Agatha Christie, Great Britain's Queen of Crime, wrote over 30 novels and 50 short stories in her lifetime. Such a collection of works can seem intimidating to readers who want to get into Christie's mysteries, but don't quite know where to start.
Below are five Christie novels that you should definitely read and that will introduce you to her rich world of mystery.
1. "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd"
"The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it."
First published in 1926, "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" follows detective Hercule Poirot as he seeks to solve the murder of his friend. This is the novel that made Agatha Christie famous, and, in 2013, it was voted the best crime novel to date.
2. "Murder on the Orient Express"
"But I know human nature, my friend, and I tell you that, suddenly confronted with the possibility of being tried for murder, the most innocent person will lose his head and do the most absurd things."
Also featuring Hercule Poirot, "Murder on the Orient Express" was publish in 1934 and takes place on a speeding train toward London. Poirot must use his "little grey cells" to solve a bamboozling mystery, and readers will be captivated from beginning to end.
3. "And Then There Were None"
"There was something magical about an island - the mere word suggested fantasy. You lost touch with the world - an island was a world of its own. A world, perhaps, from which you might never return."
"And Then There Were None" was published in the United States in 1939, and the title of the novel is a reference to the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Indians." The novel follows ten individuals and their journey to a remote island due to a mysterious request and their eventual demise. It is Christie's most well-loved novels and has been adapted into several movies and miniseries throughout the years.
4. "The Moving Finger"
"In everybody's life there are hidden chapters which they hope may never be known."
Christie's "The Moving Finger," first published in 1942, features Miss Marple, an elderly, adventurous amateur-detective who sets out to solve a perplexing murder when all hope seems lost.
5. "Cat Among the Pigeons"
"...I often think that's the only thing the world really needs - just a bit of common sense."
One of her later novels, "Cat Among the Pigeons" came upon the scene in 1959 and takes place at an English boarding school. The novel is full of intriguing characters and suspense, making for a very good read for all.
Agatha Christie wrote many books, but the above mentioned novels were some of her favorites and have continued to delight readers. Consider picking up a copy of one of them today!
