The A.b.c. Murders
Read "The A.b.c. Murders" as the 12th book in the Hercule Poirot Mysteries sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.
⚠️ Do NOT read before "Death In The Clouds" (Book 11)
This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.
Verdict Insight: As the 12th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.
SourceCards On The Table
Book #13 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
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 The A.b.c. Murders?
This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.
Can I read The A.b.c. Murders before Death In The Clouds?
No. We recommend reading Death In The Clouds first. The A.b.c. Murders is the 12th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.
Is The A.b.c. Murders required reading for the Hercule Poirot Mysteries?
Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.
What comes after The A.b.c. Murders in the reading order?
The next recommended book after The A.b.c. Murders is Cards On The Table (Book #13).
