Hercule Poirot Book Series in Order - Complete Reading Guide
Meet Hercule Poirot, the meticulous Belgian detective whose egg-shaped head houses the famous "little grey cells" that have solved some of literature's most ingenious murders. From the country estates of England to the exotic shores of the Nile, from the glamorous Orient Express to London's art deco apartments, this fastidious former police detective applies his extraordinary powers of observation and psychological insight to cases that baffle Scotland Yard. With his perfectly waxed moustache, his tisanes instead of tea, and his maddening habit of withholding crucial information until the dramatic dénouement, Poirot is both insufferable and irresistible—a man whose vanity is matched only by his brilliance. Across 33 novels and over 50 short stories, watch as Christie's most famous creation evolves from an elderly refugee in WWI England to the world's most celebrated private detective, using order and method to bring justice to a disordered world, one perfectly orchestrated drawing room revelation at a time.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Discover the electrifying debut that launched the legendary detective career of Agatha Christie's most iconic sleuth in "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" - the groundbreaking mystery that introduced the brilliant Hercule Poirot to the world! When a wealthy widow is found dead under suspicious circumstances in her grand country estate, only one man can unravel the tangled web of secrets, lies, and potential murder. Hercule Poirot - the eccentric Belgian detective with an unparalleled mind for solving seemingly impossible crimes - arrives on the scene to methodically untangle a case that will test his legendary powers of deduction. Christie's masterful first novel crackles with tension, introducing readers to a world of upper-class intrigue, hidden motives, and deadly calculations. Each carefully placed clue draws you deeper into a complex puzzle where nothing is as it seems, and everyone is a potential suspect. Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, this landmark novel marks the stunning debut of the best-selling author of all time. Prepare to be captivated by a story that redefined the detective genre and launched a literary legend.
Published: 2021
The Murder on the Links: Hercule Poirot's Case
Prepare for a heart-pounding mystery that showcases Agatha Christie's legendary detective Hercule Poirot at the height of his investigative powers! In "The Murder on the Links," Christie delivers a pulse-racing thriller set against the lush backdrop of a French golf course, where a complex murder will challenge even the brilliant Belgian detective's legendary powers of deduction. When a desperate plea for help arrives from a wealthy landowner who fears for his life, Poirot and his trusted friend Captain Hastings race to intervene. But they arrive just moments too late – a brutal murder has been committed, plunging them into a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and deadly motives. With his trademark razor-sharp intellect and meticulous attention to detail, Poirot must unravel a web of deception where nothing is as it seems. Every suspect harbors hidden agendas, and the truth lurks beneath layers of carefully constructed alibis. Perfect for fans of classic Golden Age detective fiction, this early Poirot novel showcases Christie's unparalleled skill at crafting intricate, suspenseful mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very last page.
Published: 2022
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Voted by the British Crime Writers’ Association as the best crime novel ever written — and said to be Christie’s favorite of her novels — this suspenseful whodunit is the third book following detective Hercule Poirot, still stumping readers over ninety years after its initial publication.
Published: 2022
The Big Four
The Big Four is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie, first published in 1927. It features Hercule Poirot, Arthur Hastings, and Inspector Japp. Agatha Christie’s The Big Four enjoyed commercial success at the time of its publication in 1927, despite lukewarm critical reviews. A tale of international intrigue and espionage, the Big Four refers to four superscoundrels who scheme to dominate the world. Christie presents several smaller mysteries within a larger one. Renowned private detective Hercule Poirot, pulled into a world of intrigue and espionage, sets out to break up an international group of four criminal masterminds. In this follow-up to The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Christie has crafted an action-packed plot filled with colorful characters whose aim is world domination. The offbeat novel takes readers on a fast-paced thrill ride from England and France to Belgium and Italy. Only the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot stands between them and world domination.
