Detective stories in English were the first of their kind. The tradition started by Edgar Allan Poe endures, or rather thrives, even today. Detective fiction, since its first conception, has found its way into almost every literate household. While Poe was the pioneer, it was Emile Gaboriau who first came up with the concept of a detective novel, and more importantly, a series of work featuring the same character. It was probably Gaboriau’s Monsieur Lecoq that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to create one of the world’s best-known fictitious characters across all genres.
Since then, many regional authors worldwide have come up with their own. I shall be speaking about two of them, Indian, in another article.
In this, the first article in the detective series, I shall go handpick seven of my favourite detective novels starring two of my favourite characters: Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. They need no introduction. But should you wish to refresh your memories about them, here I have provided links to their respective Wikipedia pages:
Sherlock Holmes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_Holmes
Hercule Poirot: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercule_Poirot
Here are my top 7 detective stories in English:
1. The Sign of the Four
The Sign of the Four is the second of the four novels written by Doyle, starring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The story begins with a damsel in distress, Miss Mary Morstan, who receives mysterious gifts from an anonymous sender. She calls upon Holmes who soon discovers that this case has more to it than meets the eye. He uncovers an intricate web of events marked with betrayal on one hand, loyalty on the other that stretches from the foggy streets of London, all the way to Colonial India.
Although a few elements might feel dated, this story is superbly crafted, completely original and one of my favourite pieces of detective fiction.
2. The ABC Murders:
The ABC Murders begins with the return of Hercule Poirot’s faithful friend and chronicler of his tales, Captain Hastings. Poirot receives an anonymous letter challenging him to solve a mystery that will take place at Andover on a specified date. Poirot thinks it is a hoax, but Andover witnesses a murder – of a Mrs Ascher – on the very specified date. The next letter informs about a murder that will take place in Bexhill, and Betty Bernard is murdered. And so on.
This is one of my favourite Poirot stories not only for its originality but also its fast pace and intriguing story-line. I have written an in-depth review about this, which you can read here:
The ABC Murders, Murder in Mesopotamia
3. The Murder on the Orient Express:
Often considered as Christie’s magnum opus, this is definitely on of her best. The Orient Express, with Poirot on board, is stuck in a snowdrift. A man is found murdered and everyone on board seems to be hiding something. There seems to be no motive but the murder has happened. It is Poirot’s job to solve the case before the snowdrift clears and the Yugoslav police arrives.
While this may not be my personal favourite, I like it enough to give it a place here. After her style, this novel is slightly slow in pace, but the story-line and conclusion more than makes up for it. I have written a detailed review on this, which you may read here:
Hercule Poirot: Lord Edgware Dies, Murder on the Orient Express
4. The Hound of the Baskervilles
This Sherlock Holmes novel is set in the middle of the lonely, desolate and cold Devon moors. A young man has just inherited the Baskerville estate. But even before the Baskerville heir arrives at his ancestral home, a family curse makes its presence felt. In this story Holmes mostly takes a back seat, leaving Dr Watson to help the young man out and act according to Holmes’ instructions. Watson encounters a cast of quirky characters, from the skeptical Baskerville heir to the zealous naturalist Stapleton. The mystery expertly blends folklore with reason, keeping you guessing until the thrilling climax.
I need not elaborate any further, but that you must read this story at least once.
5. The Valley of Fear
This is the last of the Sherlock Holmes novels. It deals with two mysteries: Holmes starts out by tackling a coded message hinting at danger for a wealthy Englishman. This investigation leads him to uncover the story of a brutal secret society in America, narrated to him by an undercover agent. While the English mystery is a classic whodunit, the American tale is a darker exploration of manipulation and control.
Some readers may find the American section a bit lengthy to read, I feel it is very interesting nonetheless. While this may not be your top choice, I definitely recommend reading The Valley of Fear.
6. Death on the Nile
This is also one of Christie’s most popular novels. It features the mysterious pyramids of Giza, and a cruise down the mighty Nile, along with the murder of a famous actress, and an intriguing love triangle. The picture-perfect honeymoon of Linnet and Simon Doyle is shattered by murder, leaving the famed detective Hercule Poirot to untangle a web of jealousy, hidden pasts, and deadly secrets amongst the glamorous passengers.
The twist in the end of this one isn’t as strong as what one would expect of Christie. However, it does nothing to take away from the fact that the story is wonderful in itself and a compelling read.
7. The Mysterious Affair at Styles
The very first Hercule Poirot novel is set at the Styles manor, and it definitely sets the bar high. It marks Agatha Christie’s debut and introduces to the world the Hercule Poirot. Set in a grand English country estate, a wealthy woman is poisoned, leaving a trail of suspects – a resentful family, a mysterious guest, and more. Poirot, in his trademark way, meticulously pieces together clues that seems to lead nowhere.
This classic whodunit establishes Christie’s signature elements – a seemingly idyllic setting harboring dark secrets, a colorful cast, and a detective with a flair for the dramatic reveal. While the ending might be predictable for seasoned Christie readers, “Styles” remains a captivating introduction to the “Queen of Crime.”
I have written a more detailed review of the book, which you may read here:
Poirot – The Mysterious Affair at Styles, and Murder on the Links
Outro to the Guide to Detective Stories in English:
Detective stories in English have provided entertainment to people world over for many years and continue to do so now. I hope this list helps you navigate your way through some of the genre’s classics. If you like this guide to detective stories in English, please consider subscribing to my blog here. Until next time, au revoir!