The Hercule Poirot Books In Order: 40 Brilliant Books

English writer Agatha Christie is one of the most well-known and celebrated authors of all time. She is known for crafting complex mysteries that keep readers guessing.

This best-selling novelist has written 66 detective books as well as a whole host of short stories. Perhaps her two most iconic characters are Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot.

First appearing in 1920, Hercule Poirot is a quirky Belgian detective who is known for his unique mannerisms and distinctive appearance. This long-running detective has appeared in numerous Christie books.

Not to mention, Herule Poriot has continuously been adapted into film and television. David Suchet, John Malkovich, Kenneth Branagh, and Albert Finney are just some of the actors who are famed for bringing Hercule Poirot to life.

The Hercule Poirot books feature this detective as he gets wrapped in various mysteries. Throughout these novels, Poirot pursues criminals so that he can bring them to justice.

It’s worth noting that Agatha Christie is not the only person to write the Hercule Poirot books.

Following her death in 1976, the Christie estate allowed British writer Sophie Hannah to contribute to the series.

As a result, both the books of Christie and Hannah have been included in this chronological reading order.

About The Hercule Poirot Books

The Hercule Poirot series focuses on the adventures of this detective.

Visiting a variety of exotic locations, Poirot often finds himself at the center of a mystery that he alone can solve. Typically, he gets stuck into cases that involve a murder mystery.

Poirot has a rather quirky personality. This sensational sleuth has developed a reputation thanks to his inquisitive mind and somewhat snobbish personality.

He is famed for having a massive mustache and for being fairly short. Poirot is often accompanied by his companion, Arthur Hastings.

Because there are so many books within the series, they cover completely different themes.

Yet, some of the most recurring themes include lies, deceit, truth, morality, love, money, power, and murder.

It’s worth bearing in mind that this character doesn’t just appear in standard books. He also appears in short stories and plays, many of which have been omitted from this comprehensive list.

Hercule Poirot Books In Order

The Mysterious Affair At Styles

First published in 1920, The Mysterious Affair at Styles introduces the world to Poirot. When the wealthy Emily Inglethorp is poisoned, Poirot must find the culprit.

Pros

• Even at the start of her career, Christie was a skilled writer who could craft a compelling mystery.

Cons

• This book isn’t as complex as later Christie narratives.

The Murder On The Links

In northern France, Poirot and Hastings clash with a local detective, named Monsieur Giraud, as they attempt to find a murderer.

Pros

• Christie uses comedy to add to this narrative.

Cons

• The narrative feels a little too complex and convoluted at times.

Poirot Investigates

Poirot Investigates is a collection of superb short stories in which this titular detective solves a chain of mysteries, including a jewel robbery and a missing will.

Pros

• Christie shows her clever writing through a multitude of stories.

Cons

• The quality of the short stories varies.

The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd

First published in 1926, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd explores the death of this titular character. Roger Ackroyd is stabbed to death, forcing Porot to come out of retirement.

Pros

• This novel contains a famous twist ending that mystery fans adore.

Cons

• The pacing is somewhat slow.

The Big Four

The fifth book in the series tells the story of international espionage. Aided by Inspector Japp and Hastings, Poirot is thrust into a deadly mystery with a spy fiction theme.

Pros

• This is a fast-paced Poirot mystery.

Cons

• The Big Four is considered one of Christie’s weakest novels.

The Mystery Of The Blue Train

Up next, a wealthy heiress named Ruth Kettering is killed on the Le Train Bleu and her precious rubies are stolen. Ruth’s husband is the prime suspect, but Poirot is not certain.

Pros

• The characters are fleshed out and have interesting relationships.

Cons

• This is a little too similar to the superior Murder on the Orient Express.

Black Coffee

Originally a play, Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee was transformed into a book by Charles Osborne. Poirot investigates the murder of a scientist.

Pros

• Christie creates a compelling narrative.

