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The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie

The Mousetrap

Quick Answer

Read "The Mousetrap" as the 5th book in the Plays and Non-Fiction sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Witness For The Prosecution" (Book 4)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is a comprehensive collection and bundle of the Agatha Christie's works. It typically offers significantly better value than buying the titles individually.

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1952752 pp
Agatha Christie created magnificent works of suspense for the theater, and eight of her riveting stage dramas are collected in The Mousetrap and Other Plays—including the title piece, the longest running play in history, still a smash hit in London's West End after 60 years! On an isolated island, ten people have been brought together to be killed off. An evil old woman has a rendezvous with death in the desert heat of Jerusalem. A scheming wife testifies against her husband in a shocking murder trial. And a homicidal maniac terrorizes a group of snowbound guests to the refrain of "Three Blind Mice." This collection of eight works proves that Agatha Christie's plays are as compulsive as her novels, with their colorful characters and ingenious plots providing yet more evidence of her mastery of the detective thriller. Includes: And Then There Were None, Appointment with Death, The Hollow, The Mousetrap, Witness for the Prosecution, Towards Zero, Verdict, and Go Back for Murder.
Next Recommended Book

The Unexpected Guest

Book #6 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 Mousetrap?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Mousetrap before Witness For The Prosecution?

No. We recommend reading Witness For The Prosecution first. The Mousetrap is the 5th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Mousetrap required reading for the Plays and Non-Fiction?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Mousetrap in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Mousetrap is The Unexpected Guest (Book #6).