Agatha Christie—the unrivaled Queen of Mystery—has been delighting readers with her ingenious plots and unforgettable characters for many years. With more than 70 works, Christie’s work has truly stood the test of time. Her mastery of creating complex mysteries and keeping readers guessing until the end is a mark of her genius. In this article, we’ll explore several of the best books by Agatha Christie, organized by her early, middle, and late career works, and highlight her most iconic characters: Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Let’s get started!

What Are the Best Agatha Christie Books? Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple Series

We’re positive that if you love Agatha Christie books, you’re either a fan of Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple, or both. They stand as towering achievements in the detective genre. Hercule Poirot, a retired Belgian police officer turned private detective, is known for his meticulous and methodical approach and his reliance on the psychological aspects of crime. According to Poirot, “Hercule Poirot’s methods are his own. Order and method, and ‘the little grey cells’.”

In contrast, Miss Marple, an elderly spinster from the village of St. Mary Mead, solves mysteries with her keen understanding of human nature and the parallels she draws from village life. According to Miss Marple, “If people do not choose to lower their voices, one must assume that they are prepared to be overheard.“

Beyond these, Agatha Christie also wrote standalone novels and short stories and created other lesser-known detectives like Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, each bringing their unique flavor to the mystery genre. If you’ve never heard of the latter, check them at BooksRun: The Secret Adversary (Tommy and Tuppence), N or M?, By the Pricking of My Thumbs, and Postern of Fate. 

There are plenty of other interesting facts about Agatha Christie and her writing journey; here are a few of them:

1. Agatha Christie wrote her first detective novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, after a bet with her sister, Madge. The novel had been rejected by six publishers before it was actually published.
2. She is the only crime writer to have created two equally famous and much-loved characters—Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. The latter was inspired by her grandmother and her friends.
3. Murder on the Orient Express was inspired by Agatha Christie’s own experiences traveling on the luxurious train.
4. Agatha Christie suffered from seasickness, just like Hercule Poirot.
5. Hercule Poirot was given a full-page obituary in The New York Times when he died.

There are many more facts about Agatha Christie and her life and work on The Home of Agatha Christie website. 

Best Early Agatha Christie Books

Agatha Christie can truly be called one of the most famous and prolific writers of detective fiction. She wrote 79 crime novels, a short story collection, 19 plays under her own name, and 6 novels under the name of Mary Westmacott. Her works have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage plays. 

If you want to read some of her early works, here are some of Agatha Christie’s best books from her early period to start with:

• The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) is the first novel that introduces the beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and sets a high standard for the detective genre. We’d recommend starting your Agatha Cristie journey with this book.
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) is our second Agatha Christie book recommendation. It’s a revolutionary work in the mystery genre renowned for its surprising twist and unique narrative technique.
• Murder on the Orient Express (1934) is another Agatha Christie’s most famous works; it showcases Poirot’s brilliant deductive skills in a confined and elegant setting.

Mid-Career Highlights

• And Then There Were None (1939) is considered Agatha Christie’s masterpiece. The novel is a masterclass in suspense and plot construction. You won’t find any of Christie’s usual detective figures, though. Instead, it tells the story of ten strangers who are invited to an isolated island, and one by one, they begin to die. This novel has been adapted into numerous films and television shows, as well as a successful stage play.
• The Body in the Library (1942) is a quintessential Miss Marple mystery that exemplifies Christie’s skill in crafting puzzles in seemingly tranquil settings.
• A Murder is Announced (1950) blends social commentary with mystery. The book is another testament to Miss Marple’s unassuming yet sharp detective mind.

Notable Later Career Works

• The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side (1962) is also one of the best Agatha Christie books featuring Miss Marple. The novel delves into the complexities of human psychology and societal changes.
• Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case (1975) is Poirot’s final case, published posthumously, that brings a fitting end to the detective’s illustrious career.
• Sleeping Murder (1976) is Miss Marple’s last case, also published posthumously; however, Agatha Christie had written it during the Second World War. It’s a haunting tale that combines a retrospective mystery with sharp observations.

The Best Agatha Christie Books

It’s quite hard to make the list of the best-of-the-best Agatha Christie books since they are all great. Yet, there are definitely best-selling Agatha Christie books and those that are less known. Here are five best-sellers:

And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None is one of Agatha Christie’s most famous novels that we’ve already mentioned. It’s even considered a masterpiece of crime fiction that stands out for its lack of a conventional detective and its chilling premise of ten strangers being methodically murdered on an isolated island near the Devon coast. It’s a supreme example of suspense and a brilliant exploration of guilt and justice. If you’re looking for something filled with mystery and tension to the brim, this is the book for you. It’s the best-selling crime novel of all time, according to The Guardian.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

We’ve also mentioned the second book in this list of the best Agatha Christie books, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Renowned for its groundbreaking twist, this novel challenged and changed the conventions of the mystery genre. Its innovative narrative and the shocking revelation of the murderer’s identity have made it a seminal work in crime fiction. They even say that it’s a book that changed Agatha Christie’s career.

Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case

Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case is the third Agatha Christie best book ranked by various sources. It was published in 1975 and is notable for being Christie’s last novel, as well as the last to feature Poirot. So, it’s not just a mystery but a farewell to Hercule Poirot. The novel is set in Styles Court, the location of Christie’s first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, reunites Poirot and Hastings, and focuses on Poirot’s investigation into a series of murders that take place at the estate. The book has been adapted for television and film.

Death On The Nile

Death On The Nile is the fourth book we’ve selected. It has been adapted into a movie in 2022 by Kenneth Branagh. The story follows Poirot on his vacation as he travels on a steamship down the Nile River. During this trip, he discovers that one of his fellow passengers is a murderer. Poirot must quickly solve the mystery to prevent more deaths. The book not only has a thrilling and unexpected ending but also features excellent character development. The confined setting of the steamship adds to the book’s suspense. 

Murder on the Orient Express

Finally, Murder on the Orient Express. We’ve already mentioned this book, and it’s one of the early Agatha Christie works. The story follows Hercule Poirot on a train journey from Istanbul to London, where a passenger named Samuel Ratchett is murdered after receiving death threats. Poirot suspects everyone on the Orient Express and uncovers a complex conspiracy that goes beyond his initial expectations. This novel is one of Christie’s most celebrated works and has inspired numerous adaptations.

Agatha Christie’s books are a timeless source of mystery and suspense. Her works have defined and refined the detective genre, and her ability to keep her readers engaged and surprised, along with the unforgettable characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, make her the undisputed Queen of Mystery. If you want to read or re-read any of her books, you’ve come to the perfect place! At BooksRun, we have a vast selection of Agatha Christie’s works, including paperback and hardcover versions and new and used copies. To find the book you need, simply type in the title or browse our selection of Agatha Christie’s books. We hope you have a great time reading and exploring her world of mystery and intrigue!