Recommended for Young Readers

We asked Christie fans from around the world which book they would recommend to young readers hoping to immerse themselves into the world of Agatha Christie for the first time. These ten thrilling mysteries came out on top and we have asked a few fans to explore what it is about these stories that make them so appealing.

The ABC Murders - @prologuesandpinots

The ABC Murders is the most fun I’ve had reading a murder mystery in quite some time. Poirot tells us in Death on the Nile that the most common motives for murder are money and revenge. But that’s completely at odds with a serial killer running around murdering seemingly random people just because of their names. It still had elements of the classic Christie “whodunnit” that we all know and love, like the charming English countryside setting and the ever-lovable moustachioed Belgian sleuth, but adding the puzzle of the names made it feel fresh and wholly original, especially to a riddle lover like me. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book because the killer was still on the loose, and who knew how many names he would get through before Poirot figured him out! But figure him out he did, of course, because we all know those little grey cells win out in the end. Creative and gripping, Christie really hit this one out of the park.

The Body in the Library - @katie_b_is_reading

The Body in the Library is the second book in the Miss Marple series and can easily be read as a standalone novel. I continue to be amazed at Agatha Christie's creativity. When you pick up one of her mysteries you are guaranteed some good plot twists and this one was no exception. I was not able to correctly predict how everything would play out. When I finished the book I had a big smile on my face. She's a genius and there's a reason why her books are still popular today.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles - @littlefoot_books

I recently read Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles, which was her debut book and the first Hercule Poirot story. It was quite enjoyable with lots of interesting characters, especially the eccentric Poirot. The story felt like a puzzle or a riddle. Tons of clues and hints, most of which will head you down the wrong path, but that's what makes it fun.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - @books.on.the.moon

The engaging storyline mixed with the wide range of suspects who all have equally solid motives makes for such a fun reading experience. The manipulation through the clues, red herrings and jaw-dropping twists kept me guessing right until the final reveal! The last twist is a good one, possibly one of Agatha's best and I think even if you have some accurate suspicions it still lands great. Even now knowing all the clues and the conclusion I wouldn’t hesitate to reread it as I know I’d still find it just as enjoyable.

Cat Among the Pigeons - @shereadswithcoffee

“You seem to have explanations for everything, Mr. Poirot.”

“That’s his specialty”

Ever since I was a little girl, the allure of Christie’s murder mystery stories and an abundance of red herrings have always intrigued me and brought me back to reading more of her books. The same can be said about Cat Among the Pigeons because it was quite the head-scratcher. This story takes place in an elite all-girl school where, surprise, there has been a murder. Not just any murder, but a triple murder of the schoolmistresses found on the grounds of the elite school. Locked room mysteries are the best, as you never know who the suspect is, but one man sure does Hercule Poirot. The little Belgian sleuth with the exaggerated, pristine, and delicate moustache is summoned to solve the murder as only Poirot can. This book had intrigue, espionage, full of great characters, and the mystery/thriller element. One of my favourite Agatha Christie reads!

Murder on the Orient Express - @bookish_lauren

I absolutely loved stepping into Poirot’s shoes. Whenever I had to (reluctantly) put the book down I couldn’t stop thinking about it and trying to work this mystery out..my theories were totally wrong...Poirot I am not. I think readers of all ages will love this murder mystery.

And Then There Were None - @bookaddicted_soul

"There was something magical about an island - the mere word suggested fantasy. You lost touch with the world - an island was a world of its own. A world, perhaps, from which you might never return."

And Then There Were None was my most anticipated read of Christie. And let me tell you I wasn't let down. The story started with ten people from different walks of life receiving a letter from an unknown person inviting them to Soldier Island. But are they just travelling to this island or driving into a death pit?

From the beginning, the storyline and characters drew me in so hard I couldn't put it down. This book not only employs elements of the thriller genre but also explores human nature and psychology, and how we like to shape incidents to satisfy our own conscience. I've read thirty-five Agatha Christie books so far but this book still tops the list. It's the kind which will take you out of reading slump and will live in your mind rent free.

The Secret Adversary - @lindabookmania

Tell me you can read The Secret Adversary without resorting to using the term "old bean" at least once in subsequent conversations. Go on. The opening salvo in this lovely spy thriller/romance drew me in right away. I am unabashedly in love with Tommy and Tuppence - well, maybe more Tuppence than anything. But at least Tommy knows where he stands. I was late to this party, having immersed myself in Miss Marple and Poirot at an early age. So imagine my delight when I finally got to read Tommy and Tuppence a couple of years ago. The banter. The cheek. I am not usually a huge fan of spy thrillers, but there is something about the refreshing wholesomeness of these two that relieves some of the tension and makes it endearing. I even like the romance. It is that quiet kind that is just there. I only wish we had more of them.

Why Didn't They Ask Evans? - @books_and_margaritas

Why I loved this book? Well, the main reason is the protagonists: Bobby and Frankie. They had this amazing chemistry and their banter was so delightful and entertaining. I loved that they were not professional sleuths and, because of this, we really got to follow their logic and thinking from the beginning. It made me feel like I was part of the investigative process. Secondly, the title and how that question was worked into the plot - phenomenal. I kept asking myself: what can be so important to someone to commit a murder and how can that be fit with “asking Evans”?
The story itself was great and imaginative. Although it isn’t her most intricate and complicated whodunnit, it is the one that I personally found to be most engaging and entertaining.

Death on the Nile - @lindajbookdragon

Death on the Nile really showcases Agatha Christie’s ability to truly layer a story with complex character interactions unfolding perfectly to reveal more and more details of the plot. It’s easy to feel as though you know exactly who the murderer is but never take anything in a Christie novel for face value as there is always something more waiting on the next page. Agatha Christie keeps the novel fresh and timeless which makes a very enjoyable read.

If you are an Agatha Christie reader and would like to be featured in our next round-up simply get in touch via email or our social channels.