There's nothing quite like curling up with a good murder mystery, and no one does it better than Agatha Christie. As the best-selling novelist of all time—only Shakespeare and the Bible have sold more—Christie has earned her title as the Queen of Crime. Her stories have captivated readers for over a century, and new adaptations keep her legacy alive, from BBC period dramas to Kenneth Branagh's star-studded blockbusters. Currently, the BBC and BritBox are producing a six-part series called Hercule, starring Edward Bluemel as a younger Hercule Poirot.
With 66 novels, 14 short story collections, around 25 plays, an autobiography, and six romantic novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, Christie's bibliography is vast. But where should a newcomer start? Here's a curated list of essential Christie reads that belong on every mystery lover's bucket list.
The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948)
If you're feeling daunted by Christie's sheer volume, her short stories are a perfect entry point. The Witness for the Prosecution stands out among them. Originally published in 1925, it became the centerpiece of a 1948 collection. Christie herself adapted it for the stage, and a revival still runs in London's County Hall. The story begins with the arrest of Leonard Vole, a charming young man accused of murdering wealthy Emily French, who named him her heir. His wife, Romaine, agrees to testify—but shocks everyone by appearing for the prosecution. With its courtroom drama and multiple twist endings across adaptations, this tale remains a gripping exploration of truth and deception.
Hercule Poirot's Christmas (1938)
Christie's publisher famously used the slogan "a Christie for Christmas" to boost holiday sales, and this novel is one of her few festive offerings. Dedicated to her brother-in-law, who craved a bloody murder, Hercule Poirot's Christmas delivers exactly that. When wealthy Simeon Lee gathers his estranged family for the holidays, a scream and crashing furniture herald his violent death in a locked room. Poirot must untangle a web of family secrets. If you're tired of saccharine holiday tales, this is the perfect antidote.
Curtain: Poirot's Last Case (1975)
Whatever you do, don't read this one first. Curtain is Poirot's final case, returning to Styles Court, the setting of his first English mystery. A frail Poirot believes a murderer is about to strike again, and he's determined to stop them. Written during WWII but locked away for decades, this novel is one of Christie's most serious and ethically complex works. It offers a conclusion to Poirot's story that is as fascinating as it is poignant. Save it for after you've savored the detective's earlier adventures.
Five Little Pigs (1942)
Christie loved nursery rhymes, and Five Little Pigs uses "This Little Piggy" as a framing device for a 16-year-old murder case. Poirot is asked to re-investigate the death of a woman whose husband was convicted of the crime. Through interviews with the five suspects, Poirot pieces together the truth, revealing how love, jealousy, and betrayal can poison even the closest relationships. It's a masterclass in psychological mystery.
These are just a few of Christie's essential works. For more literary bucket lists, check out our picks for fantasy books worth the hype or ranked Red Rising trilogy. And if you're in the mood for a different kind of mystery, our sci-fi miniseries bucket list has you covered.
Whether you're a seasoned Christie fan or a newcomer, these novels offer a perfect blend of intrigue, clever plotting, and timeless appeal. So grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite chair, and let the Queen of Crime guide you through a world of secrets and surprises.
