8 reasons we’re still reading Agatha Christie novels after 100 years

October 2020 is the 100th anniversary of mystery writer Agatha Christie’s first novel, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.”

Though it’s not one of her best, “Styles” introduces the Belgian ex-cop who will become one of the most popular characters in all of detective fiction, Hercule Poirot, who is persnickety, droll and fully formed right off the bat. The post-World War I setting launches what will amount to a history of 20th-century England over the course of about 80 books. And although her writing would improve, Christie immediately wins a bet with her sister that she could do better than the mysteries they were reading.

Christie died in 1976 but remains a publishing powerhouse.

There’s something to be said for each of her books, but if you don’t have the time to plow through all 80, here’s what you need to know about why we still love her.

Female sleuths on the case in these 9 mysteries:

Satisfy your inner sleuth with these mystery novels with female detective protagonists.