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.
September
1940s-50s
Alternative Picks: Ordeal by Innocence, After the Funeral, 4:50 from Paddington, Destination Unknown, Cat Among the Pigeons
This month was another chance to reread a Poirot classic. The official pick for this month was Ordeal by Innocence. As much as I love that book, I had covered it in last year's challenge. You can find my thoughts on ReadChristie2023
I feel like Hickory Dickory Dock is not as well known in comparison to Christie's most famous titles. Originally published in 1955, this mystery allows readers the opportunity to get a glimpse into the unique dynamic between Hercule Poirot and his secretary, Miss Lemon. I thought it was a bit cute that Poirot felt the need to involve himself in a random case because it was affecting his employee. Although, I'm sure his concern on her overall work efficiency might have a been another prompt.
This is quite a puzzling mystery; I wasn't sure where the plot was leading at all. There were several sharp twists throughout the book that I didn't expect. You would assume after reading so many Christie novels, I would be able to instantly sniff out red herrings and untangle any mysteries. However, I think what makes Christie's work so unique and much loved to this day, is that each solution to her books is thoroughly well developed and clever. This was a fun mystery to follow, and worth adding to your TBR.
"I congratulate you on having such a unique and beautiful problem."
Hercule Poirot stumbles upon a case of kleptomania at a student hostel. Such a case usually wouldn't interest him, but it has left his faithful secretary Miss Lemon unnerved. Miss Lemon's sister runs the hostel, and is worried something awful is yet to unfold...
October
1960s-70s
Alternative Picks: By the Prickling of my Thumbs, Endless Night, The Pale Horse, Hallowe'en Party
Miss Marple mysteries are always a comfort read. Her sharp wit and observant nature allows her to unravel the most complex cases. As she appears as an unassuming, mundane old lady, characters are more likely to open up to her. This is one of Marple's greatest strengths as many people will end up saying more to an old lady, rather than a police officer. Miss Marple is a great literary example of never judging a book by its cover. She may appear to be just an ordinary old lady, but she has a stronger understanding of human nature than most. She is not ignorant of its dark; nasty side.
The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side was originally published in 1962. Halfway through I thought I had a rough idea of where the plot may be heading but as usual, Christie was once step ahead. I thought the overall solution and motive behind this mystery to be ingenious, and much darker than other Marple mysteries. I don't want to elaborate too much incase you haven't read this one. I think this book really shows how Agatha Christie wasn't ignorant to how pain and grief can really drive people to commit crimes.
"Why shouldn't I hate her? She did the worst thing to me that can do to anyone else. Let them believe that they are loved and wanted and then show them that it's all a sham."
Gossington Hall was recently purchased by the famous film star Marina Gregg. When hosting a charity event, one of the guests is poisoned. Miss Marple feels compelled to explain this sudden death.
New Christie Goodies!
October has been a busy month for Christie fans. The Official Agatha Christie Puzzle Book has been published. From The Mysterious Affair at Styles to Murder on the Orient Express, there are a range of puzzles and crosswords for you solve. It's time to use the little grey cells, mon ami!
More information on this new quiz book can be found here.
There is also a new trivia game which has over 300 questions about the Queen of Crime and her work. Further details on this game can be found here.
Christmas is approaching so the above would be perfect gifts for any Christie fan. I'm currently working through The Mysterious Affair at Styles chapter in the puzzle book, and loving it. There's something so satisfying about solving a puzzle!
November
1960s-70s
Alternative Picks: A Caribbean Mystery, By The Prickling of My Thumbs, At Bertram's Hotel, The Clocks, The Pale Horse, The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
I wouldn't say this is your typical, 'traditional' puzzle. You are presented with a problem that appears backwards; it is not clear if a murder has even been committed. Our Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot is equally stumped by this problem. We are well into the final decades of Christie's work now; Third Girl was originally published in 1966. Times are changing, and it was funny to see our Poirot getting humbled in the first chapter.
I would say this book has a slightly slower pace in comparison to other mysteries. However, the first chapter should spark your interest. I would be very intrigued to know if you solved this mystery in the first read. The solution was rather ingenious. I don't think I would ever have worked it out myself. I guess I did find it reassuring that Poirot also felt very confused by the whole case.
I can't believe we're nearly at the end of this year's reading challenge; it seems to have gone by so quickly. Now I just need to figure out what to read for December...
'Where there is murder, anything can happen.'
Hercule Poirot is stumped when he receives a visit from a young woman. She claims she 'might' have committed murder. Poirot is determined is understand the truth behind such an unsure confession.
December
1960s-70s
Alternative Picks: Elephants Can Remember, Sleeping Murder, Nemesis, Passenger to Frankfurt, Postern of Fate, Curtain
For the final book of this year's reading challenge, it felt fitting to pick Curtain: Poirot's Last Case. We say goodbye to Hercule Poirot in the same place where we first met him; the Styles Estate. I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First published in 1975, Christie created a brilliant send off for our Belgian detective. Although, I hear she was rather sick of writing Poirot mysteries by then.
Did you know that in 1975, Hercule Poirot received an obituary in the New York Times.
It must have been incredible for Christie to see in black and white the level of influence her literary characters had on the world.
The long-lasting friendship between Hercule Poirot and Arthur Hastings really shines in this book. They are one of the most iconic and beloved duos in detective fiction. As Poirot's last case, Christie really set up an tricky mystery. I must say, the overall solution did really surprise me. Certain revelations felt very out of character for Poirot, but I won't say anymore in case you haven't read this one. However, I felt it was overall a great send off for Hercule Poirot.
'He notices a good deal. Those quiet people often do.'
As Poirot's health deteriorates, he calls upon his most trusted friend for assistance. Both men are staying at the Styles Estate; where they both uncovered a murder many decades before. Poirot is adamant that another murder is yet to unfold, and needs Hastings to be his eyes and ears.
Goodbye ReadChristie2024
This year's reading challenge has been a treat to explore. Over the months, we got the chance to revisit classic detective tales, whilst observing how Christie's writing changed across the decades. One book that still sticks in my mind was October's read: The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side. I think the underlining motive in this murder mystery was really dark, and an excellent example of Miss Marple's ability to understand human nature; especially its nasty side.
I recommend checking out the official Agatha Christie Ltd blog for this reading challenge here.
2024 has been a busy year for all things Agatha Christie. I was fortunate enough to see two stage performances: And Then There Were None and Witness for the Prosecution. Agatha Christie Ltd also released their official puzzle book and trivia game.
I'm very excited for what 2025 awaits - I already have my eye on the new stage production of Murder on the Orient Express directed by Lucy Bailey.
I hope you also enjoyed this reading challenge. Remember to trust your little grey cells!
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