Endless Night,” was the inspiration for the character of James Bond. Ian Fleming, the creator of Bond, was a fan of Christie’s works and borrowed several elements from her novels, including the use of poison as a murder weapon and the concept of an alibi.
• Caroline Crale, the protagonist of “Five Little Pigs,” was the inspiration for the character of Ellie in the TV series “Broadchurch.” The show’s creator, Chris Chibnall, has cited Christie as one of his biggest influences.
• The Leonides family, the central characters of “Crooked House,” were the inspiration for the family in the TV series “Succession.” The show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, has said that he wanted to create a modern-day version of a Christie story.
• Superintendent Battle, one of Christie’s recurring characters, inspired several other fictional detectives, including Agatha Raisin and Miss Marple.
• Alice Ascher, the victim in “The ABC Murders,” was the inspiration for the character of Betty Barnard in “Murder is Easy.” Both characters were young women who were poisoned.
• Carmichael Clarke, the lawyer in “Sad Cypress,” inspired the character of Perry Mason, the famous TV lawyer.
• Linnet Ridgeway, the victim in “Death on the Nile,” was the inspiration for the character of Daisy Armstrong in “Murder on the Orient Express.” Both characters were wealthy young women who were killed on a luxury train.
• “Curtain,” Christie’s final Poirot novel, was written during World War II but was not published until 1975, after Christie’s death. The novel’s ending was controversial, as it revealed that Poirot had committed a murder. The book was adapted into a TV movie in 2013, which starred David Suchet as Poirot.
• Christie’s works have also influenced popular culture in other ways. For example, the concept of a locked-room mystery, where a murder occurs in a closed space with no apparent way for the killer to escape, has become a staple of the mystery genre. Christie’s use of multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators has also been influential.
• Christie’s popularity has only grown in recent years, with fans sharing their love for her works on social media platforms like Twitter. The hashtag #AgathaChristie has been used over 100,000 times on Twitter, with fans sharing quotes, reviews, and fan art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Agatha Christie book is considered the best by readers on Reddit?

According to Reddit users, the best Agatha Christie book is “And Then There Were None.” This classic mystery novel has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and is considered a masterpiece of the genre.

What are the top 10 Agatha Christie books recommended for beginners?

If you’re new to Agatha Christie’s work, here are ten books that are perfect for beginners:

1. “Murder on the Orient Express”
2. “And Then There Were None”
3. “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”
4. “Death on the Nile”
5. “The ABC Murders”
6. “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”
7. “Peril at End House”
8. “A Murder is Announced”
9. “The Body in the Library”
10. “Five Little Pigs”

What are the highest rated Agatha Christie books on Goodreads?

The highest rated Agatha Christie books on Goodreads are:

1. “And Then There Were None”
2. “Murder on the Orient Express”
3. “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”
4. “Death on the Nile”
5. “The ABC Murders”

What is the recommended order to read Agatha Christie’s books?

There are many ways to read Agatha Christie’s books, but here is a recommended order:

1. “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”
2. “The Murder on the Links”
3. “Poirot Investigates”
4. “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”
5. “The Big Four”
6. “The Mystery of the Blue Train”
7. “Peril at End House”
8. “Lord Edgware Dies”
9. “Murder on the Orient Express”
10. “Three Act Tragedy”
11. “Death in the Clouds”
12. “The A.B.C. Murders”
13. “Murder in Mesopotamia”
14. “Cards on the Table”
15. “Dumb Witness”
16. “Death on the Nile”
17. “Murder in the Mews”
18. “Appointment with Death”
19. “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas”
20. “Sad Cypress”
21. “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”
22. “Evil Under the Sun”
23. “Five Little Pigs”
24. “The Hollow”
25. “Taken at the Flood”
26. “Mrs. McGinty’s Dead”
27. “After the Funeral”
28. “A Murder is Announced”
29. “They Do It with Mirrors”
30. “A Pocket Full of Rye”
31. “Destination Unknown”
32. “Hickory Dickory Dock”
33. “Dead Man’s Folly”
34. “Cat Among the Pigeons”
35. “The Clocks”
36. “Third Girl”
37. “Hallowe’en Party”
38. “Elephants Can Remember”
39. “Curtain”

What is the best-selling Agatha Christie book of all time?

The best-selling Agatha Christie book of all time is “And Then There Were None.” This book has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and is considered a masterpiece of the genre.

What was Agatha Christie’s favorite book that she wrote?

Agatha Christie’s favorite book that she wrote was “Crooked House.” This novel is a standalone mystery and is not part of any of her series.