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Books To Read If You Love Agatha Christie Mysteries
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items I'm a huge murder mystery fan, and of course Agatha Christie was the grand dame of the genre. I love the setting and characters (especially Hercule Poirot), but at the heart, her cozy mysteries are intricate puzzles. The bummer about being a Christie... (Some of the links on this list are affiliate links, for items that I love and recommend. If you purchase something through these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
Sections
7
There's Something About Agatha
But...It Had to Be One of Us!
Team Poirot
Team Marple
Can't Wait For These!
Reader Resources
There's Something About Agatha
Learn more about Agatha Christie and her life.
I learned so much about the Queen of Crime in this fascinating biography of Agatha Christie. I was a already a big fan of Lucy Worsley from her history documentaries, so I got the audiobook, and I'm glad I did. You could hear Worsley's love and enthu...
Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley
Some people have criticized Agatha Christie's for not addressing her infamous disappearance, but I kind of love that she practices “show, don't tell” in the story of her life. She addresses joys and pains, and it's all in her unique voice.
Agatha Christie - An Autobiography
No dead bodies in this one. Agatha was an adventurer, accompanying her second husband Max Mallowan on archaeological digs in the Middle East in the 1930's. (Those trips provided fodder to several Poirot stories including Murder in Mesopotamia and Dea...
Come, Tell Me How You Live by Agatha Christie
Visiting Agatha Christie's home is on my bucket list. I just don't want to get trapped there like these poor tourists. (Although it would definitely make an excellent opening scene to a mystery!)
Greenway House - Agatha Christie's Home
With a good section devoted to Agatha Christie, this documentary delves into the historical true crime and cultural phenomenon that's driven the fascination with murder in Great Britain over the years.
A Very British Murder with Lucy Worsley, Season 1
If you're in Torquay (Agatha Christie's birthplace), this tour is a must. Learn about her life in the place she called home.
Agatha Christie walking tour - the story of her extraordinary life
Definitely a bucket list item, but how amazing would it be to travel on The Orient Express? (And…not get murdered on it, of course.)
La Dolce Vita, visit Italy by Orient Express train
But...It Had to Be One of Us!
I love a good isolation trope, and these authors use it to excellent effect. Islands, manor houses, retreats, oh my!
The quintessential isolated location murder mystery…with a quintessential Christie twist, of course.
And Then There Were None
Everybody's invited to a wedding…and a murder. Lucy Foley has been compared to a modern day Christie, and this fun, twisty mystery is a good reason why. It was also a Reese's Book Club pick.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
If you liked Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, this will be right up your alley. It has that same claustrophobic, “who's hiding what?” and “who's about to die next?” feel.
One by One by Ruth Ware
Told through e-mail exchanges, this modern version of an epistolary novel is a wild ride. It took me a few chapters to get into the unique storytelling style, but once I did, I was absolutely hooked. It kept me guessing the whole way through, and I c...
The Appeal: A Novel by Janice Hallett
Man, what is it about getting locked into a snowy mountain retreat that turns people into cold-blooded killers? Well, this is one of the most claustrophobic, fast-paced mysteries in the locked-room genre, and I enjoyed it immensely.
1222: Hanne Wilhelmsen Novel by Anne Holt
A great locked room mystery (and the start to a wonderful series starring the sleuth Inspector Adam Dalgliesh). P.D. James has the feel of a Golden Age mystery writer even though her career spanned the decades after it.
Cover Her Face: An Adam Dalgliesh Mystery a book by P. D. James
Team Poirot
Ahh, Hercule Poirot, that brilliant detective with the little grey cells and the fussy mustaches. I'm #TeamPoirot forever, but I'm always on the lookout for a sleuth who can come close to matching his whodunit prowess.
Just including this on the crazy off-chance that you stumbled onto this list, haven't read any Hercule Poirot books, and want to know where to start. The Mysterious Affair at Styles was Agatha Christie's first book (written on a dare from her sister,...
The Mysterious Affair At Styles: Hercule Poirot #1
While Styles might be Poirot's first appearance, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is Christie's masterpiece. Simply put, the perfect murder mystery.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
I'm always surprised when I meet readers who love Agatha Christie novels but haven't read her short stories. They're definitely worth a read.
Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories
Sophie Hannah was chosen by Agatha Christie's estate to continue Poirot's legacy in a series of new mysteries (with a new sidekick, Edward Catchpool of Scotland Yard, to replace Captain Hastings). Are these as perfect and brilliant as Christie's Poir...
The New Hercule Poirot Mystery by Sophie Hannah
If you read any book on this list, I hope this is it. The Magpie Murders series by Anthony Horowitz is basically a love letter to Poirot. If you're not familiar with Horowitz, he wrote 11 of the 70 screenplays for Poirot, the TV series. Magpie Murders is a clear homage to the beloved Belgian detective--it's also an incredibly clever murder mystery within a murder mystery. I don't want to give too much away, but if you're #TeamPoirot, these are must-reads.
