6 of the best Agatha Christie Mystery Novels You Must Read

A gatha Christie is one of the most accomplished writers of the 20th century. A master of story telling, she revolutionised an already rich genre of murder mystery with a dramatic flair that was unheard of before and since. She had written up to 60 novels during the course of her life, all of them are worth taking up in my opinion but here are 5 you must read if you enjoy a good mystery story. 

Murder on Orient Express 

This is easily the most popular Agatha Christie novel out there. It follows an iconic story which has been adapted in countless films, TV shows and plays. Released in 1934, the Book stars Hercule Poirat, a remarkable Belgian detective (who is a recurring main character of many Agatha Christie Mystery novels) as he investigates a murder on the Orient Express by one of the passengers. 

The Death on the Nile 

This 1937 classic is rated by many as the best Agatha Christie novel of all time and it yet again stars Detective Hercule Poirat as the lead character. A story very similar to the Murder on Orient Express, as it also starts on a mass transit but this time it is a cruise rather than a train. It follows a beautiful young woman called Linnet Ridgeway who was shot down after a group of passengers were overheard threatening to shoot her a few days prior. This story is set to be adapted for a feature film in 2022 starring Kenneth Branagh and Gal Gadot.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

This was the first ever novel written by Agatha Christie and incidentally, it is also the novel we would recommend if you are just starting out as an Agatha Christie reader because it would help you get used to the multiple suspects trope that is common in almost all Agatha Christie novels. Released in 1920, It follows the story of a world war I veteran who returns and encounters a particular family where something doesn't feel right. The stepmother of the family is murdered with poison and all of the family are suspects. The Veteran thus decides to ask for the help of Detective Poirat and this is the first time we witness the brilliance of this remarkable investigator. 

The Murder on the Vicarge 

Released in 1930, this was the first appearance of another famous recurring character called Miss Maple and her village St Mary Mead. It follows the murder of a despised magistrate which leads to his wife and her lover confessing to the crime. Howeve, the keen observations of Miss Maples absolves them of any wrongdoing and that leads to even more mystery. 

And Then There Were None 

Another classic that has inspired countless other stories, movies, TV shows and plays. The story has 10 strangers who all have committed wicked crimes, and are invited to a mysterious mansion on an isolated island for dinner. However, upon arriving, they learn that the hosts are not with them. You eventually also learn that there is a murderer amongst the guests who is systematically killing every single guest based on the pieces of a poem that is found in every room of the mansion.  

         The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

This story is one of Agatha Christie's most controversial but it is also one that launched her into the stratosphere as one of the best selling authors of all time. Roger Ackroyd is a man that is about to marry a widow. However, a few days before his wedding, the widow dies and then soon after he is found dead as well. It seems that Mr. Ackroyd had discovered something very disturbing about his former fiance's past, something which someone didn't want him to find out. 

        Conclusion 

You may feel like you have never encountered Agatha Christie's work but trust me, one way or another you have. Once you read and understand her signature style of writing, you will come across countless works of art that are consciously or unconsciously paying homage to her. This sort of impact truly makes her worthy of the title "the best selling author of all time" because even the works of art not made by her, were often sold because of her.

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• Mystery
• murder
• thriller
• suspense
• Agatha Christie