Top Ten Favorite AGATHA CHRISTIE Novels

I have been a fan of mystery novelist Agatha Christie ever since the age of thirteen (13), when I read one of her stories on a whim. Recently, I just finished reading another one of her novels and it occurred to me that after so many years, I am still a fan. Below is a list of my top ten (10) favorite novels written by her:


Top Ten Favorite AGATHA CHRISTIE Novels



1. "A Murder Is Announced" (1950) - This Jane Marple tale of murder, deception and mistaken identity became an early favorite of mine at the age of 15 and it still remains my favorite Christie novel of all time.





2. "Towards Zero" (1944) - This is one of the few Christie novels that did not feature either Hercule Poirot or Jane Marple. Instead, a recurring character named Superintendent Battle solves this surprisingly twisted mystery surrounding the death of a rich, elderly woman.





3. "Death on the Nile" (1937) - What started out as a holiday in Egypt for Hercule Poirot, ends in the investigation of the murder of a wealthy Anglo-American heiress on her honeymoon. The first Christie novel I have ever read and still a big favorite.





4. "A Caribbean Mystery" (1964) - This rich and atmospheric story features Jane Marple on holiday in the Caribbean. What started as a question asked by a retired Army officer ends in three murders at a tropical resort.





5. "4:50 From Paddington aka What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw" (1957) - A close friend of Jane Marple witness a murder and asks the elderly sleuth to look into the matter. With the help of a young woman named Lucy Eyelesbarrow, Miss Marple delves into the background of a noveau riche family to reveal the murderer. A solid story with some very interesting characters.





6. "Hercule Poirot's Christmas" (1938) - Hercule Poirot helps the police investigate the murder of the rich and eccentric Simeon Lee over the Christmas holidays. An excellent story filled with deception and a surprising ending.





7. "Murder on the Orient Express" (1934) - This famous story features Hercule Poirot solving the murder of a mysterious American aboard the famous Orient Express. Rich with characters and with a surprising conclusion that remains memorable after seven decades.





8. "Sleeping Murder" (1976) - This story about a young woman's memories of a past murder became the last published Jane Marple story . . . although not the last one written by Christie. Excellent story.





9. "The A.B.C. Murders" (1936) - Hercule Poirot is recruited by the police to solve a series of murders committed by what appears to be a serial killer. One of Christie's best from the 1930s.





10. "Nemesis" (1971) - This semi-sequel to "A Caribbean Mystery" features Jane Marple being hired by a dead acquaintance to solve the murder of a young woman, his son had been convicted for. A haunting story with an interesting conclusion.