Agatha Christie remains one of the most successful and influential authors in literary history. More than a century after she began publishing novels, readers around the world continue to discover her brilliant mysteries, unforgettable detectives, and shocking twists. In fact, Christie is the bestselling novelist of all time, with only the Bible and Shakespeare’s works selling more copies worldwide.

That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident.

Throughout her career, Christie wrote more than 60 detective novels, dozens of short stories, and several plays. She introduced iconic characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, revolutionized the mystery genre, and created some of the most memorable endings ever put to paper.

With so many incredible novels to choose from, narrowing down the best Agatha Christie books is no easy task. Thankfully, thousands of readers helped answer that question.

The official Agatha Christie website conducted a worldwide poll that received more than 15,000 votes from readers in over 100 countries. Fans were asked to vote for their favorite Christie novel, resulting in a fascinating list that showcases which books have stood the test of time.

While some of the results are exactly what you would expect, a few entries may surprise even longtime Christie fans.

Here are the top 10 favorite Agatha Christie novels as voted by readers around the world.

The Top Ten Favorite Agatha Christie Novels

• And Then There Were None
• Murder on the Orient Express
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
•  Death on the Nile 
• The A.B.C. Murders
• A Murder is Announced     
• 4:50 from Paddington
• Evil Under the Sun
• Five Little Pigs
• Curtain:  Poirot’s Last Case

10. Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case (1975)

Few mystery novels carry the emotional weight of Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case.

Originally written decades before its publication, Christie intended this novel to serve as Hercule Poirot’s final adventure. The story reunites readers with the famous Belgian detective as he returns to Styles Court, the location of his very first case.

Poirot believes a dangerous murderer is operating once again, but this criminal is unlike anyone he has encountered before. The suspect appears innocent, leaves no evidence behind, and manipulates others into committing crimes.

What makes Curtain so memorable isn’t just the mystery itself. It’s the emotional farewell to one of literature’s greatest detectives. Fans who have followed Poirot throughout dozens of novels often describe this book as one of Christie’s most moving and unforgettable works.

The novel’s inclusion on this list proves that readers appreciate not only Christie’s twists but also her ability to bring a beloved character’s journey to a satisfying conclusion.

9. Five Little Pigs (1942)

Many mystery fans consider Five Little Pigs one of Christie’s most underrated masterpieces.

The novel follows Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurred sixteen years earlier. A woman was convicted of poisoning her husband and has since died, but her daughter believes she was innocent.

Poirot interviews five people who were present at the time of the murder and attempts to uncover the truth from conflicting memories and perspectives.

Unlike many Christie novels, this mystery contains very little action. Instead, it relies on psychology, character studies, and careful analysis of testimony.

The result is a fascinating puzzle that rewards attentive readers and demonstrates Christie’s remarkable understanding of human nature.

8. Evil Under the Sun (1941)

Few settings are as perfect for a Christie mystery as an isolated seaside resort.

In Evil Under the Sun, Hercule Poirot finds himself vacationing on a beautiful island where tensions simmer beneath the surface. When glamorous actress Arlena Stuart is found murdered, nearly everyone present has a motive.

The novel combines a stunning location with a tightly constructed mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

One reason fans continue to love this book is the strength of its characters. Christie fills the story with jealousy, resentment, secrets, and deception, creating a cast where almost anyone could be guilty.

The clever solution and picturesque setting have helped make this one of Poirot’s most enduring adventures.

7. 4:50 from Paddington (1957)

Miss Marple makes her first appearance on this list with one of her most beloved mysteries.

The story begins when Mrs. McGillicuddy witnesses a woman being strangled aboard a passing train. The problem is that no body can be found and nobody believes her story.

Fortunately, Miss Marple takes the claim seriously.

Her investigation leads her to a large country estate where she suspects the victim’s body has been hidden. What follows is a classic Christie mystery filled with secrets, family drama, and plenty of suspects.

Fans love this novel because it perfectly showcases Miss Marple’s intelligence and observational skills. She may seem harmless on the surface, but she consistently proves herself to be one of Christie’s sharpest detectives.

6. A Murder Is Announced (1950)

Another Miss Marple classic, A Murder Is Announced begins with one of the most intriguing premises Christie ever created.

Residents of a small English village are shocked to find a newspaper advertisement announcing that a murder will take place at a specific time and location.

