Reading: 5 Fun Winter Books to Read by Agatha Christie

 We recently passed the winter solstice and it has been quite wintery around here lately. Cold winds, foggy mornings and weak (but welcome) sun have characterised our days. Winter is the perfect time to read more, and I thought it would be fun to share some of my favourite Agatha Christie stories, set in a wintery setting, just to get us in the mood. For those of you in the northern hemisphere, you may want to bookmark this page to read in December! Otherwise, grab a hot drink (or a cold one!) and let's snuggle in for some wonderful winter mysteries from the great dame herself.

The 4:50 to Paddington 

" 'It's very simple, really," said Miss Marple. 'Unusual but simple. I want you to find a body.' "

I love the cosy, Christmas setting of this book. It is one of my favourite Agatha Christie novels featuring Miss Marple. As the experienced and calm friend of Miss Gillicuddy, the woman who witnessed the murder, we get lots of little insights into Miss Marple's life - her gardening, her tea rituals, her knowledge and even her limitations (could you imagine Poirot acknowledging such things?!).

"It was a question, sometimes, of using one's special gifts...But perhaps that was conceited....After all, what could she do? Her friend's words came back to her. 'You're not so young as you were...' "

Miss Marple employs Lucy Eyelesbarrow, a bright young woman, to work undercover to help solve the mystery. I love Lucy Eyelesbarrow! Described as having "a brilliant mind" and "good sound common sense" she is the perfect worker to infiltrate the mysterious and dysfunctional Crackenthorpe family. 

Murder In The Mews 

" ' Good night for a murder,' remarked Japp with professional interest. 'Nobody would hear a shot, for instance, on a night like this.'

'It has always seemed odd to me that more criminals do not take advantage of the fact,' said Hercule Poirot."

This one is for Hercule Poirot fans! Poirot is at his finest solving the murder mystery with his friend Inspector Japp on Guy Fawkes night (5th November). This novella is full of many false suspects and red herrings - a true Christie crime. The fact that it is short means that you can curl up on the lounge or in bed with a hot drink and be finished in next to no time. And the glorious ending sees Poirot firmly planting his gaze on what promises to be a gastronomical delight! 

The Sittaford Mystery

"Up here, in the tiny village of Sittaford, at all times remote from the world, and now almost completely cut off, the rigours of winter were a very real problem."

If it's thick snow and cross country skiing you are looking for then strap on your skis - this is the book for you! Locked up in the town of Sittaford and cut off from the rest of the world, the few inhabitants have to organise their own entertainment. In this case, a seance (or table-knocking at it was sometimes called) was organised. A death is foretold, then lo and behold - it happens! A stranger to the town, Jim Pearson is accused and it is up to his fiance Emily Trefusis to clear his name. Emily, much like Lucy Eyelesbarrown, has "an air of common sense, savoir faire, invincible determination and a most tantalising fascination!" Yes! Another inspiring young heroine!

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding

Unlike the cosy Christmas of The 4:50 From Paddington, Hercule Poirot abhors all things "English Christmas" and does his utmost best not to be roped into this mystery in the English countryside (" 'In the winter,' he said firmly, 'I do not leave London.' ")

Despite his protests, Poirot finds himself at Kings Lacey for Christmas, trying to track down an expensive, missing gem. And just as Poirot fears, the missing gem leads to murder. With the help of two young boys, Poirot is determined to crack this case, and to remain in comfort whilst doing so. This novella is a fun read, more fun than Poirot usually gets embroiled in, and has all the wintery Christmas trimmings.

Murder on The Orient Express

" ' The window of M. Ratchett's compartment was found wide open, leading one to suppose that the murderer escaped that way. But in my opinion that open window is a blind. Anyone departing that way would have left distinct traces in the snow. There were none.' "

Of course I had to include this Christie classic. The Simplon Orient Express, a three-day luxury train service from Constantinople (Istanbul) to Calais, gets caught in a snow drift and a murder occurs. The man murdered, Mr Ratchett has already approached Poirot for his services, because he is in fear for his life. Poirot refuses and sure enough, Ratchett dies on the train. With no access to police, Poirot must investigate.

There is a reason why this is one of Christie's most beloved and most famous works. The twists, turns, red herrings and character profiles all add up to such an exciting read. I challenge you to read this book - if you haven't already - and not be caught up in the story. Once you start you simply cannot stop until you have solved the mystery! But remember, " ' The impossible cannot have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.' "

I hope you've enjoyed this little reading list. In researching and writing this article, I have loved diving back into these books! The 4:50 From Paddington is currently on my bedside table ready to be re-read. Please let me know in the comments, which one is your favourite Agatha Christie read and which ones you love to read during the winter.