Published: 2023
The Mystery of the Blue Train
The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie is a classic detective novel featuring the renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The story begins with the introduction of Katherine Grey, a young and beautiful woman who, after a whirlwind romance, finds herself on the luxurious Blue Train en route to the French Riviera. Onboard, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives. The central plot revolves around a valuable ruby known as the "Heart of Fire," which becomes the focal point of an intricate web of deception and crime. Ruth Kettering, an American heiress, possesses the precious gem, and her possession of it attracts the attention of jewel thieves. However, the plot takes a dark turn when Ruth is found murdered in her compartment, and the "Heart of Fire" disappears. Hercule Poirot is summoned to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding Ruth Kettering's murder and the theft of the ruby. As Poirot delves into the lives of the passengers aboard the Blue Train, he uncovers a complex network of relationships, betrayals, and hidden agendas. The suspects include Ruth's estranged husband, a former lover, a mysterious archeologist, and other intriguing characters, each with a motive to commit the crime. With his unparalleled deductive skills and keen attention to detail, Poirot navigates through false leads and red herrings to unravel the truth behind the murder and the missing ruby. The investigation leads Poirot through the opulent settings of the French Riviera and the intriguing world of high society, where appearances can be deceiving. The Mystery of the Blue Train is a captivating and suspenseful mystery that showcases Agatha Christie's mastery of the genre. The novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Poirot meticulously pieces together the puzzle, leading to a surprising and satisfying resolution that is a hallmark of Christie's storytelling prowess.
Published: 1928
Peril at End House
Hercule Poirot's relaxing holiday on the Cornish coast takes an unexpected turn when he meets young and pretty Nick Buckley. For it seems to Poirot that too many accidents have been happening to Nick and Poirot, with the help of Captain Hastings, is determined to prevent another accident becoming a tragedy. But even hiding Nick away in a nursing home does not prevent another attempt on Nick's life, and Poirot has to resort to subterfuge and cunning to solve this tricky case.
Published: 2014
Lord Edgware Dies
Poirot was present when Jane bragged of her plan to get rid of her estranged husband. Now he is dead, Poirot can't help feeling he was being taken for a ride. This is another Hercule Poirot crime novel by the acknowledged queen of detective fiction.
Published: 2001
Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express is a detective novel by English writer Agatha Christie featuring the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. It was first published in the United Kingdom by the Collins Crime Club on 1 January 1934. In the United States, it was published on 28 February 1934, under the title of Murder in the Calais Coach, by Dodd, Mead and Company. The elegant train of the 1930s, the Orient Express, is stopped by heavy snowfall. A murder is discovered, and Poirot's trip home to London from the Middle East is interrupted to solve the murder.
Published: 2020
Three Act Tragedy
A facsimile first edition hardback of one of the best 1930s Poirot books, published to mark the 80th anniversary of his first appearance. Thirteen guests arrived at dinner at the actor's house. It was to be a particularly unlucky evening for the mild-mannered Reverend Stephen Babbington, who choked on his cocktail, went into convulsions and died. But when his martini glass was sent for chemical analysis, there was no trace of poison - just as Poirot had predicted. Even more troubling for the great detective, there was absolutely no motive... To mark the 80th anniversary of Hercule Poirot's first appearance, and to celebrate his renewed fortunes as a primetime television star, this title in a collection of facsimile first editions is the perfect way to experience Agatha Christie. Reproducing the original typesetting and format of the first edition from the Christie family's own archive, this book sports the original cover which has been painstakingly restored to its original glory.
Published: 2006
Death in the Clouds
A facsmile first edition hardback of the Poirot book, in which a murder is committed on a flight to Paris. From seat No.9, Hercule Poirot was ideally placed to observe his fellow air passengers. Over to his right sat a pretty young woman, clearly infatuated with the man opposite; ahead, in seat No.13, sat a Countess with a poorly-concealed cocaine habit; across the gangway in seat No.8, a detective writer was being troubled by an aggressive wasp. What Poirot did not yet realize was that behind him, in seat No.2, sat the slumped, lifeless body of a woman. To mark the 80th anniversary of Hercule Poirot's first appearance, and to celebrate his renewed fortunes as a primetime television star, this title in a collection of facsimile first editions is the perfect way to experience Agatha Christie. Reproducing the original typesetting and format of the first edition from the Christie family's own archive, this book sports the original cover which has been painstakingly restored to its original glory.
Published: 2007
The ABC Murders
Agatha Christie’s beloved classic novel sets Hercule Poirot on the trail of a serial killer—now a limited streaming series starring John Malkovich, Rupert Grint, and Tara Fitzgerald. “There is no more cunning player of the murder game than Agatha Christie.”— Sunday Times (London) Description: “Let us see, Mr. Clever Poirot, just how clever you can be.” There’s a serial killer on the loose, working his way through the alphabet and the whole country is in a state of panic. A is for Mrs. Ascher in Andover, B is for Betty Barnard in Bexhill, C is for Sir Carmichael Clarke in Churston. With each murder, the killer is getting more confident—but leaving a trail of deliberate clues to taunt the proud Hercule Poirot might just prove to be the first, and fatal, mistake.
