24 Best Agatha Christie Books of All Time

Agatha Christie is one of the best mystery writers of all time, but what are her most beloved books? We listed the best Agatha Christie books in our guide for you to find out! 

Agatha Christie is often called the “Queen of Mystery.” This prolific author wrote detective stories and plays renowned for plot twists. Christie takes readers from London, England, to the Middle East in her tales of murder and mystery.

Christie was born in 1890 and died in 1976. She has 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, and several plays. She has sold over one billion copies of the English translations of her books since she started writing.

1. And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None is a mystery novel Christie published in 1939. It sold over 100 million copies. This story’s basis is the nursery rhyme “Ten Little Indians.” Ten people come to an island after receiving an unexpected invitation in the story. Though seemingly strangers to each other, they each die off in a manner as the poem describes. The true killer doesn’t come to light until the very end.

“In the midst of life, we are in death.”

Agatha Christie, And Then There Were None

2. The Mysterious Affair At Styles

The Mysterious Affair at Styles introduced one of Christie’s most popular characters: Inspector Hercule Poirot. This book was also the first published work for Christie, hitting bookshelves in 1920. Critics received the story well as they walked alongside the sleuth for the first time, trying to solve a murder.

This novel occurs in Styles Court when the household discovers that Emily Inglethorp, the state owner, is dead from poisoning. What follows is a mystery full of twists and turns as the detective tries to figure out who did it. You might be interested in exploring political thriller novels, check out our round-up of the best Jack Carr books. You can also use the search bar at the top right of the page to search for the best authors.

“Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored.”

Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair At Styles

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3. The Murder At The Vicarage

The Murder at the Vicarage is the first book to feature Miss Jane Marple, another memorable character. The Miss Marple Mysteries are some of her more famous books, and this particular title was published in 1930. It is set in the village of St. Mary Mead, the setting for many of Miss Marple’s books. In the story, Miss Marple is brought into the tale when the telephone operator accidentally connects the friend of the murder victim to her, and she decides to see if she can help. 

“The young people think the old people are fools — but the old people know the young people are fools.”

Agatha Christie, The Murder At The Vicarage

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4. Death On The Nile

Death on the Nile is the 17th Poirot book. In the story, a cruise along the Nile River turns into a murder scene when a stylish young woman is found dead. Detective Poirot must figure out who is responsible for the crime. Death on the Nile is sometimes confused with a short story that Christie wrote earlier in 1937 for The Saturday Evening Post.

“It often seems to me that’s all detective work is, wiping out your false starts and beginning again.”

Agatha Christie, Death On The Nile

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5. Murder On The Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express is one of the most famous of Christie’s books, with radio, film, and television adaptations. It even has a computer game and board game that carries its name.

The Orient Express comes to a halt during the night due to snow drifting onto the tracks. In the morning, a man lies dead. Lucky for the passengers, one of the vacationers on the train is none other than Poirot, who was set on tracking down the murderer before they took another victim.

“The impossible could not have happened; therefore, the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.”

Agatha Christie, Murder On The Orient Express

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7. The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd deserves a spot on this list because it does not follow the traditional Christie style. It has a twist ending that significantly impacted the detective novel genre, and in 2013 the British Crime Writers’ Association called it the “best crime novel ever.”

In this book, Poirot is called out of retirement when a wealthy widow takes her own life, and then soon after, her fiancé, Roger Ackroyd, is murdered. As Poirot investigates, a shocking twist reveals who the real murderer is after a series of carefully planted red herrings.

“The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.”

Agatha Christie, The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd

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8. Five Little Pigs

Five Little Pigs is the 25th Poirot book. Christie published it in 1942 under the title Murder in Retrospect. Critics called the ending of the book completely satisfying. Though it appears to be an open and shut case, the murder of Caroline Crale’s husband is anything but. Sixteen years after her death, a letter indicates she is innocent. Poirot must reopen the case to see what really happened in the case.

“What you do not understand is that there are things that cannot be bought.”

Agatha Christie, Five Little Pigs

9. Crooked House

Published in 1949 and the 49th book by the Queen of Mystery, Crooked House had a surprise ending that kept even the biggest Christie fans guessing. It was adapted into film and radio after its publication.

Crooked House opens with the death of Aristide Leonide, a wealthy man with a beautiful widow who seems to be a prime suspect. This book is narrated by Charles Hayward, the detective who eventually figures out who did it. 

“Curious thing, rooms. Tell you quite a lot about the people who live in them.”

