Welcome, fellow sleuth! If you’re here, you’ve probably been bitten by the Agatha Christie bug and are wondering, “Where do I start?” With a career spanning over 50 years and a bookshelf packed with classics, keeping track of all of Agatha Christie’s books in order can feel like solving one of her own mysteries. But don’t worry—I’m here to help you navigate the labyrinth of murder, red herrings, and detective brilliance.
Ready to dive in and solve this literary puzzle? Let’s sort through the Agatha Christie novels in order so you can enjoy them from the first clue to the final reveal. Poirot, Marple, and mysterious strangers await!
A Quick Guide to Christie’s Key Detectives
Before jumping into the list, meet her two greatest creations: Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Poirot, the Belgian detective with a knack for using his “little grey cells,” is meticulous and methodical. Miss Marple, on the other hand, is an unassuming old lady who solves mysteries by observing human nature. Both detectives bring their own flair, and reading their stories in order adds layers to their character development.
But Agatha didn’t stop there. She gave us standalone thrillers, psychological mysteries, and some of the best locked-room puzzles ever written. So, without further ado, let’s jump into Christie’s world—one chronological step at a time.
Agatha Christie Books In Order of Publication
1. The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920)
Here’s where it all began—Poirot’s first appearance. A wealthy woman is poisoned, and it’s up to Poirot to crack the case. This debut not only sets the stage for Hercule Poirot’s illustrious career but also gives readers their first taste of Christie’s love for intricate plots and shocking twists. It’s the one that started it all—so start here!
2. The Secret Adversary (1922)
Meet Tommy and Tuppence, a dynamic detective duo who trade banter and solve crimes with a healthy dose of humor. This lighthearted spy thriller is a departure from Poirot’s methodical style but offers a fun, adventurous romp through post-WWI Britain.
3. Murder on the Links (1923)
Poirot returns, this time solving a murder on a golf course. You might think golf is a slow game, but Christie proves it can be deadly. There’s a body, a love affair, and twists galore—classic Christie ingredients.
4. The Man in the Brown Suit (1924)
This is one of Christie’s early thrillers, where a young woman witnesses a suspicious death. Throw in diamonds, espionage, and exotic locations, and you’ve got yourself a page-turner. It’s a standalone novel, but it’s pure Christie fun.
5. The Secret of Chimneys (1925)
Expect a country house, political intrigue, and international conspiracies. Christie mixes mystery with action in this standalone, setting the stage for more of her famous house-bound whodunits.
6. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)
You can’t talk about Christie without mentioning The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. It’s one of the most famous twists in detective fiction and cemented Christie’s reputation as a genius. Poirot investigates the death of a wealthy man in a quiet village. The ending will leave you speechless—and flipping back through the pages.
7. The Big Four (1927)
This is Christie’s foray into international espionage and conspiracy, with Poirot up against a global crime syndicate. It’s a bit of a departure from the locked-room mysteries, but it’s a fast-paced thriller.
8. The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928)
Set on a luxury train, this Poirot novel combines romance, jewels, and murder. The glamorous setting makes it a fun and slightly lighter read, though the mystery remains as intricate as ever.
9. The Seven Dials Mystery (1929)
This novel serves as a sequel to The Secret of Chimneys, blending Christie’s love for secret societies and hidden clues. If you enjoyed her lighter thrillers, this one’s a must.
10. The Murder at the Vicarage (1930)
Enter Miss Marple! This is her first full-length novel, where a local man is found dead in a vicar’s study. Miss Marple uses her sharp observational skills and village gossip to solve the crime, proving that small-town life can be anything but dull.
11. Peril at End House (1932)
Poirot takes center stage again in this tense thriller. A young woman narrowly avoids several attempts on her life, and Poirot is on the case. It’s a classic mystery with an edge-of-your-seat plot.
12. Lord Edgware Dies (1933)
This time, Poirot is hired to help a woman who wants her husband dead. When the husband is found murdered, it seems like an open-and-shut case—except, in Christie’s world, nothing is ever that simple.
13. Murder on the Orient Express (1934)
This is one of the best-known Christie novels, and for good reason. Poirot investigates a murder on a snowbound train, where every passenger becomes a suspect. The twist at the end is legendary and has left readers in awe for decades.
Where to Go Next: Key Books to Follow
After these iconic first novels, the Christie world continues with classic after classic. Here are a few more that are essential reads:
- Death on the Nile (1937): Poirot investigates a murder during a luxurious cruise down the Nile.
- And Then There Were None (1939): Ten strangers are picked off one by one on a remote island. No detective here, but one of the best mysteries ever written.
- The Body in the Library (1942): Miss Marple proves that quiet village life is a hotbed of intrigue.
- A Murder is Announced (1950): Miss Marple returns to solve a case in a sleepy village where a murder is foretold in the local paper.
- Curtain (1975): Poirot’s final case, where he faces one last mystery. The book was written during WWII but wasn’t published until decades later. It’s a bittersweet conclusion to a legendary career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to read Agatha Christie’s books?
Starting with The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a great way to begin Poirot’s journey. For Miss Marple, go with The Murder at the Vicarage. However, Christie’s standalone novels can be read anytime, as they aren’t connected to her recurring characters.
Do I need to read the books in order?
Not necessarily! Christie’s books mostly stand alone, but reading them in order allows you to follow the character development of Poirot and Miss Marple. It’s a rewarding experience, but not mandatory.
How many Agatha Christie books feature Poirot and Miss Marple?
Hercule Poirot appears in 33 novels, while Miss Marple stars in 12 novels. Each detective has their own style, but both are iconic.