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Towards Zero
Agatha Christie

Towards Zero

Quick Answer

Read "Towards Zero" as the 3rd book in the Superintendent Battle Mysteries sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Seven Dials Mystery" (Book 2)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 3rd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2010256 pp
What is the connection between a failed suicide attempt, a wrongful accusation of theft against a schoolgirl, and the romantic life of a tennis player? To the casual observer, apparently nothing. When a houseparty gathers at Gull's Point, the seaside home of an elderly widow, earlier events come to a dramatic head.Robert Graves, author of I Claudius, was a neighbour of Agatha Christie's in Devon during the Second World War and the two became friends. Christie dedicated this book to Graves: "Dear Robert, Since you are kind enough to say you like my stories, I venture to dedicate this book to you. All I ask is that you sternly restrain your critical faculties (doubtless sharpened by your recent excesses in that line!) when reading it. This is a story for your pleasure and not a candidate for Mr Graves' literary pillory!" The book was dramatised by Agatha Christie and Gerald Verner. It was adapted for TV in 2007 with Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple.

Series Order Complete! 🎉

You have reached the latest record for this series guide.

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 Superintendent Battle 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 Towards Zero?

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

Can I read Towards Zero before The Seven Dials Mystery?

No. We recommend reading The Seven Dials Mystery first. Towards Zero is the 3th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Towards Zero required reading for the Superintendent Battle Mysteries?

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

What comes after Towards Zero in the reading order?

Currently, Towards Zero is the latest entry listed in our database for this series guide.