How to Read Agatha Christie Books in the Right Order

Agatha Christie

June 1, 2025 · 10 min read

How to Read Agatha Christie Books in the Right Order

Agatha Christie is the undisputed Queen of Crime, with a legacy that includes over 80 detective novels, numerous plays, and short story collections. Her most famous detectives—Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple—have become cultural icons, featured in countless adaptations across film, TV, and theater.

With so many books available, new readers often wonder: Where should I start? While Christie's novels can generally be enjoyed as standalones, there’s a deeper experience when following the chronology of her key characters.

Why Follow a Reading Order?

Reading Agatha Christie's novels in a recommended order allows you to:

Witness the evolution of her iconic detectives over time
Catch subtle references and recurring characters
Appreciate her changing style and narrative techniques

This guide includes:

Core books for Hercule Poirot, starting with his first appearance in The Mysterious Affair at Styles.
Major stories featuring Miss Marple, beginning with The Murder at the Vicarage.
Must-read standalones like And Then There Were None, one of the best-selling mysteries of all time.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just starting your journey into Christie’s world of clever twists and red herrings, this guide will help you experience her timeless mysteries the way they were meant to unfold.