Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
It is not for nothing that the queen of detective Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller, known to readers by the name of her husband, Christie, is recognized as the most published writer of all time. And not only this record was broken by her. The play 'The Mousetrap' has become the work that is most often performed on the stage. The prose writer began his writing career at the age of 18. These short stories also did not go unnoticed and were published a little later. The main distinguishing feature of Christie's work is that in her books there are no terrible scenes of violence, rudeness, cruelty, sea of blood. All her detectives are a symbiosis of a mysterious plot, morality and ethics that make you empathize with the heroes, and most importantly, enjoy reading the works written in the author's refined manner.
Throughout her life, Agatha Christie has created more than two hundred stories, plays and novels. We have selected the best of them in our rating, and they were recognized as classics of the detective genre. Who is not familiar – get acquainted. If you have re-read it more than once and knows the text almost by heart, remember to take your favorite work from the shelf again and enjoy the living syllable and writing style inherent only to Agatha Christie.
Rating of the best books by Agatha Christie
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | rating |
| Rating of the best books by Agatha Christie | 1 | The murder of Roger Ackroyd | 4.9 |
| 2 | Ten little indians | 4.8 | |
| 3 | Alphabetical murders | 4.8 | |
| 4 | Death in the clouds | 4.8 | |
| 5 | Murder announced | 4.7 | |
| 6 | Date with death | 4.7 | |
| 7 | Murder on the Orient Express | 4.6 | |
| 8 | Crooked house | 4.6 | |
| 9 | After the funeral | 4.5 | |
| 10 | Death on the Nile | 4.5 | |
| 11 | Evil under the sun | 4.5 | |
| 12 | On the edge | 4.4 | |
| 13 | The house of his dreams | 4.4 |
The murder of Roger Ackroyd
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.9
The work was published in 1926. For the first time, Agatha Christie used a literary device, when the narrator himself turns out to be a criminal, which makes the plot not only interesting, as in all other books by the author, but bewitching and unpredictable. Here the nature of the killer is fully revealed, who at the end himself is surprised at his duplicity and meanness. The case is being conducted by Hercule Poirot, beloved by many. It tells about the events of Dr. Sheppard, who becomes the assistant to the famous detective, replacing Captain Hastings in this book.
A rich widow is killed in a fictional village. But everyone is sure that she herself took her own life. And only when Ackroyd dies, who was about to tie the knot with Mrs. Ferrar, no one has any doubts that a crime has occurred. Eight people, whose characters are so vividly described by the author, become suspects.
In the novel, several events take place at the same time, which distract and confuse the reader. But when the real killer is found, it will be clear that they are all described for a reason. The 'assassination of Roger Ackroyd' has received mixed reactions. The book was received negatively by critics. The brothers in the pen were accused of using techniques unacceptable for a detective. But only time put everything in its place. And today it is one of the best works of the genre and creativity of the great Christie.
Ten little indians
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.8
The second place in the rating goes to the author's favorite work, which became the best-selling creation of Agatha Christie. The novella was published in 1939, and four years later a play was written based on it. A children's countdown about little indians takes on an eerie, frightening meaning and runs through the entire storyline. The action takes place on a rocky island, the prototype of which was the British island of Burg.
Ten complete strangers arrive at the invitation of the Owen couple, but they themselves are not there. Guests discover a tray with 10 porcelain figurines, and each has a poster with a counting room hanging in the room. The butler turns on the gramophone, from which a man's voice sounds, and accuses everyone of crimes. And then begin to happen guests murder, and then from the living room on one disappear porcelain negrityata. There is no way out, the boat sailed away, and they were left alone with the villain on the island cut off from people. The only chance is to figure out who is the real killer here and stop him.
It is worth noting that the author's title of the book was changed due to modern rules of political correctness, and now on the shelves of second-hand bookshops it is presented as 'And there was nobody.'
Alphabetical murders
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.8
The detective was first published in January 1936. The first film adaptation took place 29 years later, and 27 years later saw the light of the film novel with David Suchet as Hercule Poirot. In addition to the famous detective, the main characters are his faithful assistant Captain Hastings and Inspector Japp. It is noteworthy that the narration is first conducted on behalf of the first person, and then from the third.
The book begins with the murder of people whose names are in alphabetical order. The first victim was Alice Asher of Andover. Before each crime, an unknown person sends Poirot a hint, informing him about the place and time of the alleged murder and signing the messages with the first three letters of the alphabet. But the police are late every time and find an ABC handbook next to the victims.
The offender himself confesses and comes to confess. And although Cast is always near the bodies, he does not remember the smallest details at all and suffers from memory gaps. As a result of a thorough investigation, they find out that the salesman has a 100% alibi for the time of one of the murders. The detective not only proves his innocence, but also finds the true culprit, preventing him from committing 26 murders according to the number of letters of the English alphabet.
