Hercule Poirot is a brilliant Belgian detective with a flair for solving complex cases. Poirot remains one of the most important fictional detectives.
Poirot appeared in 33 books, 51 short stories, and two plays. These seven Poirot novels showcase Christie’s brilliant storytelling. They demonstrate why Hercule Poirot remains one of the most beloved and enduring characters in detective fiction.
“There are many things not called poison which can kill a man”
Hercule Poirot
Here are seven of the best books featuring Hercule Poirot:
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)
Wealthy industrialist Roger Ackroyd is found murdered in his study in the English village of King’s Abbot. Dr. James Sheppard, a physician, is the novel’s narrator. Dr. Sheppard becomes involved in the murder investigation with his friend, Hercule Poirot.
As they begin to question the people in Ackroyd’s life, they discover that almost everyone had a motive to kill him. However, the truth is even more shocking than they imagined.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was voted the all-time best crime novel by the Crime Writers’ Association.
Death on the Nile
Death on the Nile is a classic whodunit that takes place on a luxury riverboat in Egypt. It involves a tangled web of love triangles, jealousy, and murder.
When Linnet Ridgeway is found murdered in her cabin, Poirot must sort through a web of romantic entanglements, jealousy, and revenge to uncover the killer. The exotic Egyptian setting adds to the intrigue and danger.
Death on the Nile is one of Christie’s most popular and beloved novels, thanks in part to its richly drawn characters and atmospheric setting.
Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express takes place on the luxurious Orient Express train, where a diverse group of passengers find themselves stranded in the midst of a snowstorm. One of the passengers, the infamous businessman Mr. Ratchett, is murdered in his compartment.
Hercule Poirot is called upon to solve the case. As Poirot interviews the passengers and investigates the crime scene, he discovers a tangled web of motives and secrets.
The novel is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the mystery genre, thanks in part to its intricate plot and surprise ending.
The ABC Murders
The ABC Murders features a series of murders committed in alphabetical order by an unknown killer who signs his letters “ABC.” Hercule Poirot is called in to investigate the murders, which seem to be connected by the killer’s desire to taunt Poirot himself.
The novel is known for its complex plot and the psychological depth of its characters, particularly Poirot, who is forced to confront his own vulnerabilities and limitations in the course of the investigation.
Five Little Pigs
Five Little Pigs centers on the murder of a wealthy businessman named Amyas Crale, who was poisoned by his wife Caroline Crale. Caroline was convicted of the crime and died in prison. Sixteen years later, their daughter Carla seeks out Hercule Poirot to clear her mother’s name.
Poirot agrees to take on the case and interviews the five people who were present on the day of the murder, including Caroline’s sister and the three men who were in love with her. As Poirot delves into the past and uncovers new evidence, he begins to suspect that the murder was more complex than it initially appeared.
Five Little Pigs is known for its intricate plot and complex characters, as well as its unusual structure, which consists of five different perspectives on the same crime.
Cards on the Table
Cards on the Table takes place during a dinner party hosted by the mysterious Mr. Shaitana, who invites four detectives and four people whom he believes to be murderers.
After the meal, Shaitana is found dead in his study, and the detectives must determine which of the four suspects is responsible.
The novel is known for its clever plot twists and psychological depth, as the detectives must not only solve the murder but also confront their own biases and weaknesses.
The novel is often cited as one of Christie’s best works, thanks in part to its inventive structure and the depth of its characters.
Evil Under the Sun
Evil Under the Sun follows Hercule Poirot as he travels to the exclusive Jolly Roger Hotel on the coast of Devon, England for a holiday. While there, he meets a number of guests, including the beautiful and flamboyant Arlena Stuart.
When Arlena is found strangled on the beach, Poirot is called upon to investigate. As he interviews the hotel guests and staff, he uncovers a web of secrets, betrayals, and hidden desires.
Each suspect has a motive for wanting Arlena dead, but Poirot must use his keen powers of deduction to uncover the true killer and bring them to justice.
Along the way, Poirot faces a number of challenges, including conflicting witness accounts, red herrings, and the psychological complexities of the suspects. Ultimately, however, he is able to unravel the mystery and reveal the surprising truth behind the murder of Arlena Stuart.
Bonus: Hercule Poirot Short Stories
Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories includes every short story featuring Hercule Poirot.
Here are some of the best short stories in this collection:
- The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding: Poirot investigates the theft of a priceless ruby and a stolen pudding.
- The Double Clue: Poirot must solve the theft of a pearl necklace belonging to a wealthy socialite.
- The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan: Poirot investigates the theft of a valuable diamond while on vacation.
- The Veiled Lady: Poirot solves a case involving a mysterious woman and a stolen painting.
- The Lost Mine: Poirot investigates the theft of valuable stocks and bonds from a mining company.
- The Chocolate Box: Poirot solves a case from his past involving a lost love and a tragic secret.
- The Plymouth Express: Poirot investigates a murder on a train, with multiple suspects and motives.
The book contains all 51 Poirot short stories. Each story shows Christie’s mastery of mystery and her ability to craft clever plot twists with engaging characters.