Published: 2019
Murder in Mesopotamia
A facsimile first edition hardback of the famous Poirot book, with a strange death in the desert. When Amy Leatheran travels to an ancient site in the Iraqi desert to nurse the wife of a celebrated archaeologist, events prove stranger than she has ever imagined. Her patient's bizarre visions and nervous terror seem unfounded, but as the oppressive tension in the air thickens, events come to a terrible climax - in murder. With one spot of blood as his only clue, Hercule Poirot must embark on a journey across the desert to unravel a mystery which taxes even his remarkable powers... To mark the 80th anniversary of Hercule Poirot's first appearance, and to celebrate his renewed fortunes as a primetime television star, this title in a collection of facsimile first editions is the perfect way to experience Agatha Christie. Reproducing the original typesetting and format of the first edition from the Christie family's own archive, this book sports the original cover which has been painstakingly restored to its original glory.
Published: 2007
Cards on the Table
A BBC Radio full-cast dramatization starring John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot, with Stephanie Cole and Donald Sinden. Hercule Poirot, along with three other luminaries from the world of crime detection, is invited to dinner by the renowned London socialite Dr. Shaitana. Also on the guest list are four members of what Shaitana calls his Black Museum--a collection of murderers who have each succeeded in "getting away with it." After midnight, when the guests prepare to leave, they make a terrible discovery. Their host is dead in his armchair, stabbed in the chest. The four sleuths are thus faced with one murder and a quartet of likely suspects. Working both together and independently, they investigate the past of the Black Museum's finest in order to determine the most likely killer. Poirot finds that many distractions are thrown in his way, as he attempts to read the meaning of the cards which each suspect has placed on the table.
Published: 1998
Dumb Witness
Everyone blamed Emily's accident on a rubber ball left on the stairs by her frisky terrier. But the more she thought about the fall, the more convinced she became that one of her relatives was trying to kill her.
Published: 1983
Death on the Nile
Agatha Christie's most exotic murder mystery, reissued with a striking new cover to tie in with the highly anticipated 2020 film adaptation.
Published: 2020
Appointment with Death
Prepare for a chilling journey into murder and mystery with Agatha Christie's pulse-pounding Hercule Poirot thriller, "Appointment with Death"! In this masterful installment of Christie's legendary detective series, the brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot finds himself entangled in a deadly psychological puzzle that will test his legendary powers of deduction. Set against the haunting backdrop of a dangerous foreign landscape, this novel explores the darkest corners of human nature, where secrets simmer and deadly intentions lurk just beneath the surface. A seemingly ordinary family vacation transforms into a nightmare of suspicion and potential murder, with Poirot racing against time to unravel a complex web of motives, lies, and hidden agendas. Who among these travelers harbors murderous intent? What sinister forces are at play beneath the veneer of polite society? Christie delivers another ingenious plot that will keep readers breathlessly turning pages, challenging them to match wits with the world's most famous detective. "Appointment with Death" promises heart-stopping tension, psychological depth, and the razor-sharp detective work that has made Hercule Poirot a timeless icon of mystery fiction.
Published: 2025
Hercule Poirot's Christmas
Murder, mystery, and festive mayhem collide in Agatha Christie's classic Hercule Poirot's Christmas—a chilling holiday thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page! When a wealthy, tyrannical patriarch gathers his fractious family for a Christmas celebration, tension simmers beneath the seasonal cheer. Enter the brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, whose razor-sharp intellect is about to be tested by a deadly puzzle that will shock even the most seasoned mystery lovers. Christie delivers another masterful whodunit that transforms a cozy family gathering into a pressure cooker of secrets, resentments, and potential murder. Each carefully crafted character harbors hidden motives, and no one is quite who they seem. With intricate plotting, unexpected twists, and Poirot's legendary deductive reasoning, this novel represents Christie at her absolute finest. Perfect for fans of classic detective fiction, Hercule Poirot's Christmas promises a thrilling ride through a labyrinth of family drama, long-buried grudges, and deadly intentions. Prepare for a holiday celebration like no other—where the greatest gift might just be survival.
