BookPath
Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly
Agatha Christie

Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly

Quick Answer

"Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Hercule Poirot Mysteries.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

âť“ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.

Verdict Insight: While this short_story provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
201424 ppShort StoryOptional Side Story
Poirot is called in to investigate the kidnapping of three-year old Johnnie Waverly, the son of Marcus Waverly, from his home, Waverly Court in Surrey. Prior to the kidnapping, the family received anonymous letters that threatened to take the boy unless twenty-five thousand pounds was paid. The police took little interest until the final letter which stated that the boy would be kidnapped at twelve o'clock the next day. On that day, Mrs. Waverly was mildly poisoned and a note was left on Mr. Waverly's pillow that stated, "At Twelve O'clock".
Next Recommended Book

The Big Four

Book #5 of 19 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Hercule Poirot Mysteries conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly?

This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.

Can I read Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly before The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd?

Yes. Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly required reading for the Hercule Poirot Mysteries?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Kidnapping Of Johnny Waverly is The Big Four (Book #5).