Cons

• Adapted by Osborne, this book lacks Christie’s witty writing style.

Peril At End House

At a Cornish resort, Poirot and Hastings meet the charming Nick Buckley. They become convinced that someone plans on murdering Nick after she has several close brushes with death.

Pros

• Christie takes a different approach to this book that makes it different from other Christie narratives.

Cons

• Many of the characters are difficult to like.

Lord Edgware Dies

Also known as Thirteen at Dinner, Poirot investigates the murder of Lord Edgware. This murder has left the police confused. Can Poirot find the answers?

Pros

• There are plenty of twists and turns in this book, including a fantastic final twist.

Cons

• There are problematic elements, including antisemitism.

Murder On The Orient Express

The 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express is perhaps the most famous Christie novel. Poirot struggles to find which of the passengers is a murderer when a widely-hated man is killed on the Orient Express.

Pros

• Christie crafts an intricate tapestry of moral ambivalence.

Cons

• This book has become so famous that you likely already know about the twist ending.

Three Act Tragedy

Actor Sir Charles Cartwright hosts a party with thirteen guests, which is a bad omen. Unfortunately, a local vicar is killed with no clear trace of poison.

Pros

• The identity of the murderer is difficult to guess.

Cons

• The absence of Hastings is noticeable, as Poirot lacks chemistry with other characters.

Death In The Clouds

Poitot’s skills are tested when he has to solve a bewildering murder that was committed midair. Luckily, Poirot was in the perfect position to observe his fellow passengers.

Pros

• Christie is great at making mysteries in a confused environment.

Cons

• Elements of the narrative are fairly formulaic.

The A.B.C. Murders

In this enticing narrative, a serial killer begins to make their way through the alphabet. To solve this case, Poirot must call upon the entirety of his cunning.

Pros

• The narrative has a solid premise that is well executed.

Cons

• The use of both first-person and third-person narration can be jarring.

Murder In Mesopotamia

In this 14th entry into the series, suspicious events occur at an archeological dig. Nurse Amy Leatheran aids Poirot as he attempts to get to the bottom of these mysteries.

Pros

• Amy is a refreshing narrator for this narrative.

Cons

• Many of the characters are underdeveloped.

Cards On The Table

Mr. Shaitana is known for hosting affluent bridge games. When he is killed at the end of a game, Poirot discovers that this is a deadly game.

Pros

• Christie displays an elegant writing style.

Cons

• The ending is somewhat controversial among mystery fans.

Dumb Witness

When a wealthy woman named Emily Arundell is killed, Poirot investigates her murder. He soon discovers that Emily believed herself to be a target before her death.

Pros

• The comedic elements of the book are hilarious, including Bob the dog.

Cons

• This book doesn’t stand out from other Christie novels.

Death On The Nile

Death on the Nile is one of Christie’s most recognizable books. The young and glamorous Linnet Ridgeway is shot during a luxurious cruise on the Nile. Can Poirot identify the killer?

Pros

• The characters are complex and fascinating.

Cons

• The pacing is somewhat stilted at points.

Appointment With Death

Next, Appointment with Death is based on Christie’s time in the Middle East.

Poirot is on vacation. However, his vacation is disturbed when a despicable tourist called Mrs. Boynton is killed, causing Poirot to find the murderer.

Pros

• It’s a thrilling story about a dysfunctional family.

Cons

• There are too many characters in one book to make them all well-developed.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is a charming read if you want to get into the festive season.

During this season, the Lee family hosts a delightful reunion. Yet, the festivities are shattered when the host is violently murdered.

Pros

• There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers engrossed.

Cons

• The old-fashioned language will be challenging for modern readers.

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

After visiting his dentist, called Henry Morley, Poirot learns that he has died.

Consequently, Poirot hunts for the murderer, turning to the other patients. Christie crafts a detailed story that mystery fans will adore.

Pros

• Christie’s writing is meticulous and heavily detailed.