Published: 2001
Sad Cypress
Beautiful Young Elinor Carlisle Stood Serenely In The Dock, Accused Of The Murder Of Mary Gerrard, Her Rival In Love. The Evidence Was Damning: Only Elinor Had The Motive, The Opportunity And The Means To Administer The Fatal Poison. Yet, Inside The Hostile Courtroom, Only One Man Still Presumed Elinor Was Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Hercule Poirot Was All That Stood Between Elinor And The Gallows&
Published: 2001
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
The Dentist Was Found With A Blackened Hole Below His Right Temple. A Pistol Lay On The Floor Near His Outflung Right Hand. Later, One Of His Patients Was Found Dead From A Lethal Dose Of Local Anaesthetic. A Clear Case Of Murder And Suicide. But Why Would A Dentist Commit A Crime In The Middle Of A Busy Day Of Appointments? A Shoe Buckle Holds The Key To The Mystery. Now In The Words Of The Rhyme Can Poirot Pick Up The Sticks And Lay Them Straight?
Published: 2002
Evil Under the Sun
The Queen of Mystery has come to Harper Collins! Agatha Christie, the acknowledged mistress of suspense—creator of indomitable sleuth Miss Marple, meticulous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and so many other unforgettable characters—brings her entire oeuvre of ingenious whodunits, locked room mysteries, and perplexing puzzles to Harper Paperbacks. The classic Evil Under the Sun, one of the most famous of Christie’s Poirot investigations, has the fastidious sleuth on the trail of the killer of a sun-bronzed beauty whose death brings some rather shocking secrets into the light.
Published: 1941
Five Little Pigs
A womanising painter was poisoned 16 years ago by his wife, but now his daughter believes she was innocent all along... Beautiful Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, yet there were five other suspects: Philip Blake (the stockbroker) who went to market; Meredith Blake (the amateur herbalist) who stayed at home; Elsa Greer (the three-time divorcee) who had roast beef; Cecilia Williams (the devoted governess) who had none; and Angela Warren (the disfigured sister) who cried 'wee wee wee' all the way home. It is sixteen years later, but Hercule Poirot just can't get that nursery rhyme out of his mind...
Published: 2008
The Hollow
Lucy invited Hercule Poirot to lunch. To tease the detective, her guests stage a mock murder beside the swimming pool. Unfortunately, the victim plays the scene for real. As his blood drips into the water, he gasps one final word: Henrietta.
Published: 1946
The Labours of Hercules
Poirot sets himself a challenge before he retires - to solve 12 cases which correspond with the labours of his classical Greek namesake... In appearance Hercule Poirot hardly resembled an ancient Greek hero. Yet - reasoned the detective - like Hercules he had been responsible for ridding society of some of its most unpleasant monsters. So, in the period leading up to his retirement, Poirot made up his mind to accept just twelve more cases: his self-imposed 'Labours'. Each would go down in the annals of crime as a heroic feat of deduction.
Published: 2001
Taken at the Flood
A series of mysterious coincidences happen in Warmsley Vale, a small English village.
Published: 1984
Mrs. Mcginty's Dead
Prepare for a masterful murder mystery that only the legendary Hercule Poirot could unravel! In "Mrs. McGinty's Dead," Agatha Christie delivers another pulse-pounding investigation that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. When a seemingly ordinary murder of a local charwoman threatens to become a miscarriage of justice, the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot is drawn into a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and hidden motives. An innocent man stands accused, and only Poirot's legendary powers of deduction can separate truth from deadly deception. Christie's razor-sharp storytelling weaves a complex web of suspense, where every character harbors potential guilt and no one is quite who they seem. Small-town secrets bubble beneath a placid surface, promising explosive revelations that will shock even the most seasoned mystery fans. Perfect for readers who love intricate puzzles, psychological depth, and the unmistakable Christie touch, "Mrs. McGinty's Dead" showcases why Hercule Poirot remains the gold standard of detective fiction. Another must-read installment in the classic Poirot series that will leave you breathless and desperate to uncover the truth!
Published: 2025
After the Funeral
The master of a Victorian mansion dies suddenly - and his sister is convinced it was murder.... When Cora is savagely murdered with a hatchet, the extraordinary remark she made the previous day at her brother Richard's funeral suddenly takes on a chilling significance. At the reading of Richard's will, Cora was clearly heard to say: 'It's been hushed up very nicely, hasn't it...But he was murdered, wasn't he?' In desperation, the family solicitor turns to Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery.
