Top 10 Greatest Agatha Christie Novels

Agatha Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot, hunts for a serial killer who murders people with the same first initial in their first and last names. He was too late to save Alice Ascher, Betty Barnard and Carmichael Clarke. This is not only one of Agatha Christie’s best stories, but it is also one of the first ever serial killer novels. Something else that makes this novel unique is Christie’s use of both first and third person narratives. The arrogant killer leaves a trail of clues for Poirot to follow, which just might be his downfall.

The original title of this mystery was “Murder in Retrospect”, but, given its premise, “Five Little Pigs” is probably a more fitting name. Hercule Poirot is back again to investigate the five suspects of a sixteen year old murder case. Each of the possible killers tells Poirot their version of what happened, giving this novel a sort of Rashomon style of storytelling. To add some novelty to the mystery, each of the suspects’ alibis mirrors a line from the childhood song, Five Little Pigs. With so many different perspectives on the same tragic event, Poirot has his work cut out for him.

Nothing puts a damper on a vacation like discovering that there’s an attempted murderer on the loose. After witnessing an attempt on the life of Magdala "Nick" Buckley, Poirot puts her under his protection, hoping to prevent her murder. But who would want her dead? As he investigates, the plot thickens tenfold. The New York Times Book Review praised the novel as “diabolically clever”. Like many of Christie’s works, this book has been adapted into all different types of media including a graphic novel and even a computer game.

This one is yet another tale of Christie’s famous, world class sleuth, Hercule Poirot. As in “Peril at End House”, Poirot attempts to go on holiday. But there is just no rest for this detective. Shortly after his arrival to a seaside resort, amid a social powder keg of animosity and tension, a young woman, Arlena Stuart, is murdered. Christie’s clever use of red herrings and misdirection keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire read. Just try to keep up with Poirot as he narrows down the suspects and solves the mystery.

Step aside Hercule Periot. Christie’s 50th published book stars another one of her recurring detectives, Miss Marple. Taking place in post WWII Britain, the story sees someone anonymously posting an ad in the Chipping Cleghorn Gazette that promises an upcoming murder. With time running out for her to prevent the crime, Miss Marple must be at her very best. And this novel is in fact considered by many to be the best out of all of Miss Marple’s adventures. It’s also considered to be a classic in the crime fiction genre. Rumor has it, Christie tried out some of the schemes and misdirections used in this book on her neighbors.

Agatha Christie is famous for the “trapped with the killer” type of story, and this is one of her best. This novel takes place…you guessed it, along the Nile River in Egypt. While on a cruise, Poirot discovers that there’s a murderer hiding among the other passengers. Though Poirot must unravel many twists and turns along the way, he’s dogged in his pursuit of the truth. Reviewers praised this Christie work not just for its adventurous story, but also for its well developed characters. And, of course, for its climactic ending.

This novel is a particularly special one in Christie’s collection. It’s her first published novel ever, and on top of that, it’s also Hercule Poirot’s very first appearance. Plus, it serves as the introduction to some of Christie’s other recurring characters, Aurthur Hastings and Inspector Japp. When an acquaintance whom Hastings is staying with is poisoned, it’s up to Poirot to find her killer. Apparently, this first novel spawned from a dare propositioned by Christie’s sister. How awesome is that?! Christie may have never become the Queen of Mystery if not for this dare.

Just when he thought he was out, an unexpected murder pulls him back in. Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is brought out of a well-earned retirement when a friend is murdered. This is one of Christie's most well known and widely celebrated novels. By the nature of Christie’s whodunnit style of storytelling, pretty much all of her works have shocking reveals or twist endings. But this one stands out among the rest as, arguably, Christie’s best ever. In fact in 2013 it was voted as the best crime novel ever by the British Crime Writers’ Association. This is also Christie’s first book to ever be adapted; it was turned into a stage play called Alibi, and a movie a few years later.

Hercule Poirot finds himself trapped on a train stranded by snow with a killer among the passengers. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and the more clues he finds, the more they point him every which way. This novel was inspired by the tragic real life Lindbergh kidnapping and murder in 1932, as well as Christie’s personal adoration for the real Orient Express. It inspired many fans to ride the Orient Express themselves to confirm all of the minute details in the book. This one will keep you guessing all the way until the end.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Murder at the Vicarage” (1930)
Enter Miss Marple

“Murder is Easy” (1939)
Truth Is Harder

“Crooked House” (1949)
The Twistiest Tale of Them All

“Endless Night” (1967)
More Money, More Problems

“Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case” (1975)
The Belgian Detective’s Final Bow

This is probably Christie’s most famous “there’s a killer among us” whodunnit. You might not even realize that you’ve probably seen a version of this story referenced in pop culture before. The TV shows Family Guy and Boy Meets World have entire episodes paying homage. The book is not only the best selling mystery novel in the world, it is one of the best selling books of all time. After strangers are lured to a mansion on an island, they realize that a murderer is hunting them down one by one. The growing tension between the guests as they’re methodically narrowed down jumps right off the page.