Reading Lists
The 1940s and 50s: A Reading List
Christie's stories from the 1940s and 50s give readers an insight into that period, with all its societal movements and world events. However, whilst war and threats of espionage are often hinted at, there is plenty of escapism too. Of course, this is not an extensive list of novels published in those decades, but a selection of those that stand out to us!
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe [1940]
The dentist was found with a blackened hole below his right temple. A pistol lay on the floor near his outflung right hand. Later, one of his patients was found dead from a lethal dose of local anaesthetic. A clear case of murder and suicide. But why would a dentist commit a crime in the middle of a busy day of appointments? A shoe buckle holds the key to the mystery. Now – in the words of the rhyme – can Poirot pick up the sticks and lay them straight?
Evil Under The Sun [1940]
Hercule Poirot’s relaxing trip to a sunny coastal town is hampered by the discovery of a body. The beautiful Arlena Stuart is found strangled on a secluded beach. But with tensions rife between her and many of the hotel guests, any one of them could have a hidden motive for murder. Was it Arlena’s quiet husband or her begrudging stepdaughter Linda? Or perhaps her killer was the graceful dressmaker or the tough and athletic Emily Brewster?
The Body in the Library [1942]
"Oh, ma’am, oh, ma’am, there’s a body in the library." This was not the wake up call the Bantrys expected on a crisp autumn morning. The young woman who was in formal wear and heavy makeup had been strangled. But who was she and how on earth did she end up in the library at Gossington Hall? Mrs Bantry calls on her good friend, Miss Marple, to solve the case.
In every profession and walk of life there is someone who is vulnerable to temptation.
Towards Zero [1944]
Several seemingly unconnected events all converge towards zero hour, towards murder. At Gull’s Point, the clifftop home of the elderly widow Lady Tressilian, a party gathers. Neville Strange, a famous tennis star who is among the members of the party, invites both his current wife Kay and his ex-wife Audrey…what could possibly go wrong? Expect rising tensions, ruptured relationships and an explosive denouement.
Death Comes as the End [1944]
It is 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt and danger is rife. Nofret, the young and beautiful concubine to a ka-priest lies twisted at the foot of a cliff. Many believe this fatal accident was the work of fate, but Renisenb, the priest’s daughter, suspects foul-play. As she digs into Nofret’s death, threatening secrets are exposed and family relationships begin to crumble. Christie wrote this story at the request of renowned Egyptologist and friend Stephen Glanville. The narrative is based on real family letters that had been translated, and Glanville also assisted with authentic details about daily life from the period.
Crooked House [1948]
Killed with a lethal injection, Aristide’s demise benefitted each member of the Leonides family thanks to his immense fortune. Naturally, Aristide’s young widow is the first to be suspected. However, with everyone having both motive and opportunity, and none of them having a secure alibi, the case is wide open. Narrator Charles Hayward’s pending marriage depends on the outcome of this case.
They Came to Baghdad [1951]
Victoria Jones, recently dismissed typist, sets off for Baghdad on a whim after a fleeting interaction with a handsome stranger. Unfortunately for our heroine, this city in the Middle East is the location of a top-secret meeting between three powerful countries, as well as a sinister set of spies who threaten the peace of the world once more. When British Agent Carmichael dies in Jones’ hotel room in Iraq, Victoria finds herself in danger.
A murder is the culmination of a lot of different circumstances, all converging at a given moment at a given point
A Daughter’s a Daughter [1952]
This story, in three parts, explores Sarah and her mother Anne’s relationship. Sarah, 19, is keen to embrace adulthood in the post-war era, but fearful of leaving her mother. Anne is open to a second chance at love, but shocked when her daughter rejects her choice of a husband. The two bicker, join forces, and divide once more, leaving resentment in their wake. Will either of them find happiness? Perhaps the kindly servant Enid, and the stern words of Dame Laura might be able to help...
The Mousetrap [1952]
The proprietors of the newly opened guest house, Monkswell Manor, are nervously awaiting their first residents. The Ralstones hadn’t expected to contend with a snowstorm, a flighty daily woman and a visit from a policeman in their opening period. Determined to make a go of things, the married couple must contend with a varied assortment of guests who face being snowed in together. Will Sergeant Trotter be able to uncover who is hiding in plain sight?
4:50 from Paddington [1957]
Miss Marple’s strength might be waning, but her mind is still razor sharp in this Christie favourite. As she tries to put a friend’s mind at rest after witnessing a crime, Jane recruits the ever-efficient Lucy Eyelesbarrow to find a body. Lucy, who has gone into domestic service after the war to earn a better wage, thinks nothing of cooking up curry for the Crackenthorpe family whilst snooping around their grounds for the suspected victim.
Ordeal by Innocence [1958]
An unexpected witness turns up to upset the strained peace of the Argyle family. Two years after the murder of Rachel Argyle, the adoptive mother of five, scientist Arthur Calgary believes he is doing the right thing by proving that Jacko Argyle was innocent of the crime. But with Jacko and Rachel dead, what will the impact of reopening old wounds be? A taut, impressive exploration of family ties, loss, and suspicion.
The truth is people are an extraordinary mixture of heroism and cowardice
