The Decades
"Instinct is a marvellous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored." - The Mysterious Affair at Styles
I am super excited for this year's #readchristie2024 challenge. 2023 was a great opportunity to explore the psychology of Christie's books, through methods and motives. This year, we'll explore Christie's work in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s-50s, and 1960s-70s.
Month | Theme | Official Pick |
January | 1920s | The Mysterious Affair at Styles |
February | 1920s | The Secret Adversary |
March | 1920s | The Mystery of the Blue Train |
April | 1930s | The Murder at the Vicarage |
May | 1930s | The ABC Murders |
June | 1930s | And Then There Were None |
July | 1940s-50s | Taken at the Flood |
August | 1940s-50s | A Murder is Announced |
September | 1940s-50s | Ordeal by Innocence |
October | 1960s-70s | A Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side |
November | 1960s-70s | Third Girl |
December | 1960s-70s | Elephants Can Remember |
Of course, the above are just the official picks for each month. Agatha Christie Ltd will provide a full list of alternative reads if you fancy something different.
Join me each month as I share my thoughts on each book for #readchristie2024
Full information on how to participate can be found on the official Agatha Christie Ltd website and via their socials.
Exciting Christie News
Murder is Easy - TV Adaptation
A BBC adaptation of Christie's Murder is Easy aired on the 27th of December 2023! It's based on the 1939 mystery. It may be worth saving the book for April, May or June #readchristie2024
Source: Agatha Christie Ltd - https://www.agathachristie.com/film-and-tv/murder-is-easy
And Then There Were None - UK Theatre Adaptation
I have my tickets booked and ready for April! I am so excited to see this. And then There Were None is probably one of my favourite standalone Christie books. This will be the second play by Christie I'll see; I saw The Mousetrap earlier this year. After this, I need to try to get tickets to see A Witness for the Prosecution.
Source: Agatha Christie Ltd - https://www.agathachristie.com/en/theatre/and-then-there-were-none
I will leave the theatre tour dates below!
January
1920s
Alternative Picks: The Mysterious Affair at Styles & Murder on the Links
The first three months of this reading challenge will focus on the books published in the 1920s. I decided not to go for the official pick this month, mainly because I only read Poirot Investigates once, so I felt a reread was necessary. This collection of short stories really illustrates Christie's genius through a variety of different puzzles. For me, I mostly enjoyed reading the dynamic between Poirot and Captain Hastings. There were times when you'd feel a bit sorry for Hastings because of how obtuse Poirot could be. I think if they weren't best pals, Hastings wouldn't have the patience for Poirot's "little grey cells."
I had only realised when I finished this book that it was published in 1924 - exactly one hundred years ago. I wonder if Agatha Christie had any idea that people would still be reading her stories a century onwards.
I think Poirot Investigates is a great book to introduce yourself to the world of Hercule Poirot. Although he can be a bit of a difficult one (for the other characters), you cannot help but soften towards him.
"With method and logic one can accomplish anything."
From disappearing prime ministers to stolen jewels, there is only one person who can solve the case - Hercule Poirot...with Captain Hastings of course!
February
1920s
Alternative Picks: The Secret Adversary (official pick), Partners in Crime, The Man in the Brown Suit, The Seven Dials Mystery
So far, I've not been keeping with the official picks. But I guess the nick perk with this year's challenge is that it's very flexible. As long as you're reading something published in the appropriate decade, you're good to go. Although I do like The Secret Adversary, if I had a choice between Tommy & Tuppence and Hercule Poirot, I'm going to pick the latter.
It's been nearly 100 years since this mystery was published - it was first released in 1928. There's something about murder mysteries taking place on public transport, like planes, ships, and trains that makes it all the more thrilling. It narrows down our suspects, whilst being faced with an equally puzzling mystery. There could only be so many solutions to the crime, yet Christie always finds a way to surprise me.
This is more of a slow-paced novel in comparison to other Christie books. However, reading this one whilst commuting to work via train really helped bring the story to life. Thankfully, no one has been mysteriously murdered on my morning commute.
'I do not argue with obstinate men. I act in spite of them.'
When the Blue Train arrives in French Riviera, a body is found. Not only is the victim the daughter of an American millionaire, but her jewels are also missing. There seems only one man who can solve the case - Hercule Poirot.
