Author
Agatha Christie
1890-1976
Agatha Christie (1890-1976) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Agatha Christie
The murder of Roger Ackroyd
"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1926. When wealthy Roger Ackroyd is found stabbed in his study, the recently retired Hercule Poirot is called to investigate. The victim had recently learned the identity of a blackmailer from his fiancée, a widow who poisoned her husband. As Poirot unravels a complex web of secrets among the household guests and staff, the novel's narrator, local doctor James Sheppard, chronicles the investigation that leads to one of detective fiction's most controversial and groundbreaking conclusions.
The Secret of Chimneys
"The Secret of Chimneys" by Agatha Christie is a suspenseful detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces the charming Anthony Cade, who finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue involving royal secrets and political machinations in a fictional Balkan nation known as Herzoslovakia. As he sets off on a journey to deliver a manuscript of memoirs, he stumbles into a world of blackmail, missing persons, and a potential restoration of a monarchy. At the start of the novel, we meet Anthony Cade while he is working as a tour guide in Africa, where he encounters an old friend, Jimmy McGrath. After a light-hearted exchange, McGrath reveals a plan that involves the delivery of Count Stylptitch's memoirs to a publisher in London, which promises a reward of a thousand pounds. Intrigued, Anthony agrees to take on the task, unaware of the dangerous implications, including confrontation with various factions, including a mysterious former royal and potential assassins. The opening sets the stage for a captivating interplay of romance, adventure, and the classic whodunit elements that Agatha Christie is known for.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
"The Mysterious Affair at Styles" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the mysterious death of an elderly matriarch, Mrs. Inglethorp, at Styles Court, her estate in Essex, and the subsequent investigation into the incident. The main character is Captain Arthur Hastings, who narrates the tale and has a close association with the famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who takes on the role of sleuthing to uncover the truth surrounding Mrs. Inglethorp's demise. The beginning of the novel introduces Captain Hastings, who has returned from the front lines of World War I for a period of convalescence. He visits Styles Court at the invitation of an old acquaintance, John Cavendish, only to find himself embroiled in the complex family dynamics and tensions at play within the household. Mrs. Inglethorp's recent marriage to a much younger man, Alfred, triggers friction among the family members, particularly with her stepchildren, John and Lawrence. The narrative foreshadows underlying tensions that have escalated into a quarrel just before the tragedy strikes. Mrs. Inglethorp's sudden and dramatic transformation from a commanding presence to that of a victim sets the stage for an investigation marked by motives of greed, jealousy, and potential foul play. As Hastings recounts the sinister atmosphere enveloping Styles Court, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems, and Poirot's keen observational skills will be needed to piece together the puzzle of the murder.
Poirot Investigates
"Poirot Investigates" by Agatha Christie is a short story collection first published in 1924. The eleven tales follow the eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as he unravels mysteries driven by greed, jealousy, and revenge. From stolen diamonds and suspicious deaths to international espionage, each case challenges Poirot's brilliant deductive mind. With his friend Hastings by his side, Poirot employs psychological insight and theatrical flair to expose criminals and reveal the truth behind seemingly impossible crimes.
The Secret Adversary
"The Secret Adversary" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in January 1922. Two unemployed young friends, Tommy and Tuppence, form a business seeking adventure and quickly find themselves entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving a missing woman, a secret treaty from the Lusitania, and a mysterious criminal mastermind known only as "Mr. Brown." Their investigation leads them through deception, kidnapping, and betrayal as they race to recover the treaty before it destabilizes the British government.
The Murder on the Links
"The Murder on the Links" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1923. Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings travel to northern France to meet a client, only to discover he's been murdered and buried beside a golf course. Facing a hostile rival from the Paris Sûreté, Poirot must untangle a web of blackmail, false identities, and a decades-old crime. As Hastings falls unexpectedly in love, the case reveals that nothing is as it seems.
The Big Four
"The Big Four" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1927. When a dying stranger staggers into Hercule Poirot's bedroom and whispers about an international crime cartel, the famous detective and his friend Hastings find themselves pursuing a shadowy organization led by four powerful masterminds. Their investigation takes them across countries as they uncover kidnappings, mysterious murders, and a deadly new weapon, all orchestrated by criminals who seem always one step ahead.
