What Is The Chronological Order Of Hercule.Poirot Books?

As someone who’s read every single Hercule Poirot novel, I’d love to share the chronological order of his cases. It all starts with 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles,' where Poirot makes his debut—this is a must-read to see how Agatha Christie introduces his brilliant mind. Then comes 'The Murder on the Links,' where his rivalry with Inspector Giraud is pure gold. 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' is a masterpiece with that iconic twist. Later books like 'Death on the Nile' and 'Murder on the Orient Express' showcase Poirot at his peak. The final case, 'Curtain,' is emotional but perfect closure. If you want the full experience, start from the beginning and watch Poirot evolve over time.

Bonus tip: Don’t skip the short stories like 'The Labours of Hercules'—they add depth to his character.

Diving into Hercule Poirot’s timeline is like unraveling a mystery itself. Agatha Christie wrote the stories out of order, but here’s how they fit chronologically. The first novel, 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles,' introduces Poirot as a retired Belgian detective solving a poisoning case. Next is 'The Murder on the Links,' which pits him against a French investigator. 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' is where Christie’s genius truly shines—it redefined mystery writing. Fast forward to the 1930s, and you get classics like 'Peril at End House' and 'Lord Edgware Dies,' where Poirot’s methods are razor-sharp.

The 1940s bring 'Five Little Pigs' and 'The Hollow,' where psychology plays a huge role. 'Death on the Nile' and 'Murder on the Orient Express' are later adventures, but they’re timeless. Finally, 'Curtain' was written earlier but set as Poirot’s last case—Christie held onto it for decades. For completists, the short story collections like 'The Labours of Hercules' slot in between novels. Reading them in order lets you appreciate how Poirot’s world expands, from country houses to international intrigue.

If you’re new to Hercule Poirot, reading them chronologically is a treat. Start with 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles'—it’s where Christie introduces his meticulous methods and iconic mustache. Then 'The Murder on the Links' shows his competitive side. 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' is a game-changer; that twist still shocks readers today. Mid-career gems like 'The ABC Murders' and 'Cards on the Table' highlight his deductive brilliance.

Later, 'Death on the Nile' and 'Murder on the Orient Express' are peak Poirot—glamorous settings, complex motives. Don’t miss 'Five Little Pigs,' where he solves a cold case through pure psychology. The final book, 'Curtain,' is bittersweet but fitting. Christie wrote it during WWII but delayed publication, so it feels like a farewell. For extra depth, sprinkle in short stories like 'The Under Dog' between novels. Each case builds his legacy, from the quiet villages to the grandest trains.