March
1920s
Alternative Picks: The Big Four, The Mystery of the Blue Train (official pick), The Secret Adversary, The Mysterious Affair at Styles
When people tell me they haven't read an Agatha Christie book, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is probably one of my first recommendations. This book, alongside And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express, is how Christie became one of my favourite writers. I am not exaggerating when I say Christie literally turned the rules of detective fiction upside down with this novel.
When it comes to this book, I recommend reading it twice. First to simply enjoy the story, and second to see if you can spot all the clues you missed the first time. Christie is always fair with her stories; it's rare to come across and outlandish solution that no reader has any chance in solving. All the tools you need to crack the case are there, you just need to use your little grey cells!
If you haven't read this book yet, you are in for a treat. I can't say too much without spoiling it. When people ask why I love Agatha Christie books, I simply ask if they've read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
'It is completely unimportant. That is why it is so interesting.'
When Roger Ackroyd is discovered violently murdered in his study, retired Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, is asked to solve the case.
And Then There Were None - Theatre Adaptation
Directed by Lucy Bailey
Source: @officialagathachristie on Instagram
I know this isn't technically related to #readchristie2024, but I had to mention this show. This recent stage adaptation of And Then There Were None was brilliant. All of the actors had my full attention from the moment the story began. I wasn't 100% sure at first how they were going to adapt this book for the stage, but Lucy Bailey nailed it. I believe a stage adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express is coming in January 2025!
This play alongside The Mousetrap are the only two Christie plays I've seen. The next on my list is a Witness for the Prosecution. I need to get my tickets for those asap.
When I went to see this show, it was on the tail-end of its UK tour. If it does return to theatres (and I hope it does), you must get a ticket!
April
1930s
Alternative Picks: Murder at the Vicarage, Lord Edgware Dies, Black Coffee, The Thirteen Problems, Giant's Bread, Why Didn't They Ask Evans?
With April comes the start of a new themed decade. As long as you pick any title that was published in the 1930s, you are good to go. I didn't go for the official pick this time as, like with earlier posts, I hadn't read this book in ages.
Reading Peril at End House reminded me how brutal Poirot could be to his pal Hastings. Their exchanges were always frank, and I found it funny how unashamedly blunt Poirot could be to his companions. His confidence in himself, some might say arrogance, makes him all the entertaining to follow. This mystery is slightly different from others as it centres solving a murder BEFORE it has been committed. Our detective friend must work backwards. A classic whodunnit with a twist - find the murderer before they can commit their crime.
The solution to this puzzle is quite ingenious so if you haven't read it before, you are in for a treat.
"I always think loyalty's such a tiresome virtue."
Whilst visiting the Cornish coast, Poirot meets the young Nick Buckley. Nick has informed Poirot of the several near-death escapes she's experienced. Poirot is not so convinced these are mere coincidences.
May
1930s
Alternative Picks: The Mysterious Mr Quinn, And Then There Were None, Cards on the Table, Murder in Mesopotamia, Murder is Easy, Appointment with Death
The ABC Murders is one of Christie's most iconic books. This title alongside The Murder of Roger Ackroyd illustrates the genius of Christie's writing. You'll be hooked on this title from the first chapter. The reason why people always go back to this book is because the solution is simply ingenious. It's interesting reading Agatha Christie, and noticing how she was the pioneer of crime fiction. We reread books like The ABC Murders because they are timeless.
This title is a great start if you're new to Christie's books. You follow a thrilling case of a serial killer with the endearing, and humorous dynamic between Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings. This one is slightly different from other Poirot mysteries. He is regularly taunted and ridiculed by the killer. As the reader, you are fixated on identifying the pattern of the killings. Concise, and engaging writing throughout - you'll always want to read one more chapter.
"A madman in particular has always a very strong reason for the crimes he commits."
There is also a tv show adaptation of this mystery featuring John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot
A serial killer is on the loose, sending Poirot taunting letters before each kill. Can the Belgian detective solve the case?
