10 Best Agatha Christie Thrillers

Written by contributor Vidhi Chhabra

Agatha Christie is a wonder woman. She’s known for 66 novels and 14 short story collections. Not just that, but she’s the best-selling novelist of all time with over two billion copies sold and a loyal fandom that continues long after her death, especially since her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, published in 1920, a whole century ago! She is also the creator of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple (their sixth sense for detection of crime is probably more acute than all of ours five common senses combined!)

With all of that said, if you are after some gut-wrenchingly good mysteries that will keep you hooked till the end, we have rounded up 10 fantastic ones for you to check out!

1. And Then There Were None

The popularity and success of this book is undeniable. The story follows 10 strangers who receive an invitation to a solitary island, cut-off from the outside world. Darkness awaits them as people start to die mysteriously and they realise that the killer is amongst them. This book is now also a mini BBC series, so watch it after you finish reading because this book is about to BLOW your mind.

2. Murder on the Orient Express

Orient Express is an elegant train in the 1930s when it is stopped by heavy rainfall with a strange mix of people, including Hercule Poirot, stranded on it. A murder is discovered and the killer is on the loose. Is it a story of revenge or redemption? Read it to find out! 

3. Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Poirot retires to a village and near the home of a friend, Roger Ackroyd. Ackroyd is murdered and Poirot must come out of retirement to solve it. This book of Christie’s supposedly has the best twist ever!

4. ABC Murders

This book features Arthur Hastings (Poirot’s loyal friend and side-kick) and begins when Poirot starts receiving a series of sinister letters written by a mysterious criminal in the 1930s in England. Soon, murders begin occurring in relation to the letters and Poirot’s skills are mandatory to find the killer before the hunt their next prey. 

5. Death on the Nile

Jackie asks her wealthy and beautiful best friend, Linnet Ridgeway to employ her fiancée, Simon Doyle and suddenly, instead of Jackie, Linnet is married to Simon. The tranquillity of the cruise on the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet was shot through the head. Was it Jackie or someone else entirely? The murder happens and Poirot is right there to solve it. It is a quick read and it has been adapted into a movie (again), which is currently scheduled to release late 2020.

6. The Mysterious Affair at Styles

This was Christie’s first published work and she never fails to amaze. The story begins when Hastings is invited to spend his leave at the beautiful Styles court with his old friend, John Cavendish and his family. Hastings meets John’s step-mother Mrs. Inglethorp and her new husband, Alfred. The surroundings are slow and peaceful and yet Mrs. Inglethrop is found poisoned in her own bed. Thankfully, another old friend, Hercule Poirot is invited to investigate. 

7. Peril at End House

Poirot and Hastings vacation at Cornwall meeting Nick Buckley and her friends. Someone out there is ready to kill her. They meet all her friends at End House and although, Poirot aims to protect her, the murder happens right under their noses. Read it to find out who did it because this is a classic whodunit at its best.

8. A Murder is Announced

An advertisement in the local gazette reads “A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29^th, at Little Padlocks at 6:30pm.” Unable to control their excitement, a crowd gathers at the location and suddenly, the lights go out…. Read it to find out how Miss Marple, agog with curiosity, works out this murder mystery.

9. Sleeping Murder

Soon after Gwenda moved into her new home, odd things start to happen. In fear, Gwenda turns to Miss Marple to exorcise her ghosts and they set out to solve a perfect crime committed many years before.

10. Five Little Pigs

Caroline Carle was convicted of poisoning her husband but there were five other suspects: Philip Blake, who went to the market; Meredith Blake, who stayed at home; Elsa Greer, the divorcee who had roasted beef; Cecilia Williams, the devoted governess who had none; and Angela Warren, the disfigured sister. It is 16 years later and Hercule Poirot just can’t let the nursery rhyme out of his head. Isn’t it exciting?

All her books deserve to be read, but this was our take at her top 10 mysteries. Tell us in the comment section below which ones you’ve read or which ones are you planning to pick up next!

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us below!