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Murder On The Links
Agatha Christie

Murder On The Links

Quick Answer

"Murder On The Links" 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 companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

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

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2019160 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is summoned to France after receiving a distressing letter with a urgent cry for help. Upon his arrival in Merlinville-sur-Mer, the investigator finds the man who penned the letter, the South American millionaire Monsieur Renauld, stabbed to death and his body flung into a freshly dug open grave on the golf course adjoining the property. Meanwhile the millionaire's wife is found bound and gagged in her room. Apparently, it seems that Renauld and his wife were victims of a failed break-in, resulting in Renauld's kidnapping and death. There's no lack of suspects: his wife, whose dagger served as the weapon; his embittered son, who would have killed for independence; and his mistress, who refused to be ignored - and each felt deserving of the dead man's fortune. The police think they've found the cumprit. But Poirot has his doubts. Why is the dead man wearing an overcoat that is too big for him? And who was the impassioned love-letter in the pocket for? Before Poirot can answer these questions, the case is turned upside down by the discovery of a second, identically murdered corpse...
Next Recommended Book

Adventure Of The King Of Clubs

Book #2.5 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 Murder On The Links?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read Murder On The Links before The Mysterious Affair At Styles?

Yes. Murder On The Links is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Murder On The Links 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 Murder On The Links in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Murder On The Links is Adventure Of The King Of Clubs (Book #2.5).