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Set just after World War I, this story did a great job of evoking that early Poirot era. I loved that the author took on the issue of race and racism in an authentic way that melded seamlessly into both the story, the main character's arc, and the my...
A Gentleman's Murder (Eric Peterkin Book 1)
So much of the charm of a Poirot mystery comes from the manner in which he solves the crime as much as the actual sleuthing and puzzle-solving itself. Inspector Singh captures that charm.
Inspector Singh Investigates by Shamini Flint
In a way, this is almost a biography of a fictional character. Great read for a deep Christie enthusiast.
Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Greatest Detective
Such a well-written mystery series with a detective who has integrity at his core.
Chief Inspector Gamache Mysteries by Louise Penny
A deviously twisty tale, just like my favorite Poirot stories, I love the turns that this mystery takes as it unravels.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Barnes & Noble has a beautiful collection of collectible hardcovers of some of Agatha Christie's most popular books, including this Poirot set that includes Murder on the Orient Express. A great addition to any collector's library!
Murder on the Orient Express and Other Hercule Poirot Mysteries (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions) | Hardcover
This twisty Icelandic murder mystery takes place in two timelines and has an ending I never saw coming. From the publisher: 1983 At a former sanatorium in the north of Iceland, now a hospital ward, an old nurse, Yrsa, is found murdered. Detective Hul...
Death at the Sanatorium: A Mystery a book by Ragnar Jónasson
Team Marple
Agatha Christie was actually on #TeamMarple, apparently. The Marple novels definitely have more of a small town cozy feel to them and an acidic wit. I personally prefer Poirot, but the always observing Miss Marple had her charm.
Just as with Hercule Poirot above, if you haven't read the Miss Marple mysteries, they have a different flavor from her other books. You can start in any order, but the first one, Murder in the Vicarage, is a good introduction to Jane Marple as a cha...
The Murder at the Vicarage: A Miss Marple Mystery
A bit of a modern day Miss Marple, only with three hilarious heroines. I love the friendship that develops among these amateur sleuths as they hunt down clues. Definitely a breezy, quick read. Perfect for anyone who loves cozies.
The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood
This anthology of new and reimagined Miss Marple short stories is fun and light. Some of the stories are more true-to-form Jane Marple and others offer a more imaginative take, but I love that each author brings her own fresh, original voice to a bel...
Marple: Twelve New Mysteries
Myrtle Clover is my favorite modern-day, sassy, octogenarian amateur sleuth. Myrtle is a little more crotchety than Miss Marple, but the mysteries themselves are pretty fun and light. Elizabeth Spann Craig packs a lot of twists and red herrings into ...
Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery series by E.S. Craig
So far, there are two books in the DS Harbinder Kaur series, and I really hope Griffiths writes more because I love both of them. I think Miss Marple would approve
Harbinder Kaur mysteries by Elly Griffiths
The “grand hotel” setting of The Maid gives strong modern-day Agatha Christie vibes, and the amateur sleuth, Molly, is endearing. On a side note, it was so refreshing to see a neurodivergent protagonist!
The Maid: A Novel (Molly the Maid Book 1)
This charming series about four retirement village friends who work together to solve a murder is especially good for those who love the cozy village collection of characters in Miss Marple mysteries.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
I wasn't sure whether to put this fun series into Team Poirot or Team Marple, but it's a super fun and fast-paced mystery series that's a love letter to Agatha Christie novels and will put a smile on any murder mystery fan's face.
The Agathas Series by Glasgow and Lawson
While on their face, an elderly woman and single mom don't have too much in common, the Finley Donavan series captures the wry humor and unlikely sleuth nature of the Marple books. From the publisher: Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she's ...
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It a book by Elle Cosimano
Can't Wait For These!
These books are either from authors who I love or whose premise is to die for (pun completely intended)
I love Elly Griffiths, and this premise looks so good! I love a good mismatched detective duo.
The Last Word by Elly Griffiths
I've really enjoyed Turton's previous murder mysteries, and the otherworldly, high-concept takes on classic whodunit twists and turns. Can't wait to sink my teeth into this one!
The Last Murder at the End of the World: A Novel (B&N Exclusive Edition)|BN Exclusive
Reader Resources
Until they figure out a way to infuse books through osmosis, I'm going to have to settle with reading them the old-fashioned way.
I love to support my local library! And I love listening to audiobooks and downloading e-books through the Libby app. Yes, I have to be patient on the waiting list, but it's a great way to read a lot of books on a budget if you're a bibliophile like ...
