Where to Start With Agatha Christie Books
If you’re a fan of mystery and suspense, you’ve probably heard of Agatha Christie, the patron saint of thrilling crime reads. Christie’s published works — which range from short stories to full-length novels, full of unforgettable characters, mouth-dropping plot twists, and mystifying settings — are a global phenomenon. From the cozy confines of English country estates to the bustling glamor of exotic train journeys, Christie’s works have taken readers across the globe into plots laden with secrets waiting to be uncovered. Her work is so notable, in fact, that Christie is often considered the “Queen of Crime,” given that she is one of the most translated individual authors ever, even outranking the likes of William Shakespeare and Stephen King.
So whether you’re looking to get newly acquainted with Christie’s work or looking to dive back into rereading some of her best stories, we’ve got the list for you. These eight Agatha Christie books will transport you right into a world of cunning deceit and suspense.
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1
Add to BookshelfThe Mysterious Affair at Styles
by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s debut introduces the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the poisoning of a wealthy benefactress at Styles Court. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I England, the novel captures the essence of classic detective fiction.
In The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Christie welcomes Poirot — a meticulous, eccentric, and sharp detective who finds himself in several of her novels and short stories. As the lead investigator, Poirot navigates a complex web of characters within the Styles household in order to solve the crime: the victim’s husband, stepson, and even the victim’s long-time hired help. A classic locked-room mystery and the famed beginning of Poirot’s illustrious career, The Mysterious Affair at Styles is an evergreen classic in the world of mystery novels.
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2
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The Mystery of the Blue Train
by Agatha Christie
A glamorous journey aboard a train takes a dark turn when a wealthy heiress is found murdered, and her priceless jewels vanish. To solve the case, beloved and famed detective, Hercule Poirot, is summoned to investigate. With an estranged husband high on the list of suspects, and an intricate web of motives at play, Poirot stages an unnerving reenactment of the vicious and unsolved crime — all while the train, filled with potential suspects, hurtles through the picturesque landscapes of Europe. Dark, luxurious, and nail-bitingly suspenseful, The Mystery of the Blue Train combines all of the elements of a riveting crime novel: tough investigators, looming suspense, precious stolen goods, and more.
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3
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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
by Agatha Christie
In Christie’s most famous mystery, unreliable narrator Dr. James Sheppard details the shocking murder of wealthy widower Roger Ackroyd. Like in many other Christie novels, Detective Hercule Poirot comes onto the case to help dissect the intricate relationships and dark secrets that lie in the seemingly tranquil village of King’s Abbot. Poirot’s quick wit, sharp intuition, and reputation as a trusted investigator help reveal swirling rumors, expose motives, and identify the most suspicious of suspects. And in the end — well, there’s a reason why Christie is considered the Queen of Crime.
A heart-stopping crime novel that will have you at the edge of your seat, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a classic, popular read among Christie’s long list of fan favorites.
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4
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The Big Four
by Agatha Christie
Hercule Poirot and his identical twin, Achille Poirot, face their most formidable adversaries in The Big Four. In this fast-paced, immersive novel, a shadowy criminal organization threatens global stability, and Poirot, with his unmatched intellect, must navigate a world of espionage, deception, and interconnected mysteries. From the cities of London and Paris to Belgium and Italy, Poriot takes readers on an international journey in a race against time to dismantle the global evils at bay and restore order to the world. Always seemingly one step behind these nefarious forces, Poirot eventually finds himself in a life-or-death situation and depends on his identical brother to come to his rescue.
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5
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Poirot Investigates
by Agatha Christie
While Agatha Christie is well known for her novel-length mysteries, some of her most beloved stories are just that — short stories. In Poirot Investigates, Christie takes readers alongside the beloved detective as he tackles a diverse array of cases, from jewel thefts to mysterious disappearances. Just like Christie’s novel-length works, each short story and tale is just as gripping and captivating and gives readers a renewed chance to learn more about the wit, charm, and eccentricity of Poirot, who proves that even the smallest puzzle can be a gateway to thrilling mysteries. A must-read for any Agatha Christie fan or new reader, Poirot Investigates offers a page-turning adventure in every story.
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6
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The Man in the Brown Suit
by Agatha Christie
Adventure, romance, and intrigue collide as a young woman becomes entangled in a mysterious death at a London Underground station. An enigmatic man in a brown suit and a series of perplexing events propel the protagonist into a world of danger and conspiracy and across the globe to the likes of South Africa, where impressive socialites, stolen diamonds, and master criminals abound. Another story of world-traveling adventure, dark suspense, cunning characters, and more, Christie weaves yet another tale of high stakes, unexpected twists and turns, and a journey so thrilling it’s just as entertaining as the destination.
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7
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The Secret Adversary
by Agatha Christie
In The Secret Adversary, Christie introduces the dynamic duo of Tommy and Tuppence — a bickering team of friends — as they navigate a post-war world rife with political intrigue and espionage. Commissioned to find a missing woman, the pair becomes entangled in a web of secret agents, conspiracies, hidden agendas, and even dormant feelings about one another. Full of twists, disguises, and unexpected alliances, The Secret Adversary showcases Christie’s versatility in crafting gripping tales beyond the traditional detective genre, weaving in themes of love, friendship, and an unforgettable cast of quirky characters. For readers looking for a crime novel that incorporates elements of romance, The Secret Adversary fits the bill.
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8
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The Murder on the Links
by Agatha Christie
In The Murder on the Links, Poirot receives a letter from a wealthy man living in France who fears for his life and needs his help. Arriving too late to save him, however, Poirot discovers his body in a shallow grave on a golf course, with a cryptic note clutched in his hand. As Poirot investigates, he uncovers a complex web of motives, secrets, and a love triangle involving the man’s wife. Set against the backdrop of the French countryside, the novel is filled with twists and turns, as Poirot employs his brilliant deductive skills to unravel the mystery. As the investigation progresses, the reader is introduced to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets.
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