Cons

• A few elements of the plot are somewhat predictable.

Sad Cypress

Up next, Christie’s Sad Cypress focuses on a woman who is accused of murdering a rival.

Hercule Poirot is the only person in the courtroom who can prove that Elinor Carlisle is innocent. Can he save her before Elinor is sent to the gallows?

Pros

• This is a compelling courtroom drama with a vibe that is different from other Christie works.

Cons

• Elinor is not a likable character.

Evil Under The Sun

Taking a vacation in Devon, Poirot meets a young woman who is hated by many of the other guests in the hotel.

When her body is found strangled, Poirot investigates the circumstances surrounding Arlena’s death.

Pros

• Christie provides extraordinary characterizations.

Cons

• It is a little too similar to other Christie narratives.

Five Little Pigs

Caroline Crale is accused of killing her husband. Yet, five other suspects may have been involved.

Sixteen years later, Poirot works to discover which of these little pigs is the culprit.

Pros

• This is a clever plot that will keep readers guessing.

Cons

• The choice to have the investigation occur sixteen years later removes any emotional impact.

The Hollow

Poirot finds himself at the country home of Lucy Angkatell. Soon, Poirot is alerted that a dead body has been found and that the victim’s wife is the main suspect.

The detective finds himself trapped in an intricate web of family dysfunction.

Pros

• There is great character development in this novel.

Cons

• The plot is somewhat derivative.

Taken At The Flood

Set in 1946, Taken at the Flood explores England in the wake of World War II. Poirot works to solve the case of Mrs. Underhay, a twice-widowed woman who has acquired a large fortune.

Pros

• This narrative explores real-world historical events, namely World War II.

Cons

• This is not Christie’s strongest characterization, as some of the characters feel flat.

Mrs. McGinty’s Dead

Mrs. McGinty is a landlady that is violently murdered. The unflappable Poirot has to determine whether the primary suspect, a lodger named James Bentley, is the true perpetrator. After all, Bentley doesn’t appear to be a murderer. Could he truly be guilty?

Pros

• Christie excels at village mystery novels, as demonstrated here.

Cons

• Christie’s intelligent writing makes it almost impossible to guess the killer, which may disappoint some mystery fans.

After The Funeral

Up next, After the Funeral tells the tale of the deaths of a brother and sister. Following her brother’s funeral, Cora Lansquenet claims that Richard was murdered.

The next day, Cora is killed. The family’s solicitor hires Poirot to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Pros

• The motives of the suspects are incredibly compelling and fascinating.

Cons

• Some of the details are a little too repetitive.

Hickory Dickory Dock

Poirot’s charming secretary, Miss Lemon, is making lots of mistakes.

When Poirot learns that Miss Lemon is anxious about odd occurrences at her sister’s student hostel, the detective is keen to find out what is happening.

Unfortunately, this brings Poirot into contact with a desperate killer.

Pros

• The characters are enjoyable and feel more lighthearted than Christie’s typical characters.

Cons

• Elements of the plot will feel dated to modern audiences.

Dead Man’s Folly

Dead Man’s Folly is a thrilling mystery that is a page-turning read. At a summer fête, a staged Murder Hunt is held.

Ariadne Oliver, a renowned crime author, agrees to lead this staged murder mystery. However, Adriana enlists the help of her friend Poirot when she fears that this act could become a real murder scene.

Pros

• There are plenty of red herrings to confuse readers.

Cons

• The pacing of the narrative drags toward the middle.

Cat Among The Pigeons

At a highly-regarded school for girls, two teachers look into an unusual flashing light coming from the pavilion.

However, they are soon interrupted by a gunshot, leading to the discovery of the dead sports mistress. Without the aid of Poirot, Julia Upjohn fears that she will be next.

Pros

• Christie takes a different approach to this novel, focusing heavily on the school setting.

Cons

• The choice to not include Poirot until the final third of the novel is interesting, but doesn’t quite work.

