BookPath
The Hollow [Play]
Agatha Christie

The Hollow [Play]

Quick Answer

"The Hollow [Play]" 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 Plays and Non-Fiction.

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.

Is this helpful?
1952108 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell, arguably Christie’s finest comic grande dame. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the centre of the trouble when, assembled in one place, we find his dull but devoted wife Gerda, his mistress and prominent sculptor Henrietta and his former lover and Hollywood film star Veronica. Also visiting are Edward and Midge whose romantic assertions are likewise thrown into the mix. As the list of romantic associations grows so does the list of potential suspects when Cristow is shot dead. Nearly everyone has a motive but only one of them did the deed.
Next Recommended Book

Witness For The Prosecution

Book #4 of 10 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 Plays and Non-Fiction 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 Hollow [Play]?

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

Can I read The Hollow [Play] before Come, Tell Me How You Live?

Yes. The Hollow [Play] is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is The Hollow [Play] required reading for the Plays and Non-Fiction?

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

What comes after The Hollow [Play] in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Hollow [Play] is Witness For The Prosecution (Book #4).