Agatha Christie, Crooked House

10. Endless Night

Christie wrote Endless Night in just six weeks in 1967. It is based on the poem Auguries of Innocence by William Blake. It is the story of Michael Rogers, who must find the truth about the menace of Gipsy’s Acre, where the narrator Rogers wants to settle down with his new bride. This tale, true to the style of Christie, features a plot twist few can see coming.

“Some are born to sweet delight, Some are born to endless night.”

Agatha Christie, Endless Night

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11. Peril At End House

Poirot book eight is a favorite of many Christie fans. Published in 1932, Peril at End House also features Chief Inspector Japp and Arthur Hastings. Reviewers found the plot particularly clever, and it has had a stage, radio, film, television, and computer game adaptations. In this story, Poirot and Hastings stay at a Cornish resort when they discover a woman with a target on her back; Poirot must find out who wants the woman dead before a calamity occurs.

“Poirot,” I said. “I have been thinking.” “An admirable exercise, my friend. Continue it.”

Agatha Christie, Peril At End House

12. Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case

The 42nd Poirot book is the last to feature the brilliant detective. Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case ends satisfyingly as he ties together some of his best cases. Christie published this book in 1975.

This book fittingly brings the characters back to the country house that appeared in The Mysterious Affair at Styles. It also has several murders, giving the famous detective quite the mystery to solve for his last one. Want to read the books of the “Queen of Suspense”? Check out our round-up of the best Mary Higgins Clark books! Or use the search bar at the top right of the page to search for the best authors.

“Everyone is a potential murderer-in everyone there arises from time to time the wish to kill-though not the will to kill.”

Agatha Christie, Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case

13. Evil Under The Sun

Published in 1941, Evil Under the Sun is book 42 in the Poirot mystery series. Critics enjoyed this work, though they did indicate the intricate nature of the murder was a little far-fetched. Evil Under the Sun again finds Poirot on holiday, only to be caught up in a murder of a beautiful woman named Arlena Stuart. The woman was not well-liked; Poirot must figure out who would want her dead.

“Ah! Madame, I reserve the explanations for the last chapter.”

Agatha Christie, Evil Under The Sun

14. The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap is one of the most famous Christie plays. It is the longest-running play in history and opened at the Theatre Royal in 1952. Its setting is Monkswell Manor, an inn run by Mollie and Giles Ralston.

The play opens with the murder of Maureen Lyon, followed by a series of additional murders. The nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice” is the play’s central theme. Detective Sergeant Trotter appears to be the one solving the crime.

“The only people who really know what other people are like are artists—and they don’t know why they know it!”

Agatha Christie, The Mousetrap

15. The A.B.C Murders (Hercule Poirot, #13)

The A.B.C. Murders is the thirteenth novel in the Hercule Poirot series and is considered one of Agatha Christie’s best works. The novel follows detective Hercule Poirot, a classic character of Christie’s, while he tries a mysterious series of murders. 

These murders are like none seen before; they follow the death of Alice Asher (A), followed by Betty Bernard (B), but who will be victim C? Follow Poirot’s hunt for the serial killer in this thrilling novel to find out if he manages to reach the next victim before the killer strikes again. 

 “Our weapon is our knowledge. But remember, it may be a knowledge we may not know that we possess.”

Agatha Christie, The A.B.C Murders

16. The Man In The Brown Suit

The Man in the Brown Suit was published in 1924 that introduces a new character in Christie’s books – Colonel Race. The plot of this novel follows Anne Beddingfeld, an average woman living in London. 

She comes across a piece of paper left at a crime scene where a man died in the tube station. This piece of paper holds a message that leads her to South Africa, and she begins to piece together the mysterious death she witnessed. 

This adventure comes full circle when the murderer attempts to kill her on the ship to Cape Town. This novel is full of adventure and follows the experiences of Anne as she uncovers the truth, no matter the cost.

“I had the firm conviction that, if I went about looking for adventure, adventure would meet me halfway. It is a theory of mine that one always gets what one wants.”

Agatha Christie, The Man in the Brown Suit

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17. The Body in the Library

The Body in the Library is a classic novel in Christie’s repertoire featuring a beloved character – Miss Marple. Published in 1842, this novel is a stunning work of detective fiction that examines a murder mystery where a body is found in the library.

Picture the scene – Mrs. Bantry wakes to find a body in her library, and she calls only one woman – Miss Jane Marple. The body has been murdered, and she knows that only the best detective can handle the case. However, the investigation uncovers a scandal far darker than she ever imagined. Can Miss Marple handle the case? There’s only one way to find out.