Published: 2001
Hickory Dickory Dock
Brace yourself for another masterful mystery from the Queen of Crime! In "Hickory Dickory Dock," Agatha Christie's legendary detective Hercule Poirot faces his most puzzling case yet in this electrifying 27th installment of the beloved series. When a seemingly ordinary London boarding house becomes the epicenter of a shocking series of bizarre incidents, Poirot's legendary powers of deduction are put to the ultimate test. Something sinister is lurking beneath the surface, turning routine life into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Christie weaves an intricate web of suspense, where nothing is as it seems and every resident becomes a potential suspect. With his trademark razor-sharp mind and impeccable Belgian detective skills, Poirot must unravel a complex mystery that threatens to expose dark secrets and deadly intentions. Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries and intricate detective narratives, "Hickory Dickory Dock" promises heart-stopping tension, unexpected twists, and the brilliant investigative prowess that has made Hercule Poirot a timeless icon of detective fiction. Prepare to be captivated from the first page to the last!
Published: 2013
Dead Man's Mirror
Prepare for a spine-tingling mystery that only the legendary Hercule Poirot could unravel! In "Dead Man's Mirror," Agatha Christie delivers another masterful puzzle that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. When a bizarre death occurs in a locked room, surrounded by inexplicable circumstances, the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot is called to untangle a web of secrets, suspicion, and potential murder. A prestigious household. A mysterious death. A mirror that reflects more than just an image. Christie's 28th Hercule Poirot novel promises her signature blend of psychological intrigue and razor-sharp deduction. With his impeccable logic and keen understanding of human nature, Poirot must navigate a labyrinth of hidden motives, dark family secrets, and potential suspects—each with something to hide. Perfect for fans of classic detective fiction and readers who love intricate mysteries that challenge the mind, "Dead Man's Mirror" showcases why Agatha Christie remains the undisputed Queen of Crime. Prepare for a suspenseful journey that will keep you breathlessly turning pages, desperate to solve the puzzle before Poirot reveals the shocking truth!
Published: 1984
Cat Among the Pigeons
Prepare for a masterful mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page! In "Cat Among the Pigeons," legendary crime novelist Agatha Christie delivers another brilliant Hercule Poirot adventure that proves why she remains the undisputed queen of mystery. Set against the sophisticated backdrop of an elite girls' boarding school, this electrifying thriller transforms an apparently tranquil academic environment into a powder keg of suspense. When strange and sinister events begin to unfold, disrupting the school's carefully maintained order, only one detective has the razor-sharp intellect to unravel the dangerous web of secrets. Christie's trademark precision and psychological insight shine as Hercule Poirot methodically picks apart a complex puzzle where nothing is quite as it seems. With elegant prose and breathtaking plot construction, "Cat Among the Pigeons" offers readers a cerebral challenge that will test their own powers of deduction. Perfect for fans of classic detective fiction and those who love intricate, intelligent mysteries, this novel showcases why Agatha Christie remains the world's best-selling mystery writer. Prepare to be completely captivated!
Published: 1983
The Clocks
A typist uncovers a man's body from behind the sofa... As instructed, stenographer Sheila Webb let herself into the house at 19 Wilbraham Crescent. It was then that she made a grisly discovery: the body of a dead man sprawled across the living room floor. What intrigued Poirot about the case was the time factor. Although in a state of shock, Sheila clearly remembered having heard a cuckoo clock strike three o'clock. Yet, the four other clocks in the living room all showed the time as 4.13. Even more strangely, only one of these clocks belonged to the owner of the house...
Published: 2002
Third Girl
Volume 67 in the Agatha Christie Collection (1966) Limited edition of 1000 copies worldwide. Three single girls shared the same London flat. The first worked as a secretary; the second was an artist; the third who came to Poirot for help, disappeared convinced she was a murderer. Now there were rumours of revolvers, flick-knives and blood stains. But, without hard evidence, it would take all Poirot's tenacity to establish whether the third girl was guilty innocent or insane...
Published: 2002
Hallowe'en Party
Uncover a chilling mystery in Agatha Christie's masterful "Hallowe'en Party" - a spine-tingling Hercule Poirot investigation that will keep you guessing until the very last page! When a seemingly innocent Halloween celebration turns deadly, the legendary detective Hercule Poirot is called to unravel a sinister puzzle that lurks beneath the festive surface. Something wicked has shattered the peaceful facade of a quiet community, and only Poirot's brilliant mind can expose the truth. Christie delivers another pulse-pounding mystery that showcases why she remains the undisputed Queen of Crime. With her trademark precision and psychological insight, she transforms a holiday gathering into a labyrinth of secrets, suspicion, and potential murder. Each carefully placed clue draws readers deeper into a world where nothing is as it seems, and anyone could be a potential killer. Perfect for fans of classic murder mysteries and those who love intricate detective stories, "Hallowe'en Party" is a must-read for Agatha Christie enthusiasts and newcomers to the Hercule Poirot series. Prepare for a masterclass in suspense that will keep you breathless until the shocking conclusion!
