USA Reading Lists
Ten Stories to Discover
Agatha Christie wrote a lot of novels! She wrote a huge amount of short stories, and a great number of plays too! Some are better known than others. Some are searched for, sought out and thumbed-through each month. We wanted to shine a light on some of the less discovered gems on our website. Have we chosen one of your favourites? Let us know, and we’ll include your recommendation in this article.
A sudden death and a significant inheritance gets tongues wagging in this Poirot story. Richard Abernethie has succumbed to ill-health, after suffering several personal tragedies. His sister Cora is convinced it’s murder, but she won’t live long enough to prove it!
Did you know? The ITV adaptation stars Michael Fassbender as George.
Four detectives. Four suspected killers. One extraordinary party host. An invite from Mr Shaitana encourages Poirot, Colonel Race, Superintendent Battle and Ariadne Oliver to relax over a game of bridge. That is, until Mr Shaitana is killed...
Did you know? This book was the debut outing for Ariadne Oliver.
Gipsy’s Acre has a dark history and is rumoured to be cursed. Michael Rogers is desperate to call it home with the woman of his dreams, Ellie. A wealthy heiress, she agrees and sets the best architect on the job. But is there some truth to the hearsay?
Did you know? Agatha Christie finished writing this book in six weeks.
Another favourite book of mine is Endless Night. The first time I read it, I was left speechless when I finished the last page. I wanted to discuss it with someone but alas no one had read it! If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.
A case initially dismissed by Poirot as a sad example of the modern times. A poor elderly woman has been clubbed to death by her lodger for her meagre savings. But the police call on Poirot to stop an innocent man going to the gallows.
Did you know? The title of this novel comes from a children’s game of the same name.
A few years ago, I reread this novel, and realised what a gem this one is. It’s got quite a bit of humour in it and is a good, solid mystery.
No-nonsense nurse Amy Leatheran, our narrator, has been invited by Dr Leidner to care for his wife. Busy with his work, the lead of an archaeological dig in Iraq, he is growing more and more concerned about her terrifying visions. ‘Lovely Louise’ is adamant she’s in danger. A death on site necessitates Poirot’s arrival.
Did you know? The cast of characters in the novel was inspired by real people Christie met on Max Mallowan’s archaeological digs.
Luke Fitzwilliam returns to England, a gentleman of leisure. An unexpected chat on a train bound for London piqued his interest, as a fellow traveller reveals a series of suspicious deaths in her village. Luke feels duty-bound to take up the case, when the speaker dies shortly after her pronouncement. One of Superintendent Battle’s best cases.
Did you know? This story was adapted for ITV’s Miss Marple series in 2009, with actor Benedict Cumberbatch taking the role of Luke.
It is World War II, and Tommy Beresford has been invited to take up an unofficial investigation. Middle-aged and lacking confidence, he nevertheless accepts the mission to hunt down two spies at a quaint seaside hotel. Tuppence, unhappy to be sidelined, will sneak down to the British coast too to play her part.
Did you know? Christie wrote this novel whilst living amongst spies in the Isokon Building London
Gwenda Reed arrives on the south coast before her new husband, and chooses Hillside to make their new home. But disturbing memories, and impossible coincidences suggest that she’s been to the house before. When Giles arrives in the country, they seek information about Gwenda’s past. Can Miss Marple help to banish old ghosts?
Did you know? Despite being published in 1976, this was written during World War II and portrays a sprightlier Miss Marple than Nemesis.
The death of Rosemary Barton was a shock to everyone. A beautiful heiress, she died at dinner in a West End restaurant. One year later, her widower George attempts to stage a reenactment, but the actress he’s hired doesn’t turn up and another fatal glass of champagne is served. An exceptional case of poisoning.
Did you know? This book was originally published in the US under the title Remembered Death.
Miss Marple is called upon to help a friend in need. So far, so conventional, right? But Carrie Louise share’s her home and grounds, with her husband’s philanthropic project - a juvenile delinquent centre. Gunshots go off on the first night of Miss Marple’s visit, but the sleuth can’t help but think that the danger lies in the family itself, rather than in their controversial neighbours.
Did you know? The April 1952 US edition of Cosmopolitan saw the publication of this story, shortened, as Murder With Mirrors with illustrations by Joe Bowler.
