Choosing 5 of my favourite Agatha Christie stories was actually much easier than I thought. Although the ‘Queen of Mystery’ wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, I had no problem coming up with my favourites in just a few minutes.
I have to admit – it’s been YEARS since I’ve read any Agatha Christie stories. But this year I’ll be re-reading several of Christie’s stories for the #ReadChristie2020 Reading Challenge. So before I start my re-reads, I thought I’d share some of my favourite Agatha Christie stories.
In fact, there’s a lot going on because 2020 marks the 100th Anniversary of the publication of Christie’s first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles – the book that introduced Hercule Poirot to the world. For more info and a whole bunch of Christie related content, visit agathachristie.com.
Note: There are many variations of book covers for each story, so I’ve tried to choose a few different styles to feature.
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And Then There Were None
Even if this wasn’t written by Christie, it would be one of my favourite stories of all time. It’s the perfect mystery story and has been adapted for TV, film and stage many times.
The suspense of the people trapped together on an island with a murderer is almost unbearable. With no way out and not knowing who they can trust, it’s not hard to imagine how terrified and helpless they felt.
The ending is a masterpiece and reminds me of why Christie’s stories are still so great to read, after all this time.
Quick blurb: A mysterious Mr. U.N. Owen invites ten strangers to isolated Soldier Island. Marooned on the island by a storm, each person is accused of a terrible crime. When one of the group suddenly dies the other guests realise there may be a murderer among them. The tension escalates as the survivors are killed off one by one…
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Murder on the Orient Express
Another one of Christie’s famous stories, this story features Detective Hercule Poirot travelling on a train with a variety of characters. Of course, a murder occurs and Poirot steps up to investigate. I think the romance of train travel and the colourful characters makes this story very memorable. Plus, I think it’s one of Poirot’s best cases.
I’ve seen several adaptations of this story. The most recent film version (released in 2017) is by Kenneth Branagh and has a star-studded cast. But my choice is still the 1974 film, which has an equally impressive cast and (to me) a much more convincing Poirot.
Quick blurb: A luxury train, the Orient Express, has been stopped mid-journey when its train tracks are covered by a snowdrift. As the crew work to dig the train out, the body of an American tycoon is found in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times. Detective Hercule Poirot tries to unravel the mystery before the train arrives at its destination. To make things more complicated, the victim’s door was locked from the inside and no one on the train admits to knowing who he is.
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N or M
Lesser know than Poirot or Miss Marple, one of my favourite detective duos by Christie is Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. The adventurous duo make a great couple and I love that Christie depicted them (in different stories) as both just starting out, and then later in life with kids.
In fact, I highly recommend any of Christie’s stories featuring Tommy and Tuppence. They are so much fun as detectives and are quite different from the straight-laced Poirot or the mild-mannered Marple.
Quick blurb: During World War II the RAF struggles to keep the Luftwaffe at bay but Britain faces a different kind of threat. To root out Nazi spies posing as ordinary British citizens, the Intelligence service hires Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. Their assigned mission is to find a man and a woman (N and M) at Sans Souci, a seaside hotel. N and M have just murdered Britain’s top agent and need to be caught before they kill again.
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The Body in the Library
This actually isn’t my favourite Miss Marple story, but it’s one that I have a really personal connection with so I decided to include it in the list. If you want to read what my connection is, check out this post.
Personal coincidences aside, this is one story I’m looking forward to re-reading since I barely remember what it’s about or how it’s resolved. So, it will almost be like I’m reading it for the first time when I pick it up again this year.
Quick blurb: The Bantry family wake up and discover the body of a young woman in their library. The woman has on heavy makeup and an evening gown. The problem is that no one knows who she is or how she got there. Later, another girl turns up dead, this time at an abandoned quarry. The Bantrys, hoping to avoid a scandal, invite Miss Marple to try and solve the mystery.
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The Hound of Death
This short story is probably not as well known as many of other Christie’s stories. None of her famous detectives are involved, and it hasn’t been adapted into a TV show or a film (that I know of. But I read this many years ago and have never forgotten the story.
This case is less of a mystery story and has a more supernatural feel to it. I’m not sure why this one sticks out in my mind so vividly, but it’s a powerful story. If you like mystery, missing civilizations and the supernatural, you might find this Christie amongst your favourites too.
Quick blurb: The story focuses on a nun who was traumatised by a mysterious incident during the Great War. As her doctor attempts to restore her sanity, the story of the nun’s experience leads to more questions, and the discovery of a power that might be better left staying hidden.
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So that’s it for this Friday! I’m sure I’ll be posting a lot more about Agatha Christie as the year continues and I try and finish #ReadChristie2020.
Have you read any Agatha Christie? If so, which one(s) are your favourites? If not, are there any you would consider reading?
Every Friday, I share five things that have caught my interest – from my favourite book blog posts to my favourite bookstagram accounts, from random book lists I’ve put together to my current shopping list of bookish gifts. Have an idea for a future “5 for Friday” post? Leave a comment and let me know!
Interesting selection!
Hardly anyone recommends or chooses as their favourite,’The Hound Of Death’
Thanks Rachel! I know, The Hound of Death is a weird one, and it’s so different from most of her other stories. It just really stood out to me. It would probably make a really interesting film or TV adaptation, that’s for sure! Do you have a favourite Christie story?
Great segment! I absolutely adore Agatha Christie’s work. Have you played the ‘And Then There Were None’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ PC games? They’re point and click puzzle games. I’d read both books by the time I played them and found them very enjoyable.
Hi Tahnee, I don’t think I have! But now I think I absolutely have to! I love those point & click puzzle games! I will have to look for them – I don’t have a PC so hopefully there’s a MAC compatible version. Have you ever played the Nancy Drew ones? They’re pretty fantastic too! Thanks for telling me about the games!
Hi Stephanie,
No, I haven’t. I might have to look those up. I hope you enjoy the Agatha Christie ones!
my favourites have to be death on the Nile and then there were none!
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I’ve been listening to a bunch of Agatha Christie books lately and I have Death on the Nile up next. It’s been so long since I read it that I can’t remember what happened so it’s going to be a lot of fun to get to it again!