Published: 2008
Elephants Can Remember
Hercule Poirot is determined to solve an old husband and wife double murder that is still an open verdict... Hercule Poirot stood on the cliff-top. Here, many years earlier, there had been a tragic accident. This was followed by the grisly discovery of two more bodies - a husband and wife - shot dead. But who had killed whom? Was it a suicide pact? A crime of passion? Or cold-blooded murder? Poirot delves back into the past and discovers that 'old sin leave long shadows'.
Published: 2002
Curtain
A wheelchair-bound Poirot returns to Styles, the venue of his first investigation, where he knows another murder is going to take place... The house guests at Styles seemed perfectly pleasant to Captain Hastings; there was his own daughter Judith, an inoffensive ornithologist called Norton, dashing Mr Allerton, brittle Miss Cole, Doctor Franklin and his fragile wife Barbara , Nurse Craven, Colonel Luttrell and his charming wife, Daisy, and the charismatic Boyd-Carrington. So Hastings was shocked to learn from Hercule Poirot's declaration that one of them was a five-times murderer. True, the ageing detective was crippled with arthritis, but had his deductive instincts finally deserted him'...
Published: 2002
Agatha Christie Reading Guide
Agatha Christie Reading Order: The Ultimate Guide
Last updated: September 2025
Series Overview
Agatha Christie wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, featuring several beloved detectives across multiple series, plus standalone mysteries that have defined the genre.
The Queen of Mystery's bibliography spans over 50 years (1920-1976), creating one of literature's most complex reading order challenges. With multiple detective series running simultaneously, standalone masterpieces, and books written under pseudonyms, new readers often feel overwhelmed. Should you start with Poirot? Read everything chronologically? Focus on the "best" books first?
Unlike linear series, Christie's works offer multiple valid entry points. Her books were written to be enjoyed independently, though some character development and references reward chronological readers. The main series feature Hercule Poirot (33 novels), Miss Marple (12 novels), and Tommy & Tuppence (5 novels), plus numerous standalones including the bestselling novel of all time, And Then There Were None.
Reading Order Complexity Level: FLEXIBLE - Multiple valid approaches depending on your preferences
Quick Answer (Where to Start)
For those wanting immediate direction, here are the best starting points for Agatha Christie:
Option 1 - The Greatest Hits Approach:
- And Then There Were None (1939) - The perfect Christie novel
- Murder on the Orient Express (1934) - Most famous Poirot
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) - The game-changer
- Death on the Nile (1937) - Classic Poirot at his best
- A Murder Is Announced (1950) - Best Miss Marple introduction
Option 2 - Start with Poirot:
Begin with The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) or jump to Murder on the Orient Express (1934)
Option 3 - Start with Miss Marple:
Begin with The Murder at the Vicarage (1930) or A Murder Is Announced (1950)
Bottom line: Unlike many series, you can start almost anywhere with Christie. Only avoid Curtain (Poirot's last case) and Sleeping Murder (Marple's last case) until you've read several others from each series.
Why Reading Order (Sometimes) Matters
Christie designed most of her novels to work as standalones, but certain reading strategies enhance the experience.
When Order Matters:
- Poirot's first and last cases - Start with The Mysterious Affair at Styles for his introduction, and absolutely save Curtain for last (it was written to be his finale)
- Miss Marple's evolution - While readable separately, Marple develops from village busybody to renowned detective across her series
- Tommy and Tuppence age in real-time - This series works best read chronologically as the couple ages from young adventurers to elderly sleuths
- Recurring characters - Ariadne Oliver, Captain Hastings, and Inspector Japp appear across multiple Poirot novels with evolving relationships
When Order Doesn't Matter:
- Most Poirot novels between his first and last
- Most Miss Marple books (except her last)
- All standalone novels
- Short story collections
Complete Reading Order Options
Option 1: Publication Order (The Purist Approach)
Reading Christie's works as they were published lets you experience her evolution as a writer:
The 1920s - Finding Her Voice:
- The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) - Poirot #1
- The Secret Adversary (1922) - Tommy & Tuppence #1
- The Murder on the Links (1923) - Poirot #2
- The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) - Standalone
- The Secret of Chimneys (1925) - Standalone
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) - Poirot #3
- The Big Four (1927) - Poirot #4
- The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928) - Poirot #5
- The Seven Dials Mystery (1929) - Standalone
- Partners in Crime (1929) - Tommy & Tuppence #2
The 1930s - The Golden Age:
- The Murder at the Vicarage (1930) - Miss Marple #1
- The Sittaford Mystery (1931) - Standalone
- Peril at End House (1932) - Poirot #6
- Lord Edgware Dies (1933) - Poirot #7
- Murder on the Orient Express (1934) - Poirot #8
- Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (1934) - Standalone
- Three Act Tragedy (1935) - Poirot #9
- Death in the Clouds (1935) - Poirot #10
- The A.B.C. Murders (1936) - Poirot #11
- Murder in Mesopotamia (1936) - Poirot #12
- Cards on the Table (1936) - Poirot #13
- Death on the Nile (1937) - Poirot #14
- Dumb Witness (1937) - Poirot #15
- Appointment with Death (1938) - Poirot #16
- Hercule Poirot's Christmas (1938) - Poirot #17
- Murder Is Easy (1939) - Standalone
- And Then There Were None (1939) - Standalone
[Continuing through all decades...]