Death in the clouds
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.8
The novel included in the rating was published in 1935 and at first had a different title, namely, Death in the Air. The investigation is led by Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and London policeman Japp. The action takes place on board an aircraft, in which a dead woman is found just before landing. The first version was a wasp bite, since a small puncture was found on the body. But the detective quickly finds out that the elderly French woman was poisoned, and the cause was a dart with poison released from a tube.
This could only have been done by those on the plane, so everyone, including Poirot, becomes suspects. The detective story will have everything: a gripping plot, colorful descriptions of heroes, an unpredictable ending and a killer that could be thought of as the last thing.
Agatha Christie often uses confined spaces in her works. Each time the intensity of passions goes off scale, the reader cannot decide until the very end who is the real murderer from the narrow circle of suspects, and the writer every time turns around even the most attentive book lovers. In 1992, the novel was used in the television series about Hercule Poirot with David Suchet in the title role.
Murder announced
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.7
Published in 1950, the crime novel tells the story of the investigations of the lovely old lady Miss Marple. The action takes place in a small English village. The strange announcement of the upcoming murder, published in the local newspaper, does not cause anything but a smile, because the locals think that this is just some not entirely successful joke or an invitation to a holiday in such an original way. The curious gathers at the estate. And although the owners did not give any announcement, they were forced to meet the guests.
Exactly at 18.30, as indicated in the newspaper, a stranger with a lantern enters the living room, the lights go out and shots are heard. But it turns out that the guests are all alive, only a small scratch at Miss Blacklock, the mistress of the estate, and in fact, the criminal himself is killed, in whom they recognize the petty crook Rudy Shertz. At the request of the police, Miss Marple is involved in the investigation and assumes that the elderly woman really wanted to be killed, and that the intruder was simply paid to stage the crime.
The old lady begins to unravel the tangle of events in which intrigues related to inheritance, the interpersonal relationships of heroes and the greed for profit, which turns respectable people into ruthless killers, are intertwined.
Date with death
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.7
A worthy place in the rating is occupied by a novel published in May 1938, which tells about the Middle Eastern adventures of Hercule Poirot. Both critics and readers received the work with enthusiasm, and it was recognized as one of the best works of the great author. Seven years later, Agatha Christie wrote a play in which the detective was absent, and the storyline was different from the one suggested to the readers.
The action takes place in Jerusalem. The detective accidentally witnesses a conversation between brother and sister in which they plan to kill their mother. In fact, Mrs. Boynton's three children are adopted, and she herself, who previously worked as a warden in the prison, was a cruel tyrant who did not give rest to her family. And even the people around them feel dislike already at the first meeting with a rich American woman.
Poirot has not the slightest clue to prove that this is murder. But he has only 48 hours to investigate, so he quickly gets involved. Having interviewed witnesses, the detective analyzes the situation with particular care, masterfully restores the chain of events and finds the real criminal.
Murder on the Orient Express
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.6
Another 'sealed' detective was released on the first day of 1934. It is recognized as a classic of the genre and enjoys special love among admirers of A. Christie's talent. Traveling on a fancy train is naturally not complete without murder. And this investigation will become one of the exciting and unpredictable of the great intellectual Hercule Poirot. Having made a forced stop due to snow drifts of the tracks, the body of a rich American is found in the car.
Ratchett's past is not so cloudless. In fact, his real name is Kasseti, and he was able to escape punishment for the brutal murder of a little girl many years ago. Poirot's investigation is assisted by his friend Monsieur Buck from Belgium and a doctor from Greece, Stavros Constantin. Suspicion falls on the passengers of the carriage, each of whom could commit a crime. But there are no motives, but there is plenty of evidence, but they only lead aside and do not allow the real villain to be identified.
But the detective is difficult to be confused. He notices the smallest details and, analyzing, collects all the puzzle pieces into a single picture. The author especially succeeded in describing the luxurious express train, the splendor of its setting, and it is to this work that the Paris-Istanbul train owes its increased popularity.
Crooked house
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.6
The novel included in the rating was published under other names: 'Ridiculous House' and 'Crooked House'. Many critics and readers consider this particular book by Agatha Christie to be the most successful because of the unpredictable and unexpected ending. The action begins in the 'Three Pediments' house, which over time grew into extensions, the number of its inhabitants increased, and, it would seem, what is needed for simple happiness is a large friendly family. But the merry life is disrupted by a series of murders committed in the estate.
The head of the family, millionaire Leonidas, and his relatives, who are impatiently awaiting the death of the elderly owner, live in the house. The son of a police officer, Charles Hayward, who came to woo the granddaughter of the murdered, begins his own investigation. The suspicion of a large family falls on the old man's wife, who is almost half a century younger than him, but each of them could wish the death of a rich relative.