Download the Libby App: ebooks & audiobooks FREE from your library
Buying books through bookshop.org is a great way to support local independent bookstores!
Bookshop: Buy books online. Support local bookstores.
You can find some great audiobook deals on Chirp, and if you don't feel like committing to a subscription, it's a good option for audiobooks.
Chirp | The Best Audiobook Deals Without A Subscription Fee
If you love listening to audiobooks, Audible is a great option. They have a ton of titles that you have access to on an unlimited basis, and then you can also choose a new book each month to keep. You can get a month's free trial to decide if you lik...
Audible - Access to a Huge Catalog of Audiobooks
Yes, I'm that weirdo who has multiple tablets to read on. I prefer my Kindle for nighttime reading and travel. I prefer reading on my iPad during the day and for books that I need to be able to zoom in on (like, say, a map of a manor house where some...
Apple iPad (10th Gen): A14 Bionic, 10.9-inch, 64GB
I've had my Kindle Paperwhite for years now, after being one of those people who said that you could pry paper books out of my cold dead hands. Well, consider me a humbled convert. I love the way that I can carry my TBR pile around with me. I love th...
Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) – 6.8" Display - Black
I'm an avid reader, so I joined Barnes & Noble's premium membership plan. You save 10% on books, free shipping, as well as exclusive discounts and goodies.
Barnes & Noble | NOOK eReaders
Good e-book and audiobook option!
Rakuten Kobo
If you like to read on your iPhone, Apple Books offers the best app for reading.
Apple Books
Another good e-book option
Books on Google Play
Books-A-Million is a great alternative for print books, ebooks, and more.
BAM! Books, Toys & More | Books-A-Million Online Book Store
Just For Fun
Fun stuff for any reader
A cute way to stay hydrated while you get sucked into a good read.
Just One More Chapter Book Lover Frosted Glass Tumbler, Reader Gift Iced Coffee Glass, Bookish Gifts Iced Coffee Cup, Romance Reader Gifts
Everybody wins when they play this TBR reading card game!
From Your Shelf TBR Cards | To Be Read | What To Read Next | Card Deck | TBR Game | Book Gift | Bookish Gifts | Reader Present | TBR Jar
Nothing says, “return my dang book!” in a nicer, prettier way than a personalized book embosser.
TOP SELLER - From the Library of Book Embosser Custom Personalized From the Library of Book Belongs to Ex Libris Book Lover Gift 1 5/8"
Perfect for Agatha Christie fans (or gather up your friends who love Knives Out or Murder She Wrote) and host a fun murder mystery party, set in the golden age of mystery, the 1920s.
10-20 Characters 1920s Speakeasy Murder Mystery Party - PDF Version
Agatha Christie was a playwright as well as a novelist, and her play The Mousetrap is the longest continuously running show of all time!
The Mousetrap Theater Show in London
I laughed my head off at this hilarious little gift book by Maureen Johnson. This cheeky guide to not getting murdered will hopefully keep you safe on your next visit to a murderous village with a name like “Crippen St. Deathsmeade.” Step 1: Don't go...
Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Village
What to put in this awesome tote bag? Hmmm? What, what what? MORE BOOKS, that's what.
Agatha Christie Weekender Tote Bag, Agatha Christie Travel Bag, Agatha Christie Book Tote Travel Bag, Agatha Christie Weekend Bag
For the hardcore Agatha Christie enthusiast.
Laurence King Agatha Christie Bingo Medium
I enjoy a literal puzzle almost as much as a literary puzzle. :)
Laurence King Agatha Christie 1000 Piece Puzzle
If you know, you know. And if you don't know, it usually comes as a shocking surprise right around ¾ of the way in. Love this funny murder mystery hat that would be great to spark a conversation with other book lovers out there.
Unreliable narrator, Dad Hat Aesthetic, Literature Gift Hat, Gift For Book Lover, Gift for Book Lover, Literary Gift, reading hat, book lover, Murder Mystery Gifts
If you've ever stayed up waaaay too late past your bedtime reading, this “Bookmarks Are For Quitters” shirts is for you.
Book Lover Shirt for Women - Bookmarks Are For Quitters Funny T Shirt Gift for Bookworm - Retro Librarian Tshirt Gift for Birthday, Book tee, Cute Book Lovers Gift
This is too adorable and a fun play on words for cat-loving Agatha Christie cozy murder fans. Which has to be pretty high on the old Venn diagram overlap.
Hercule Purroit - Cat Detective - Vinyl Sticker - Cute and Funny Hercule Poirot Agatha Christie themed stickers
I love to use my little grey cells and solve some of these logic puzzles to unwind.
Murdle: Volume 1: 100 Elementary to Impossible Mysteries to Solve Using Logic, Skill, and the Power of Deduction|Paperback