UK Reading Lists
Read Christie 2026
Welcome to Read Christie 2026! This year's reading challenge focuses on Agatha Christie's Biggest, Best and Beloved stories! We'll be reading a new book each month, plus throughout the year we are covering An Autobiography.
From the biggest inspiration to the best to read in one setting, beloved in your collection to the best according to Christie, our reading prompts promise to deliver a year of fantastic stories for fans. Plus, we will be providing book club guides, pertinent questions, and plenty of insights to help you get the most out of the challenge.
To take part in the reading challenge, sign up to our monthly newsletter to receive the official printable postcard, where you can fill in your chosen book each month.
Our March Choice: Murder on the Orient Express
This month, our theme is 'Biggest Impact on You as a Young Reader' and we’re returning to one of Christie’s most defining works. Murder on the Orient Express is often the book that first shows readers just how clever and elegant a mystery can be. With its glamorous setting, tightly woven plot, and unforgettable conclusion, it’s a story that leaves a lifelong mark on anyone discovering Christie for the first time, young or otherwise!
What's it about?
Poirot is heading home after resolving a difficult affair in the Middle East, but an urgent summons from London compels him to cut short his plans in Istanbul, and he secures the final bed on the crowded Simplon-Orient-Express. Among the passengers is the disagreeable American, Ratchett, who seeks Poirot’s protection, an offer he pointedly declines. When Ratchett is found stabbed in his compartment and the train becomes snowbound, Poirot is asked to investigate. With a wealth of curious clues and a carriage full of intriguing travellers, he must determine who the killer is, and whether anyone on board is truly who they seem.
The impossible cannot have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.
Did you know?
- Before he begins his travels home from the Middle East, Poirot solves the murder in Murder in Mesopotamia. This book was published after Murder on the Orient Express, but the action happens beforehand.
- The story was inspired by the kidnapping and murder of wealthy aviator Charles Lindbergh’s infant son in 1932. The case was still open when the novel was written.
Alternative stories
This month, we’re revisiting the Christie stories that first shaped us as young readers. If Murder on the Orient Express isn’t your pick, these classics may be the ones that first sparked your love of mysteries... If you met Poirot in his earliest days, The Mysterious Affair at Styles might be the title that made the strongest impression, showcasing his meticulous style from the very beginning. If Miss Marple was your first introduction into the world of Agatha Christie, why not return to The Murder at the Vicarage, offering all the quiet wit and sharp observation that define her cases. And for those who were captivated early on by sun-drenched settings and intricate puzzles, Death on the Nile provides an atmospheric, unforgettable mystery that stays with readers long after they finish.
How to get involved
Once you've printed your challenge postcard, simply fill in the story you've chosen for this month’s category and get reading!
We’ll also be celebrating Christie’s most impactful works across our social channels throughout the month. If your favourite character isn’t included here, we’d love to hear about them. Tell us who you’re reading and why on Instagram, X or Facebook. If you post on Instagram, don’t forget to tag us and use #ReadChristie2026 for your chance to be featured in our monthly reading roundups.
Our 2026 reading choices
Our February Choice: Mrs McGinty's Dead
This month, our theme is 'Beloved Character(s)', and we'll be revisiting one of Agatha Christie's most enduring creations, Hercule Poirot. In Mrs McGinty's Dead, the iconic Belgian detective finds himself face-to-face with a deceptively simple village murder. This story fully captures his signature wit and meticulous methods, with his gastronomic tendencies also being heavily and amusingly highlighted. We've also chosen this book to spotlight the much-loved Ariadne Oliver. A successful detective novelist, Ariadne is often seen as Christie's playful alter ego, with some delightful semi-autobiographical moments appearing in the book.
What's it about?
When elderly charwoman Mrs McGinty is found murdered in her home, the case appears straightforward. Her lodger is accused of killing her for a measly £30, and is subsequently convicted for the crime. Yet Superintendent Spence can't shake the feeling that there's more to the mystery than meets the eye, and calls upon Poirot to attend the village of Broadhinny and investigate. Meanwhile, Ariadne Oliver is also in the village, visiting playwright Robin Upward who is adapting one of her stories for the stage.
‘For somewhere,’ said Poirot to himself, indulging in an absolute riot of mixed metaphors, ‘there is in the hay a needle, and among the sleeping dogs there is one on whom I shall put my foot, and by shooting the arrows into the air, one will come down and hit a glass-house!’
Did you know?
- This story first appeared in a US magazine in 1951, under the title Blood Will Tell. It was published as a novel in 1952.
- In 1964, MGM adapted the story into the film Murder Most Foul, the third film to star Margaret Rutherford as Marple (here replacing the character of Poirot entirely). In this version Miss Marple is a juror at the trial and is the only one to believe the young lodger’s innocence.
Alternative stories
This month's theme is all about Christie's beloved characters, so you're welcome to choose any novel that features the detective or character you love the most.
If Miss Marple's quiet wisdom, sharp observations and and deep understanding of village life make her your most beloved character, then you might enjoy returning to St Mary Mead in The Murder at the Vicarage, or A Murder is Announced.
If you're fond of Captain Hastings, with his loyalty and enthusiasm, as he lends a helping hand in Poirot's investigations, then why not read The ABC Murders or Dumb Witness.
And if it's the energy and charm of crime-fighting couple Tommy and Tuppence that you love most, The Secret Adversary or Partners in Crime are good choices, showcasing their spirited partnership as they confront a series of mysteries together.
Explore our Characters page to discover more titles for some of Christie's most iconic sleuths.
Our January Choice: The Body in the Library
This January, we’ll be starting the year strong with the theme ‘best opening’, and we’ll be reading The Body in the Library, celebrating its memorable first few pages. Miss Marple’s friend, Mrs Bantry, is awoken from her pleasant early-morning dream by a housemaid who has made a grave discovery…
What's it about?
The body of a young woman is found in the library of the respectable Bantry household, wearing evening dress and heavy make-up, and no one seems to recognise her. Rather thrilled by the prospect of a mystery, Mrs Bantry calls her old friend Miss Marple to help solve the matter, and her sharp observations soon reveal that the case is far more complex that it first appears.
An alibi is the fishiest thing on God’s earth! No innocent person ever has an alibi!
Did you know?
- The Body in the Library was adapted for TV in 1984, starring Joan Hickson as Marple, her first appearance in what would become an acclaimed role for her.
- The novel’s title appears in Christie’s earlier work Cards on the Table, where the character Ariadne Oliver reveals that she has written a crime novel titled The Body in the Library.
Alternative stories
It’s up to you to decide which are the Biggest, Best and Beloved Christie stories, however, below are some alternative titles that we think fit the ‘best opening’ category.
Appointment with Death sets the scene for a gripping mystery from the very first line, overheard by Poirot in the night air of Jerusalem; ‘You do see, don’t you, that she’s got to be killed?’.
The Seven Dials Mystery is also a good choice, with the first chapter introducing each of the young house guests at Chimneys, including the slumbering Gerry Wade. The group plot to buy alarm clocks to prank the champion sleeper. This backfires with grave consequences. It's also a great time to read this story ahead of the release of the Netflix adaptation, Agatha Christie's Seven Dials on January 15.
You could also read A Murder is Announced, in which an unusual invitation in the personal column of the local Gazette in Chipping Cleghorn appears to announce a murder due to take place that evening.
The Pale Horse is another option, with a foreword from our narrator Mark Easterbrook, as he attempts to tell the story of ‘strange business of the Pale Horse’ from the beginning.
