Agatha Christie Books in Order

“The impossible could not have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.” — Murder on the Orient Express

Introduction: Where Do You Even Begin?

With over 80 novels, short stories, and plays to her name, Agatha Christie is the bestselling novelist of all time. But for new readers, the sheer volume can feel like solving a murder mystery without a detective. This guide is your reading roadmap — whether you want to follow Hercule Poirot’s adventures, sip tea with Miss Marple, or explore her chilling standalones.

We’ll cover:

Christie’s books in publication order
The best reading order for each detective
Top 10 must-read titles if you’re short on time
Bonus tips for collecting and gifting her books in 2025

Whether you’re a first-time reader or a completist, this guide will help you experience the Queen of Crime in the best way possible.

1. The Chronological Order of Agatha Christie’s Books (1920–1976)

Agatha Christie’s first novel (The Mysterious Affair at Styles, 1920) introduced the world to Hercule Poirot. She continued writing until her final book (Sleeping Murder, 1976). Here’s the full list in chronological order, grouped by decade.

The 1920s:

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920)
The Secret Adversary (1922)
Murder on the Links (1923)
See the full list of Agatha Christie's books by decade and detective on her author page.

2. Poirot, Marple & Beyond: Best Series Reading Orders

📚 Hercule Poirot Series (33 Novels, 50+ Stories)

If you’re reading Poirot chronologically, start with:

💡 Tip: Read “Curtain” last — it was written during WWII and stored in a bank vault!

🍵 Miss Marple Series (12 Novels + 20 Stories)

🧠 Tommy & Tuppence, Ariadne Oliver, Parker Pyne…

Don’t forget her lesser-known but delightful detectives. Add spice to your reading by weaving in these quirky sleuths.

3. The Top 10 Agatha Christie Books to Start With

And Then There Were None – The ultimate “no one is safe” thriller.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – The twist that changed the genre forever.
Murder on the Orient Express – Snow, suspicion, and symmetrical genius.
Death on the Nile – Jealousy, luxury, and a very dead heiress.
The ABC Murders – A serial killer and one of Poirot’s cleverest deductions.
The Body in the Library – Miss Marple’s most stylish case.
Five Little Pigs – A cold case with psychological bite.
The Moving Finger – Gossip meets murder.
Crooked House – Twisted family secrets with a chilling payoff.
Curtain – A farewell that feels like a curtain call for an era.

📦 Want a box set? We’ll link to some top-rated 2025 editions with affiliate links.

4. Gifting & Collecting Agatha Christie in 2025

Christie’s books are as giftable as they are readable. Here’s how to impress a mystery lover:

New 2025 Collector’s Editions: Foil covers, color-sprayed edges, and elegant typography make these perfect bookshelf candy. Browse featured editions
Box Sets by Theme: Try “Murder by the Sea,” “Locked Room Mysteries,” or “Women Who Sleuth.” See recommended bundles
Digital + Audiobook Pairings: Sync Kindle & Audible for the coziest crime experience. Explore audiobook options Pro tip: Pair Murder on the Orient Express with a train ticket or vintage map for an unforgettable present.

🎁 Pro tip: Pair Murder on the Orient Express with a train ticket or vintage map for an unforgettable present.

Conclusion: The Queen Still Reigns

Agatha Christie didn’t just write mysteries. She crafted puzzles, human portraits, and perfect plots. Her legacy endures because she understood not just how to kill—but how to keep us guessing.

No matter how you approach her work—in order, at random, or series-by-series—you’re stepping into one of the most iconic literary canons in history.

Happy sleuthing. And remember, the butler didn’t do it. Probably.

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