June
1930s
1930s
Alternative Picks: And Then There Were None, Parker Pyne Investigates, Unfinished Portrait, Murder on the Orient Express, Death in the Clouds, Death on the Nile, The Sittaford Mystery
The official pick for this month was And Then There Were None, however since I saw the theatre adaptation recently, I wanted to go for a different title. It had been awhile since I read Dumb Witness, and as it was published in the 1930s, it felt like a good opportunity to reread this mystery.
Unlike other Christie mysteries, this one is more medium to slow paced. I think that was a deliberate move on Christie's part as it gives the reader an opportunity to really familiarise themselves with the characters. It's hard to figure out motives when you hardly know who the suspects are. It allowed me to try identify the subtle clues Christie embedded throughout the novel. This murder mystery is certainly a comfort read; especially as Poirot and Hastings both appear. I did love how Christie allowed Bob the Dog to show his own narrative.
This is our last book for the theme of the 1930s! We are slowly making progress through the decades.
"The dog hunts rabbits. Hercule Poirot hunts murderers."
After suffering a serious fall, Emily is convinced someone staged the accident. She writes to Hercule Poirot for help but by the time he receives her letter, Emily is already dead...
Witness for the Prosecution
Directed by Lucy Bailey
This June, I was fortunate to see one of Christie's most iconic plays, Witness for the Prosecution.
This has been a production I've wanted to see for ages. The fact that it's set in London's County Hall made the experience absolutely incredible. As an audience member, you were thrown into the drama of a courtroom the moment the production began. It's hard to forget it's a theatre performance and not a real life trial.
I thought the whole cast and theatre production were brilliant. There is nothing I could fault about this performance. It's a real bucket list to see this show, and I'm so glad to have been in that County Hall.
The director, Lucy Bailey, was the director behind the recent theatre adaptation of And Then There Were None (I saw earlier this year). She is also working on a adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. I am so, so excited to see how this is brought to the stage. I highly recommend you see this performance!
July
1940s-50s
Alternative Picks: The Labours of Hercules, Evil Under the Sun, The Body in the Library, N or M?
Starting from July, we've moved onto a new theme: books published in the 1940s. The drill is the same as before; you can read whatever you want, so long as the title was published in the appropriate decade. I decided to go for the official pick simply because I had only read Taken at the Flood once before. It was awhile ago, so I thought it a great opportunity to reread the mystery.
In comparison to other Christie mysteries, this one is more slow paced. That's not to imply there are any unnecessary fillers in this book; up until the final page there are intriguing twists for the reader. The plot was deeply clever, but apart from Poirot, I wasn't hugely keen on the characters. Rowley and Lynn's relationship in particular was full of red flags right up until the end. Giving the benefit of the doubt, this book was published in the 1940s. However, I still found the fact that certain violent behaviours were so easily forgiven a bit disturbing. I guess it just felt very unnecessary for the plot.
'What a person really is, is only apparent when the test comes - that is, the moment when you stand or fall on your own feet.'
Shortly after he marries, Gordon Cloade is killed in the London Blitz. His enormous wealth, much to the dismay of his family, is left to his new widow. But when a stranger appears claiming that Mrs Cloade was already married, the inheritance is thrown into question.
August
1940s-50s
Alternative Picks: A Murder is Announced, They Came to Baghdad, Destination Unknown, A Pocket Full of Rye, Mousetrap
I couldn't remember the last time I read Dead Man's Folly, so I took August as an opportunity to reread this mystery. This is a very puzzling mystery because you are thrown in the dark; you have a murder victim with no obvious motive. The victim appears so irrelevant and inconsequential that as a reader, you are unsure where to to start to solve the case. However, like with every Christie book, there is a logic to the solution. One must use their little grey cells!
I stayed up really late to finish this one; I forgot how dark the ending was. I thought the overall plot and solution of this mystery very clever. Although I didn't solve this one, a few of my predictions were correct! I guess reading all these Christie books have paid off.
"If the foundations are rotten - everything's rotten."
I believe the setting of Dead Man's Folly, particularly the boathouse, was inspired by the writer's holiday home, Greenway House. I haven't been fortunate enough to visit myself, but it's definitely something I would love to do. I'll leave a button to the estate's information page if you are interested:
Ariadne Oliver invites her friend Hercule Poirot to a mock murder mystery fete organised in the Devonshire countryside. But when a body is discovered in the boathouse, Poirot is compelled to the identify the murderer.
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