Agatha Christie

"The Big Four," published in 1927, represents an intriguing departure from Christie's usual style, blending elements of the detective novel with the emerging thriller genre. Originally published as a series of short stories in The Sketch magazine, the novel was later compiled and adapted into a single narrative. This unique genesis is reflected in its episodic structure and its more sensational, conspiracy-driven plot. The story follows Hercule...

"The Secret Adversary," published in 1922, marks a significant milestone in Agatha Christie's early career as her second published novel and the first to introduce the charismatic duo of Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. This work represents a departure from the traditional detective story format of her debut novel, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles," instead embracing elements of the thriller and espionage genres popular in the post-World War I era. Set...

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is one of Agatha Christie's most celebrated novels and a defining work in detective fiction. Published in 1926, it features her iconic Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, who has retired to the quiet English village of King's Abbot. However, Poirot is soon drawn back into action when the wealthy Roger Ackroyd is found murdered under mysterious circumstances. The story is famous for its innovative narrative style and shocking...

Published in 1925, "The Secret of Chimneys" represents a significant evolution in Agatha Christie's literary repertoire, blending elements of the traditional country house mystery with international intrigue and political conspiracy. This novel, Christie's fifth, showcases her growing confidence as a writer and her willingness to experiment with more complex plot structures. Set primarily in the fictional English country estate of Chimneys, the novel...

In Agatha Christie's short story, "The Case of the Missing Will," Poirot must help clever student Violet Marsh meet the terms of an unusual will by her Uncle Andrew. She must live in his house for a month and "prove her wits" if she is ever to receive his fortune. But is there another will? This short story originally appeared in the October 31, 1923 issue of The Sketch magazine.

In The Hunter's Lodge Case, Agatha Christie delivers a compelling mystery featuring her famous detective, Hercule Poirot. Called to a remote countryside lodge to investigate a chilling murder, Poirot finds himself unraveling a tangled web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives. As he navigates a maze of secrets, the quaint lodge reveals itself as anything but peaceful, with each clue bringing him closer to a surprising truth. Narrated by Chikondi Chanthunya,...

The recently married Alix Martin is obsessed with a recurring dream of her new husband's murder. Each time she can see the murderer clearly, and it's the mild-mannered man she had previously been engaged to, taking his revenge. But, what's worse is that at the end of the dream she thanks the murderer. Perplexed, Alix tries to calm herself by spending time in the garden of her picturesque cottage. But her gardener confuses her further by wishing her...

A classic Agatha Christie short story, featuring Miss Marple, from the collection Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories. After a supper of canned lobster and a dessert of canned trifle, three people become ill and Mrs. Jones is found dead. Although a bout of botulism is suspected, the Tuesday Night Club is keen to investigate further…

In Agatha Christie's short story, "The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding," Poirot is asked to attend a Christmas celebration in order to apprehend a jewel-thief who has taken advantage of an unwary eastern prince. Full of English holiday tradition and plenty of intrigue, this holiday tale first appeared in the December 12, 1923 issue of The Sketch magazine.

In Agatha Christie's short story, "The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor," Poirot investigates the case of a middle-aged man who died under suspicious circumstances just weeks after insuring his life for fifty thousand pounds. Could the man, who was in financial straits, have killed himself to benefit his beautiful young wife? This short story originally appeared in the April 18, 1923 issue of The Sketch magazine.