Option 2: Series-Focused Approach (Most Popular)
Hercule Poirot Series (Read These First):
Essential Poirots - Start Here:
- The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) - His first case
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) - The revolutionary one
- Murder on the Orient Express (1934) - The most famous
- Death on the Nile (1937) - The romantic mystery
- The A.B.C. Murders (1936) - Serial killer territory
Then Continue With the Best:
- Cards on the Table (1936)
- Five Little Pigs (1942)
- The Hollow (1946)
- Mrs McGinty's Dead (1952)
- After the Funeral (1953)
- Cat Among the Pigeons (1959)
- The Clocks (1963)
- Third Girl (1966)
- Hallowe'en Party (1969)
- Curtain (1975) - Save for last!
Miss Marple Series:
Start With:
- The Murder at the Vicarage (1930) - Her debut
- A Murder Is Announced (1950) - The best Marple
- The Body in the Library (1942) - Classic setup
Then Enjoy:
- The Moving Finger (1942)
- 4.50 from Paddington (1957)
- The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side (1962)
- A Caribbean Mystery (1964)
- At Bertram's Hotel (1965)
- Nemesis (1971)
- Sleeping Murder (1976) - Read last!
Tommy and Tuppence Series (Read in Order):
- The Secret Adversary (1922)
- Partners in Crime (1929)
- N or M? (1941)
- By the Pricking of My Thumbs (1968)
- Postern of Fate (1973)
Option 3: The Cream of the Crop Approach
For readers wanting only the absolute best, here's the critical consensus top 20:
- And Then There Were None (1939)
- Murder on the Orient Express (1934)
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)
- Death on the Nile (1937)
- A Murder Is Announced (1950)
- Five Little Pigs (1942)
- The A.B.C. Murders (1936)
- Crooked House (1949)
- The Hollow (1946)
- 4.50 from Paddington (1957)
- Cards on the Table (1936)
- The Body in the Library (1942)
- Evil Under the Sun (1941)
- After the Funeral (1953)
- Endless Night (1967)
- Peril at End House (1932)
- The Moving Finger (1942)
- Cat Among the Pigeons (1959)
- The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side (1962)
- Curtain (1975) - After reading other Poirots
Individual Series Deep Dives
Hercule Poirot: The Belgian Detective
Christie's most famous creation appears in 33 novels and 50+ short stories. The fastidious Belgian detective with his "little grey cells" defined the Golden Age detective.
Character Evolution:
- Early Poirot (1920-1930): More active, occasionally uses disguises, works with Hastings
- Classic Poirot (1931-1950): The psychological detective emerges, less physical action
- Late Poirot (1951-1975): More philosophical, sometimes melancholy, increasingly sedentary
Reading Strategy:
Start with Styles for context, then jump around to the classics. Save Curtain for last—it was written in the 1940s but held back as Poirot's swan song, and it references his first case extensively.
Skip Without Guilt:
- The Big Four (1927) - Thriller pastiche, not typical Christie
- Elephants Can Remember (1972) - Shows Christie's declining powers
Miss Marple: The Village Sleuth
Jane Marple appears in 12 novels and 20 short stories, using her knowledge of human nature gleaned from village life to solve crimes.
Character Evolution:
Marple is remarkably consistent throughout, though she gains fame as the series progresses. Later books feature her traveling more widely than the early village-centered mysteries.
Reading Strategy:
Marple novels are most flexible for reading order. Start anywhere except Sleeping Murder (her last case, with retrospective elements).
