(originally published June 14, 2018)
The first seven on this list I borrowed from The Agatha Christie Companion because they’re basically a sampler of the best of Christie’s style and voice. Not to mention her ability to craft a puzzle. I like them all, some more than others, so I’ve always thought they make a good start to a top ten.
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Poirot/book that made her famous & although controversial still considered her masterpiece
- Murder on the Orient Express – Poirot/probably her most well known even with its very improbable plot
- The ABC Murders – Poirot/serial killer? …. oddly probably my personal favorite Christi… odd because I don’t like serial killer stories
- Cards on the Table – Poirot/closed room
- And Then There Were None (US)/Ten Little Indians (EN) – another popular classic, many times imitated or spoofed
- Murder in Retrospect (US)/Five Little Pigs (EN) – Poirot/cold case
- A Murder is Announced – Miss Marple/village murder
These last three are my own additions to the above to round out my ten and, oddly, they are all anthologies which I think makes a nice addition anyway.
- Partners in Crime – Tommy & Tuppence Beresford set up a detective agency and I’ve always thought this one was better than any of the full novels featuring them
- Labors of Hercule – This one doesn’t get a lot of respect but I’ve always liked its whimsical approach to solving Poirot’s boredom
- The Mysterious Mr Quinn – The magical Mr Quinn featured in a set of off-beat mysteries, almost all with a mini-romance at its heart.