Agatha Christie is one of the best-selling novelists, with her novels holding the Guinness World Record as the best-selling fiction author of all time, having sold over two billion copies (Guinness World Record, 2026). But what truly sets her apart from other detective fiction writers is this: her novels reward rereading. Unlike many mystery novels where the sole purpose is discovering the murderer’s identity, Christie’s books are worth revisiting because the “truth” is always unexpected—yet on a second read, you’ll discover hints cleverly hidden throughout. The clues were always there; we simply didn’t see them.
I randomly picked up a detective novel in a library after reading some Sherlock Holmes, and began my journey with Christie through The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. What struck me immediately was her daring decision to center the story around a first-person narrator who is intimately tied to the investigation, yet whose account subtly manipulates the reader’s trust in ways that shatter genre expectations. This twist forces you to reevaluate every detail from a new angle upon finishing, making it a landmark in detective fiction that you’ll itch to experience for yourself. It was brilliant and disorienting in the best possible way.
I’m particularly fond of Murder on the Orient Express, a quintessential locked-room mystery. Poirot presents two solutions: one complex and intricate, and another simpler and more straightforward, reflecting the tension between justice and strict adherence to facts—a tension that recalls theme in “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton” in The Return of Sherlock Holmes, where the pursuit of justice sometimes blurs the lines between right and wrong. Christie doesn’t just uncover truths but also explores the essence of justice in detective stories.
Christie’s unique approach to the genre extends beyond her novels, inspiring numerous film and television adaptations that continue to shape the crime genre. Many of these adaptation are available in our library collection. You can view the Classic 1984 Miss Marple Series on Kanopy and DVDs like Death on the Nile and Cards on the table. Whether you’re a fan of detective novels or crime and mystery films, Christie’s work serves as an accessible entry point to classic literature—stories that challenge, surprise, and ultimately satisfy.
Yesterday, January 12, marked the 50th anniversary of Christie’s passing in 1976. Yet her mysteries continue to captivate new generations, reminding us that detective stories with genuine depth remains engaging, sparking discussion long after their authors are gone.
Guinness World Record. 2026. Best-selling author for fiction. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/67383-best-selling-author-for-fiction
Lester Chan
Librarian (Resource Management)
lblester@ust.hk
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