Agatha Christie's Novels

[Kurunouma]

Thanks to this topic and now I'm back on being a worm again. I've watched some of DC episodes before where there are some of Agatha Christie's Novel was being reference to it and I never paid much attention on her... not until I read this topic. I even asked some of my friends here about it and they told me to give a try on reading her novels.

By the way, Thank you so much for this list Jd! I'm praying that I could find some of her pieces in Bookstores in our place.

[Jd-]

Wonderful to hear!

To you and anyone else who has a chance to read any of her work, be sure to post your thoughts and experiences with them if you get time. I'd love to hear it!

[irishock]

I'm probably one of the few who enjoyed Curtain: Poirot's last case. Case itself may not have been believable but everything was set up pretty nicely, along with a great ending for Poirot's character.

[Jd-]

I'm probably one of the few who enjoyed Curtain: Poirot's last case. Case itself may not have been believable but everything was set up pretty nicely, along with a great ending for Poirot's character.

I dunno about that, because while I haven't spoken to anyone about it yet, I just watched it myself and found it to be dazzlingly perfect. Curtain has always ranked highly in the Poirot canon and this adaptation, apart from a few sparse details, followed the original work remarkably closely.

The only thing that they really added was something that they started playing up with their adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express, which was to introduce Poirot as a devoutly religious Catholic. That is a pretty big departure from the books, so pushing it so hard here felt a little too foreign and feels at odds not only with Christie's original creation but the previous two decades of the character on screen in this very series. Apart from that, there wasn't really anything about it that I would change and I'm very happy that David Suchet's dedication to the role was able to be witnessed by everyone all the way to the end.

[Kurunouma]

I'm probably one of the few who enjoyed Curtain: Poirot's last case. Case itself may not have been believable but everything was set up pretty nicely, along with a great ending for Poirot's character.

I just watched it the other day, I accidentally download it after searching some of the episodes and found out that I ended up watching Poirot's last case! *sob* but me and my lil brother really enjoyed it. I didn't expect the real culprit and I'm surprised when it was revealed. Actually, I'm not really familiar with Agatha Christie's work and after watching the "Curtain", I want to see more! Right now, I can't get a hold with the actual books and spoiling myself on watching an episode instead! xD

[onlyforKG]

Not exactly what you specified, but Death on the Nile was mentioned briefly in Movie 2. Christie is the definitive and purest of the Golden Age mystery writers, so let me caution outright since you mentioned wanting to read some of her works soon:

My NUMBER ONE RECOMMENDATION is to not read any synopsis, summary, or review anyone else has written beyond this post, especially on sites like Wikipedia, with concern to any work by Agatha Christie.

These stories were published ages and ages ago and, like the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and Dracula, the plot twists are today taken for granted and spoiled casually before you have a chance to avoid them. I also personally suggest you do not read the Poirot canon in its original order. The stories are disconnected almost entirely and are episodic in nature, and Poirot is a very consistent character, always asserting himself readily in every story without the need for a grand introduction.

If you want to dive in, here are some favorites that I would recommend to everyone:

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Poirot Mysteries:

Murder on the Orient Express
Widely considered the most ingenious mystery crafted by Christie or anyone else, and also very reminiscent, thematically, of the claustrophobic Conan cases from the early days that we all loved so dearly.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
One of the best mysteries ever written. I dare not write too much about it in fear of giving something away. Just read this as soon as you get a chance to preserve all possible surprises.

Evil Under the Sun
What starts as a seemingly mild series of events blossoms into a case with numerous twists and turns and is also quite relatable for Conan fans, with the case itself taking place in one locale for its duration.

Death on the Nile
Maybe one of the top three most famous featuring Poirot, taking place on a cruise ship sailing down the Nile. Terrific cast of suspects, great methods to the murder and cover-ups (some of which Gosho no doubt cribbed over the years), and an excellent resolution.

Lord Edgware Dies
A personal favorite that was adapted into a legendary episode of the David Suchet Poirot television series. I would recommend watching it instead of reading it, which should be very high praise for the series given the quality of Christie's writing. (NOTE: In other instances, they did not do the original masterpieces justice, so I do not recommend watching the entire series outright without reading some of the classics in novel form first)

The ABC Murders
Excellent procedural sort of case with a very nice method to the culprit's madness. One of the earliest I read that I've re-read a few times since and always enjoyed noticing new things within along the way.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Not quite as clever or intricate as her later mysteries, it is notable as being the first Poirot story and has the same sort of gravitas for the character as does A Study in Scarlet for Holmes. Highly recommended on a character development basis alone, but you don't need to read it first by any means.

Cards on the Table
Another personal favorite that takes place within the rather unique conceit of a gathering for a game of cards and its aftermath. The suspect list here is probably my favorite of all the Christie works and is one of the few books of hers that I finished in one sitting.

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Non-Poirot Mysteries:

And Then There Were None
Obviously not a Poirot or Marple story, but undoubtedly Christie's most famous and best of her non-series works. The less you know going in, the better, and I can only hope the crux of the story has not been spoiled for you. Many consider it Christie's best work, period, and I wouldn't argue with them too much. It's truly an excellent work as both a work of literature and as a mystery.

A Murder is Announced
Without any doubt the best story featuring her other legendary sleuth, Miss Jane Marple. The approach Christie took with Marple was much different and while I've never been as much of a fan as with Poirot, this is among the two best Marple stories and no doubt the one I'd recommend to those being introduced to the character.

Thanks!

[onlyforKG]

I actually have most of her work lying/decaying in my external. Now I was triggered to read it. I was a fan of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes so after finishing the books, I need to find the likes. And found Christie's.

[Nocturnalux]

I have a few Christie favorites that are not all that often mention, namely

Murder in Mesopotamia
Christie make use of her knowledge of archeology in this one with amazing results. It takes place at a digging site in Iran and features everyone's favorite detective, Poirot.

Appointment With Death
This too draws from Christie's background in archeology albeit not as much and is interesting from a psychological perspective more than anything else. The way the victim dominated her family and how the different people reacted under their yoke is quite modern. Poirot's commentary on such tyrannical personalities and on their impact on those around them is also priceless.

[Conan-chandesune]

Look 'ere pal, Each and every Christie novel or short story is a gem, to be read eventually in one's life. They are all just too good. Especially the later ones, which ramp up the psychological and multifaceted accounts by the people involved. Amazing work.

[Okiyakaivan]

So the agatha christie novels story, same as the mystery train case?

[Jd-]

So the agatha christie novels story, same as the mystery train case?

Not at all. It's obviously inspired by that setting, but there's no comparing them. I guarantee you'll remember the crime and solution to Murder on the Orient Express for the rest of your life if you read it, whereas you'll probably forget the criminal and crime to the Conan case in a year if you haven't already.

[Okiyakaivan]

So the agatha christie novels story, same as the mystery train case?

Not at all. It's obviously inspired by that setting, but there's no comparing them. I guarantee you'll remember the crime and solution to Murder on the Orient Express for the rest of your life if you read it, whereas you'll probably forget the criminal and crime to the Conan case in a year if you haven't already.

oh, ah, i see.. i should read the novels again.. okay

[k11chi]

Bought 3 of them for €4,50 yesterday. Lucky...

[Nocturnalux]

I have something of a confession to make...I used to buy Agatha Christie novels, read them within a day, take them back to the bookstore and trade them for another of her novels. I did this twice or so and did not get caught. I feel bad, it is hardly an honest thing to do but the temptation was too great.