“No innocent person ever has an alibi.”

Agatha Christie, The Body in the Library

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18. The Murder On The Links

The Murder on the Links was published in 1923 and features fan favorites – Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings. This novel was loved by readers and compared to the works of Arthur Conan Doyle in his Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

On a French golf course, a millionaire was found stabbed in the back. Poirot is called to France to assist immediately, but it is too late to save his client, who is found in a shallow grave upon arrival. Many suspicious elements are attached to this murder, and Poirot is on the case to solve the depths of this mystery.

 “Some of the greatest criminals I have known had the faces of angels.”

Agatha Christie, The Murder on the Links

19. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (Hercule Poirot #20)

A festive novel by Agatha Christie, published in 1938 – Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is set in the home of multi-millionaire Simeon Lee at Christmas. His family gathers at his home, which is met with suspicion, as the family is not on good terms. After dinner on Christmas Eve, screams are heard, and Simeon is found dead. In classic “Whodunnit?” style, beloved detective Poirot arrives at the scenes to get to the bottom of the case. 

“It is the quietest and meekest people who are often capable of the most sudden and unexpected violence for the reason that when their control does snap, it goes entirely. (Hercule Poirot)”

Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas

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20. A Murder is Announced

A Murder Is Announced a favorite amongst fans of Agatha Christie and is often claimed to be the best Miss Marple novel. It was published in 1950 as a special edition because this book is Agatha Christie’s 50th published novel. 

In the small town of Chipping Cleghorn, Jane Marple finds a curious advertisement in the local gazette announcing that murder will occur on Friday at 6:30 PM. Assuming this is a hoax or a joke, Miss Marple thinks nothing of it, to begin with. 

However, panic ensues when the lights go out at the chosen location at the set time. Only one person is equipped to handle such a scary and mysterious event, following along as Miss Marple scrambles to find the killer before the next attack.

“In an English village, you turn over a stone and have no idea what will crawl out. Miss Marple”

Agatha Christie, A Murder Is Announced

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21. 4:50 from Paddington

4:50 from Paddington is a fiery thriller set on a train. Two trains run side by side for a split second, and as this occurs, Elspeth witnesses a murder through the window of her carriage. As she watches the passing carriage, a man is ruthlessly murdered, but she is the only witness.

After the train passes, she is left with the weight of what she has just seen, but who will believe her story? Miss Marple is the first detective that comes to mind. With no suspects, no other witnesses, and no corpse, Marple has to use her wit to solve this case.

“Everybody in St. Mary Mead knew Miss Marple; fluffy and dithery in appearance, but inwardly as sharp and as shrewd as they make them.”

Agatha Christie, 4:50 from Paddington

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22. Poirot Investigates (Hercules Poirot #3)

Published in 1924, Poirot Investigates is the third novel in the Hercule Poirot series. This novel is a series of short stories following Poirot as he uncovers each case. This short story collection features a mystery film star and a precious diamond, a faked suicide, a suspicious death in a locked gun room, a million-dollar bond robbery, and more! Jam-packed with thrilling twists and turns, Poirot takes on every challenge in this exciting collection.

“With method and logic one can accomplish anything!”

Agatha Christie, Poirot Investigates

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23. The Secret Adversary (Tommy and Tuppence Mysteries #1)

The Secret Adversary is the first novel in Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence Mysteries which follows Tommy and Tuppence – a young couple who are in love, short of money, and ready for an exciting adventure. 

Their first assignment is for a mysterious character called Mr. Whittington. All Tuppence has to do is pose as an American named Jane Finn in Paris. This seems easy at first, but nothing is this straightforward as mysterious disappearances, bribes, and threats come into play. This novel is an exciting tale that tackles themes of love, mystery, murder, and morals. 

 “Never tell all you know—not even to the person you know best.”

Agatha Christie, The Secret Adversary

24. Hallowe’en Party (Hercule Poirot #41)

Hallowe’en Party is a haunting tale in the Hercule Poirit series that involves a Halloween party, where a hostile thirteen-year-old who claims that she once witnessed a murder. When no one believes her, she heads home, but within hours her body is found still in the house. This Halloween-themed murder mystery involves scares, thrills, and the classic twists and turns that make Christie’s work so memorable.

“You want beauty,” said Hercule Poirot. “Beauty at any price. For me, it is truth I want. Always truth.”

Agatha Christie, Hallowe’en Party

FAQs About The Best Agatha Christie Books

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this list of the best Agatha Christie books, you might also like our round-up of the best crime thriller authors.