The Clocks

Time is of the essence in Christie’s The Clocks. In this unorthodox mystery, Poirot must prove that a crime can be solved merely by using one’s brain.

Poirot attempts to discover what caused the death of a middle-aged man.

Pros

• This engaging murder mystery is filled with ingenuity.

Cons

• The format of this book is unorthodox, as it contains two different plots. This may not be suitable for all readers.

Third Girl

Norma Restarick confesses to Poirot that she has committed a crime. However, she soon disappears. With the help of his trusted friend Ariadne Oliver, Poirot is eager to discover whether Norma is truly a murderer.

Pros

• The friendship between Poirot and Ariadne is fun, as she offers a humorous dynamic.

Cons

• Some of Poirot’s thoughts are tedious to read.

Hallowe’en Party

Hallowe’en Party is the perfect book for the spooky season. Ariadne attends a Halloween party, where the young Joyce claims to have witnessed a murder.

Later, the girl’s body is found. To get to the bottom of this, Ariadne contacts her old friend Hercule Poirot.

Pros

• The narrative contains lots of gripping twists and turns.

Cons

• The Halloween theme is not well applied to the plot.

Elephants Can Remember

In one of Poirot’s final cases, Poirot and Ariadne investigate an unsolved crime, which involved a married couple.

A husband and wife were found dead. But were they murdered? If so, who murdered them? Poirot aims to find the answers!

Pros

• Christie displays a mesmerizing understanding of the psychology of her characters.

Cons

• The plot is slow to develop.

Curtain

The Curtain represents the final appearance of Poirot and Hastings in Christie’s writing.

Despite his advanced age, Poirot endeavors to find a serial murderer. To do so, he reunites with his old friend Arthur Hastings.

Pros

• This is a beautiful farewell to the character of Hercule Poirot.

Cons

• Parts of the plot are contrived.

The Monogram Murders

The Monogram Murders is the first Hercule Poirot book written by Sophie Hannah.

This book is set before many of Christie’s books, though it was published much later. Yet, it makes sense to read this modern mystery after Christie’s works.

In this bestselling revival, Poirot investigates three murders at a nearby hotel.

Pros

• The Monogram Murders is an enjoyable mystery.

Cons

• Hannah has a style that is notably different from Christie’s writing voice.

Closed Casket

Children’s author Lady Playford amends her will to cut her children out. Inspired by greed and anger, a murder is committed that Poirot and Edward Catchpool must solve.

Pros

• Focusing on a close-space murder, this feels like a classic Christie tale

Cons

• The characters are not well fleshed-out.

The Mystery Of Three Quarters

Poirot is confronted by a woman named Sylvia Rule, who claims that he wrongly accused her of the murder of a man who she never met.

Can Poirot get to the bottom of this mystery?

Pros

• This is an incredibly gripping premise for a book.

Cons

• The ending is somewhat underwhelming.

The Killings At Kingfisher Hill

Hannah’s latest Poirot novel sees the detective summoned by Richard Devonport. His wife, Helen, has been accused of the murder of Richard’s brother. Is she guilty?

Pros

• Hannah successfully captures Christie’s writing style.

Cons

• The pacing is slow in the middle of the book.

Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night

In this Christmas-themed mystery, Poirot has to put his skills to the test.

Pros

• This is an intelligently written narrative.

Cons

• Hannah still hasn’t fully captured Christie’s voice.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy crime and mystery novels, then the Hercule Poirot books are perfectly suited to your reading tastes.

As you can see, this quirky character has appeared in numerous books. Thus, there is plenty of reading material for Agatha Christie fans to make their way through.

Though these books don’t have a strong ongoing narrative, it nonetheless makes sense to read the Hercule Poirot series in order.

If you enjoy charming writing, intrigue, and quirky characters, then you will fall in love with this book series.

Not to mention, you can check out the many film and television adaptations of these Hercule Poirot mysteries!

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