Don't Miss:
- A Murder Is Announced (1950) - Peak Marple
- The Murder at the Vicarage (1930) - Her introduction
- Nemesis (1971) - References earlier cases
Tommy and Tuppence: The Adventurous Couple
This five-book series follows a married couple from youth to old age, making chronological reading essential.
The Series Arc:
- Young adventurers seeking thrills (The Secret Adversary)
- Married detectives running an agency (Partners in Crime)
- Middle-aged patriots in WWII (N or M?)
- Elderly but sharp investigators (By the Pricking of My Thumbs)
- Final adventure in retirement (Postern of Fate)
Standalone Novels: Hidden Gems
Christie's standalone novels include some of her finest work:
The Must-Reads:
- And Then There Were None (1939) - The perfect mystery novel
- Crooked House (1949) - Christie's personal favorite
- Endless Night (1967) - Dark psychological thriller
- Ordeal by Innocence (1958) - Christie considered this her best plot
Underrated Gems:
- Death Comes as the End (1944) - Ancient Egypt setting
- They Came to Baghdad (1951) - Adventure thriller
- The Pale Horse (1961) - Supernatural elements
The Mary Westmacott Novels
Christie wrote six romantic novels under this pseudonym. They're completely different from her mysteries—no murders, just psychological drama.
If Curious, Try:
- Absent in the Spring (1944) - The best Westmacott
- Unfinished Portrait (1934) - Semi-autobiographical
Short Story Collections
Christie's short stories are excellent, often featuring tighter plots than her novels.
Essential Collections:
- The Mysterious Mr. Quin (1930) - Supernatural detection
- Partners in Crime (1929) - Tommy & Tuppence parody famous detectives
- The Labours of Hercules (1947) - Twelve connected Poirot stories
- The Thirteen Problems (1932) - Miss Marple's debut
Common Questions FAQ
Should I read Christie's books chronologically by publication date?
Only completists need to read chronologically. Most readers are better served by starting with the best books from each series.
Which detective should I start with?
Poirot offers more variety (33 novels), while Marple provides cozier village mysteries (12 novels). Try one of each and see which style you prefer.
Are the short stories worth reading?
Absolutely! Christie's short stories are often more cleverly plotted than her novels, with killer twist endings.
Do I need to read the books before watching adaptations?
Not necessarily, though David Suchet's Poirot and Joan Hickson's Marple are so definitive that some readers prefer discovering the stories fresh on the page first.
Which books should I avoid?
Few Christie novels are truly "bad," but Postern of Fate (1973) and Elephants Can Remember (1972) show her declining powers. The Big Four (1927) is atypical thriller territory that some find disappointing.
What about reading chronologically within each series?
- Poirot: Not necessary except for first and last
- Marple: Can read in any order
- Tommy & Tuppence: Must read chronologically
Are the plays worth reading?
The Mousetrap and Witness for the Prosecution are excellent, but most Christie plays work better on stage than on the page.
Reading Tips for New Christie Readers
What to Expect:
- Fair-play mysteries where all clues are presented
- Focus on psychology over forensics
- Period settings (even books set in their "present" are now historical)
- Sometimes dated social attitudes, though Christie was progressive for her time
- Twist endings that genuinely surprise
The Christie "Rules":
- Everyone is a suspect
- The least likely person often did it
- Pay attention to throwaway comments
- Christie plays fair but misdirects brilliantly
- The solution is usually simpler than you think
Avoiding Spoilers:
Christie spoilers are everywhere after 100+ years. Be especially careful with:
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Never read anything about this before reading it
- And Then There Were None - Avoid all discussion
- Witness for the Prosecution - The twist is legendary
Modern Reading Considerations:
Some Christie novels contain period-typical attitudes and language that modern readers may find uncomfortable. Most editions now carry appropriate contextual notes.
The Ultimate Christie Challenge
For dedicated readers wanting to read everything:
Phase 1: The Essential 20 (listed above)
Phase 2: Complete Poirot novels
Phase 3: Complete Miss Marple novels
Phase 4: Tommy & Tuppence series
Phase 5: Remaining standalone novels
Phase 6: Short story collections
Phase 7: Mary Westmacott novels
Phase 8: Plays and poetry
Estimated time: 6-12 months for casual readers, 2-3 months for dedicated Christie marathoners
Ready to enter Christie's world? Start with And Then There Were None for the perfect mystery, or Murder on the Orient Express for classic Poirot. Just remember: save Curtain and Sleeping Murder for last—they're the final cases of Poirot and Marple respectively, and Christie intended them as farewells!