The plot captures from the first line. The author gives us hints, but every time he plays up the reader again. You think that now, he is the true culprit, but Christie continues to intrigue. And when you get to the finals, you get a real shock.
After the funeral
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.5
The crime detective was written in 1952. 10 years after publication, it was filmed, but it was not Poirot, but Miss Marple, who acted as a detective in it. The action takes place after the funeral of Mr. Abernathy, when all the numerous relatives are waiting for the will to be announced. His death was quite expected, but after the suggestion of one of the heiresses about the murder, the lawyer begins his own investigation. But when the same Cora, who doubted the natural death, is killed, she decides to turn to the detective to reveal the secret of the death of the millionaire.
Poirot arrives at the mansion to capture the killer. Christie, as always, managed to surprise with the description of the characters. There are greedy, inheritance-hungry characters, and other heroes who arouse sympathy. The family drama turned into a crime, cleverly solved by the beloved detective.
Gathering those present in the living room, he began to expose the true killer. The ending is unpredictable, like all the works of Agatha Christie. The unequivocal opinion of experts: the book is not just recommended for reading, but should be on the shelf next to other bestsellers of the Queen of detectives.
Death on the Nile
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.5
We could not fail to include in our rating one of the significant works, the protagonist of which is Hercule Poirot, who is conducting an investigation in tandem with his friend, Colonel of British intelligence Reis. The plot revolves around a love triangle, where two are happy, and the third is angry and tries to take revenge. Abandoned Jackie threatens to kill the lover, but after another booze wounds Simon. Passengers and medical workers who were nearby are witnesses to the unsuccessful assassination attempt.
In the morning, Linnett is found in her cabin with a bullet in the head. Colonel Reis, at the request of the captain of the ship, leads the official investigation, Poirot helps him in this. Almost every passenger had a motive, but all evidence points to Jackie, and witnesses confirm her alibi. As a result of the investigation, other crimes committed on the ship are also revealed.
Agatha Christie, as always, skillfully manipulates the facts, and the reader cannot understand who the real killer is. The ending is unpredictable, because it is on this person that suspicions fall least of all and his participation in a terrible crime seems unrealistic.
Evil under the sun
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.5
The novel was published in 1941, in which the Belgian detective again masterfully unravels a complex case and never ceases to amaze the reader with his analytical skills and methods of investigation. Hercule Poirot goes to a resort place to rest and, upon returning, calmly retire. He settles into a hotel that once belonged to an old rogue adventurer. The current owner is Mrs Castle, who jealously guards not only the reputation of the institution, but also her own.
A motley company gathers in the hotel, and naturally squabbles, scandals, a love triangle begin, which the author describes so captivatingly and colorfully. The next day, the frivolous Arlene Marshall, who caused all the troubles, is found dead on the coast, and each of the guests has a motive for the crime.
Poirot, who was at the hotel all this time, himself participates in many events and sees them from the inside. A complex puzzle, and here does not cause difficulties for the detective, and he exposes the real criminal in his usual manner.
On the edge
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.4
The classic detective story from our rating, written in 1927, is included in the collection As long as the light lasts, which includes both little-known and very popular stories. The work tells the story of the respectable Claire Holywell, who helps the needy, takes care of the poor along with the vicar, tries to return the degraded drunkards to normal life. A sweet and modest girl suffers from unrequited feelings and cannot calmly endure meetings with the new darling of her lover. Gerald lived in the neighborhood, and all his childhood and adolescence passed with him.
The people around were sure that this friendship would end in engagement. Over time, Claire believed in it. What a surprise it was when a young man married a girl who was not from the local. The main character suffered even more because Gerald's wife was very beautiful, and every time she met, she condescendingly communicated with her husband's abandoned lover.
Once Claire had compromising evidence on the homeless woman. But what will a girl who lives by her conscience do and does not violate either God's or human laws? The finale will show how difficult it is to stay on the edge, and whether it is possible to live on if it is quite difficult to come to an agreement with your conscience.
The house of his dreams
Book author: Agatha Christie
Rating: 4.4
The sentimental work, written in 1926, does not belong to the usual classic detective story. Here mysticism, psychology, romance are combined. The book touches the feelings of every reader, and Agatha Christie appears before us in a slightly different light. A sad story tells of a man who is looking for his place in the world. Its ideal performance is inspired by dreams, but is there such a corner in real life for a person to be happy there?
The main character of the work is John Segrave. Coming from a wealthy family that went bankrupt over time, he learned how to make money, even though his dreams were not about that. But for a long time he could not achieve much success in this field either. One morning John woke up shocked, and the house was to blame for it all. He was beautiful, standing on a hill and buried in greenery and flowers.
Having met him in reality, will John find happiness in him? The author discusses whether it is always good when dreams come true, and maybe fantasies should remain in our head so that reality does not disappoint.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
