I’m going to introduce a subject I know could be contentious. But I think we’re beyond that.

If you come here often, I know you are already friends with the Chicks on the Case. And I also strongly suspect that you are a big Agatha Christie fan and have favorite Christie books and stories that are among your personal faves. I’ve recently discovered that there are numerous channels on YouTube that make lists of their favorite Agatha Christie books, which order they suggest you read them, and various plot arguments. I don’t think that will present any problems for us. We’re seasoned Christie fans and mostly mature adults.

I welcome you to tell us if you have an all-time favorite Christie story or if Agatha Christie has changed your life. I promise I will not criticize any of your selections. I ask only that you offer me and the other readers the same grace. Learning each other’s differences in opinion is part of the fun!

I plan to tread lightly for the most part. Firstly, there is a sizable contingent online that believe that Miss Marple stories are consistently better written and better puzzles than Poirot books or stories. I agree with this, but I won’t argue the point. There are certainly Poirot books that are exceptional puzzles and not all Marple stories are five-star. I have a feeling some of you won’t forgive me for suggesting such a thing. So, I’ll just leave this right here.

Is there a quintessential Christie story? If someone could only read one story by A. Christie, which one would you suggest?

I do have an opinion on this, as well. I know it won’t be universally agreed upon. But, I feel strongly about it. AND THEN THERE WERE NONE. Guests are invited to a remote island, killed one by one, and they don’t know or trust one another. There is neither Poirot nor Marple to sort it out for them. It’s perfect.

What about which books to place on your TBR pile if you are new to Agatha Christie. I know this probably doesn’t relate to any of the readers here. But, I have met people who are new to Christie and even ask where they should start.

The easy answer is you can start anywhere and it will work just fine. Each mystery is self-contained. I’ll suggest a list, but it’s just some of my favorites, not necessarily the best or hardest to solve.

From Marple: 4:50 from Paddington, Nemesis, At Bertram’s Hotel, Murder at the Vicarage, Sleeping Murder, Halloween Party, A Murder is Announced, The Moving Finger.

I know that At Bertram’s Hotel is not a top favorite for many people. It is a bit quirky and maybe that’s why I like it so much. It’s not the first Marple book, but Murder at the Vicarage would be a perfect place for anyone to start. I would describe it as one of the most quintessentially “Marple” of books. The Mysterious Affair at Styles is the first Poirot book Christie wrote, so it’s a logical place to start. Starting from the Poirot side, which is easily doable, I suggest: Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, Cards on the Table, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, The Seven Dials Mystery, Lord Edgeware Dies, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Evil Under the Sun, Peril at End House,