The Man in the Brown Suit
"The Man in the Brown Suit" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1924. When Anne Beddingfeld witnesses a man's death at a London tube station, she picks up a mysterious note that launches her into a dangerous adventure. Following clues across continents to South Africa, Anne pursues the truth about murder, stolen diamonds, and a shadowy international criminal known only as "the Colonel." With danger at every turn, she must uncover the real identity of the elusive man in the brown suit.
The mystery of the Blue Train
"The Mystery of the Blue Train" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1928. When an American heiress is found strangled aboard the luxurious Le Train Bleu bound for the French Riviera, her priceless ruby missing, Hercule Poirot must unravel a web of unhappy marriages, secret lovers, and jewel thieves. With multiple suspects—including the victim's estranged husband and a notorious count—and conflicting testimonies, Poirot discovers that nothing aboard the Blue Train is quite what it seems.
The Seven Dials mystery
"The Seven Dials Mystery" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1929. When a house party guest is found dead surrounded by alarm clocks, with one mysteriously missing, it appears to be a tragic accident. But when another death follows with the cryptic words "Seven Dials," Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent finds herself drawn into a dangerous world of secret meetings, masked conspirators, and stolen government formulas. With the help of Superintendent Battle, she must uncover which seemingly innocent guest is actually a cunning international criminal.
The Missing Will
"The Missing Will" by Agatha Christie is a short detective story featuring the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, written during the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of intellect and determination as it follows Poirot as he investigates the unusual terms of a will left by a wealthy uncle to his niece. The story presents a delightful puzzle infused with Christie's trademark wit and clever plotting. In this tale, Poirot is approached by Miss Violet Marsh, the niece of the late Andrew Marsh, who challenges her intellect with a will that promises her inheritance only if she can outsmart him within a year. Following her uncle's death, Poirot and his friend Hastings visit Crabtree Manor to uncover the hidden second will or a concealed sum of money, believing that the deceased uncle, known for his intelligence, has devised a clever test for his niece. As they navigate the quaint manor and gather clues, they encounter various obstacles and red herrings. Ultimately, Poirot reveals the true will, which had been cleverly hidden in plain sight, proving that intelligence and reason, rather than mere educational qualifications, are the keys to success.
The Plymouth Express Affair
"The Plymouth Express Affair" by Agatha Christie is a crime fiction narrative written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the mysterious murder of a young woman found dead in a train compartment. The narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships and the dark motives that can lead to crime. In this gripping mystery, Lieutenant Alec Simpson inadvertently discovers the body of the Honorable Mrs. Rupert Carrington on the Plymouth Express train. After learning the shocking news, Poirot is drawn into the investigation, uncovering a web of deception involving Mrs. Carrington, her estranged husband Rupert, and her past romantic entanglement with the dubious Count de la Rochefour. As clues come together, Poirot navigates through a labyrinth of lies, leading him to identify the real culprits—a plot involving Mrs. Carrington's maid, who has orchestrated the crime alongside a notorious jewel thief. Ultimately, Poirot's brilliant deductions and insights challenge assumptions, revealing the true nature of both love and greed.
The Hunter's Lodge Case
"The Hunter's Lodge Case" by Agatha Christie is a crime fiction novella written in the early 20th century. This work is a captivating example of Christie's mastery in crafting intricate murder mysteries, centering around the famous detective Hercule Poirot. The story unfolds as Hercule Poirot, although recovering from influenza, is drawn into a puzzling case involving the murder of a wealthy man named Mr. Harrington Pace at a remote shooting lodge. The plot follows Captain Hastings, Poirot's loyal companion, as he is dispatched to investigate the murder after being contacted by Roger Havering, Pace's nephew. The narrative details the sequence of events leading up to the murder, including a mysterious visitor and the frantic attempts of both local police and Hastings to uncover the truth. Multiple suspects arise, including Havering and his wife, Zoe, who deceives everyone around her. Poirot ultimately deduces that the seemingly innocent housekeeper is a figment of Zoe's elaborate ruse, devised to create an alibi during the murder. The resolution unfolds with Poirot's insights into the deceptions, yet the tragic fate of the murderers offers a poignant reflection on justice.