10 Best Hercule Poirot Novels, Ranked

Agatha Christie is one of history’s best-selling and most widely read authors. She wrote over sixty novels and numerous short story collections, making a significant impact on literature. She’s best known for creating the brilliant Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, who appears in over thirty novels and five collections of short stories, including the famous Murder on the Orient Express.

As a huge Hercule Poirot fan, I think it’s safe to say most of the books are fantastic. But let’s be real, some are just more memorable than others! A handful of Poirot mysteries really changed the game for crime fiction, and I still think about them years later. While I enjoy everything Agatha Christie wrote, a few Poirot stories definitely rise above the rest as true classics.

Evil Under the Sun Is a Dark Whodunit

Published in 1941, Evil Under the Sun follows Hercule Poirot as he takes a vacation at a secluded hotel in southern England. He plans to relax by observing the other guests, but his peace is shattered when a woman at the hotel is found murdered.

Evil Under the Sun is a traditional mystery novel with a sinister edge, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal. While it might not be Agatha Christie’s most famous work, it’s still a standout Poirot story. The characters are particularly well-developed and stay with you long after you finish reading.

Lord Edgware Dies Delivers a Clever Twist

Originally published in 1933, this story centers around the murder of Lord Edgware. While his wife appears to be the most likely suspect, she has a solid alibi, forcing Poirot to rely on his famous deduction skills to solve the mystery.

“Lord Edgware Dies” is a satisfying read for attentive readers. Agatha Christie always included all the necessary clues in her novels, believing it was key to a good mystery. However, this book is especially good for those who like to play detective, as the clues are relatively easy to find.

Peril at End House Is a Dark Look at Human Nature

Published in 1932, Peril at End House follows Poirot and Hastings as they vacation at a resort and try to help a young woman named Magdala “Nick” Buckley, who keeps having near-fatal accidents. Poirot suspects these aren’t accidents at all, and believes someone is trying to kill her.

The mystery in Peril at End House features a smart and unexpected twist that also reveals a disturbing side of human nature. Poirot’s growing concerns are confirmed when someone at Nick’s party is murdered, and the story’s impact lingers long after you finish reading.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles Was a Great Introduction

Published in 1920, The Mysterious Affair at Styles is both Agatha Christie’s first novel and the beginning of the Poirot series. The story is told from the perspective of Hastings, who is visiting Styles Court, and features the introduction of Hercule Poirot – a Belgian detective Hastings originally met while Poirot was still a police officer in Belgium.

When the owner of Styles is murdered, Hastings reaches out to Poirot for assistance. This story also marks the first appearance of Inspector Japp, a recurring character in Poirot’s adventures. The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a classic, self-contained murder mystery, embodying all the familiar elements that fans of the genre will enjoy.

Cards on the Table Adds Humor to the Mystery

Cards on the Table is a smart and engaging murder mystery built around a fascinating idea. The story centers on Mr. Shaitana, who hosts a dinner party and reveals to Poirot his unusual “collection” – a group of people who have committed murder but escaped justice. Poirot isn’t alone at the party; several familiar characters also make an appearance.

Agatha Christie also invited Colonel Race, Superintendent Battle, and a few other detectives to the dinner party. Since they all investigate crimes professionally, the small guest list – just four others – makes the mystery particularly captivating and focuses the suspicion on a very limited number of people.

Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case Is the Perfect End to Poirot’s Story

Having written over thirty novels, it must have been difficult for Agatha Christie to conclude the Poirot series. She created a smart and surprising story that served as a fitting end to his adventures, and it’s clear she carefully planned the finale.

As a longtime fan, I was thrilled to see Poirot return to Styles in Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case – the very place where his detective journey began. Now a hotel, Styles harbors a dangerous secret: Poirot suspects a killer is among the guests, someone who’s slipped through the cracks of justice time and time again. What’s fascinating is that Agatha Christie penned this novel way back in the 1940s, but published it in 1975. It really speaks to how carefully she planned Poirot’s final chapter and wanted to give him a truly fitting send-off.

Death on the Nile Has an Ingenious Solution

Published in 1937, Death on the Nile is a famous Hercule Poirot mystery that has been adapted for the screen several times, including a 2022 version. The story centers around Poirot’s journey through Egypt and his encounter with a honeymooning couple who are being threatened by someone from their past.

Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile is a beloved mystery thanks to its clever plot, surprising ending, and memorable characters. The story immediately grabs your attention with its suspense, and the satisfying solution often makes readers want to revisit the tale – a common trait of Christie’s work.

Five Little Pigs Explores a Murder of the Past

Throughout his stories, detective Hercule Poirot often emphasizes that he relies solely on his intelligence – what he calls his “little gray cells” – to solve mysteries. He doesn’t believe in physically searching for clues like footprints or fingerprints. This approach is particularly highlighted in the novel Five Little Pigs, where Poirot investigates a crime that occurred years earlier.

Published in 1942, Five Little Pigs features a young woman named Carla who asks Hercule Poirot to investigate a decades-old case. Years prior, Carla’s mother was found guilty of murdering her husband, Carla’s father. Poirot interviews the five people who witnessed the events, carefully considering each of their memories, before revealing a surprising and ingenious solution.

Murder on the Orient Express Is One of Christie’s Most Famous Novels

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is one of her most celebrated books. It’s particularly famous among the Poirot mysteries for its surprising ending and ingenious resolution, but many readers remember it most for the choice Poirot makes after discovering the killer’s identity.

Published in 1934, Murder on the Orient Express features detective Hercule Poirot investigating a murder that occurs on the famous train. A snowstorm traps the train, leaving Poirot to solve the case, culminating in a surprising and clever resolution that is sure to surprise many readers.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Completely Changed the Crime Genre

Published in 1926, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is widely considered Agatha Christie’s best novel, and arguably the finest Hercule Poirot mystery ever written. It’s famous for its shocking twist ending, which significantly impacted detective fiction. The story features Poirot investigating a murder while attempting to enjoy a peaceful retirement, without his usual companion.

Poirot always seems to get drawn into solving crimes, no matter how hard he tries to avoid them. In The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, he investigates the death of Roger Ackroyd with the assistance of Dr. Sheppard, a local doctor, because his friend Hastings is traveling in Argentina. Featuring a brilliantly crafted mystery and a truly surprising ending, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is widely considered to be Agatha Christie’s finest Hercule Poirot story.

2025-12-14 04:45