Naturally, curiosity gets the better of everyone, and a crowd gathers at the appointed house.

Then the murder actually happens.

The setup alone is enough to make this one of Christie’s most memorable novels, but the mystery itself is equally impressive. Filled with red herrings, mistaken identities, and clever twists, it remains a fan favorite decades after publication.

Many readers consider it one of the finest Miss Marple novels ever written.

5. The A.B.C. Murders (1936)

Christie was never afraid to experiment with the mystery genre, and The A.B.C. Murders is one of her most ambitious novels.

The story centers on a serial killer who appears to be targeting victims alphabetically. Before each murder, Poirot receives a taunting letter signed only “A.B.C.”

As the killings continue, the pressure mounts to stop the murderer before another victim dies.

The novel stands out because it feels very different from Christie’s traditional country house mysteries. Instead of focusing on a single crime and a limited group of suspects, it presents a larger and more complex investigation.

The result is a suspenseful and innovative mystery that remains one of Poirot’s most celebrated cases.

4. Death on the Nile (1937)

For many readers, Death on the Nile represents Christie at the height of her powers.

Set aboard a luxurious cruise along the Nile River, the novel follows a group of travelers whose dream vacation turns deadly after a wealthy young woman is murdered.

As always, Poirot is on hand to investigate.

The exotic setting helps distinguish this novel from many of Christie’s other works, but what truly makes it special is the intricate mystery. Nearly every passenger has secrets, motives, and opportunities, making it incredibly difficult to determine who committed the crime.

Packed with twists and memorable characters, Death on the Nile remains one of Christie’s most beloved books and one of the greatest mystery novels ever written.

3. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)

When discussing the most influential mystery novels of all time, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is always part of the conversation.

The novel follows Hercule Poirot as he investigates the death of a wealthy businessman in a quiet English village.

At first glance, the story seems like a traditional whodunit.

Then Christie delivers one of the most shocking twists in literary history.

Without spoiling anything, it’s safe to say that the ending changed mystery fiction forever. Readers continue to debate and discuss the novel nearly a century after its publication.

Its impact on the genre cannot be overstated, and it’s easy to see why fans voted it among Christie’s greatest achievements.

2. Murder on the Orient Express (1934)

One of the most famous mystery novels ever written, Murder on the Orient Express has captivated readers for generations.

The story begins when a passenger aboard the luxurious Orient Express is found murdered during a snowstorm. With the train stranded and no possibility of escape, Poirot must determine which of the passengers committed the crime.

The setup is simple, but Christie transforms it into a masterclass in mystery writing.

The novel features a memorable cast of suspects, an atmospheric setting, and one of the most famous endings in detective fiction. Even readers who know the solution often enjoy revisiting the story because of how expertly Christie constructs the investigation.

Receiving 16 percent of the fan vote, it’s clear that Murder on the Orient Express remains one of Christie’s most treasured novels.

1. And Then There Were None (1939)

Was there ever any doubt?

Taking the top spot is And Then There Were None, widely regarded as Agatha Christie’s masterpiece and the bestselling mystery novel of all time.

The story follows ten strangers who are invited to a remote island. Shortly after arriving, they discover that someone among them is a murderer.

Then people begin dying one by one.

The novel creates an atmosphere of dread and paranoia unlike anything else Christie ever wrote. With no detective to solve the case and no easy answers, readers are forced to piece together the mystery themselves.

Every chapter increases the tension, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

The novel received 21 percent of the total vote, earning a commanding victory in the fan poll. Considering its reputation, influence, and enduring popularity, the result is hardly surprising.

More than eighty years after its publication, And Then There Were None remains the gold standard for mystery fiction.

Final Thoughts

Agatha Christie wrote more than 60 novels during her remarkable career, and narrowing them down to just ten favorites is an impossible task. Every reader has their own personal rankings, and many fantastic books were left off this list.

Still, the results of this worldwide fan vote offer an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore Christie’s work.

From the psychological brilliance of Five Little Pigs to the legendary twists of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Murder on the Orient Express, these novels showcase exactly why Christie remains the Queen of Crime.

And while several books competed for the top spot, And Then There Were None ultimately emerged as the clear favorite. Given its reputation as the bestselling mystery novel ever written, it’s a result that will surprise absolutely nobody.

How many of these Agatha Christie novels have you read? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, Until next time, happy reading!

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