What Agatha Christie Book Should I Start With?

Just started getting into murder mysteries and/or Agatha Christie?

Finding out exactly where to start with her books can seem daunting (especially considering she wrote over sixty-five novels and fourteen short story collections!)

Which book to start with

So let’s cut to the chase: we’re going to give our opinion, as well as the opinions of other Agatha Christie lovers on the internet as to what book you should start with

1. Murder On the Orient Express

2017 movie adaptation

“Murder On the Orient Express” is a great first Agatha Christie book to start with! This was my first novel of Christie’s, as well as many others’. It’s setting is a lavish train in Europe, where an avalanche quickly turns things upside down.

This book is often suggested due to the “novelness” of having such a twist ending (we won’t spoil it!), as well as being a great introduction into one of Agatha’s longest running characters (Poirot)

2. And Then There Were None

Partial inspiration for the 2022 film "Glass Onion"

Another great starting point, “And Then There Were None” is set on a private island. Ten strangers, each with their own sins, are invited by a host — who fails to appear.

It’s relatively short at 272 pages. It also (as of this article’s writing) was partial inspiration for Glass Onion

Wanna know more about the inspiration for "Knives Out" & "Glass Onion" (it's a lot of Agatha Christie)? Check this article out!

3. The Mysterious Affair at Styles

That coffee looks so good right now...

“The Mysterious Affair at Styles” follows Poirot (a Belgian refuge) as he attempts to solve the mystery as to why Emily Inglethorp was murdered in her own home.

This book is the chronological choice for a starting novel, as it’s Christie’s first novel and the audience’s first introduction to the long running character of Hercule Poirot. The introduction of Poirot is important early on, as to watch the relationship between him and Hastings grow.