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General Short Story Collections Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Agatha Christie
6 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start General Short Story Collections by Agatha Christie with "The Listerdale Mystery", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

Collections of stories featuring various or non-recurring characters, arranged chronologically by original UK or US collection date.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 6 main titles released between 2013 and 1998. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

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Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "The Listerdale Mystery"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Medium Debate

"The comments discuss reading orders for multiple fantasy series (primarily Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere and Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings). For the Cosmere, while Elantris is often the earliest work, the strong consensus is that better entry points are Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive, as Elantris may dissuade new readers. For the Realm of the Elderlings, there is a clear consensus and explicit listing that the books should be read in internal chronological order: Farseer, then Liveship Traders, then Tawny Man, and then Rain Wilds."

Key Reddit Advice

Start Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere with Mistborn or Stormlight. Read Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings chronologically starting with the Farseer Trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice).

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for General Short Story Collections 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.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for General Short Story Collections. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "The Listerdale Mystery" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "General Short Story Collections" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "The Listerdale Mystery"Explore all by Agatha Christie

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order6 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The Listerdale Mystery

Pub: 2013Optional

This short story collection was first published in 1934 in the UK. It contains the following short stories: The Listerdale Mystery, Philomel Cottage, The Girl in the Train, Sing a Song of Sixpence, The Manhood of Edward Robinson, Accident, Jane in Search of a Job, A Fruitful Sunday, Mr Eastwood's Adventure, The Golden Ball, The Rajah's Emerald and Swan Song.

2

The Hound Of Death

Pub: 2010

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Listerdale Mystery".

A collection of macabre mysteries, including the superlative short story Witness for the Prosecution...

3

Three Blind Mice And Other Stories

Pub: 2012Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Hound Of Death".

Ablinding snowstorm—and a homicidal maniac—traps a small party of friends in an isolated estate. Out of this deceptively simple setup, Agatha Christie fashioned one of her most ingenious puzzlers, which in turn would provide the basis for The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in history. From this classic title novella to the deliciously clever gems on its tail (solved to perfection by Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple), this rare collection of murder most foul showcases Christie at her inventive best, proving her reputation as "the champion deceiver of our time" (New York Times).

4

Double Sin And Other Stories

Pub: 2012Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Three Blind Mice And Other Stories".

**A BLOOD-RED RUBY... A WASP'S NEST OF FEAR... A MANSION MADE FOR MURDER...** confront that suave master sleuth, Hercule Poirot, and the inimitable Miss Jane Marple, as they match wits with as cunning and deadly a killing crew as Agatha Christie has ever assembled. In tales that range from the sinister streets of London to the terror-shadowed English countryside to a bizarre chamber of horror in Paris, you are invited on a journey into superlative reading pleasure. WITH OVER 200 MILLION COPIES OF HER BOOKS SOLD, AGATHA CHRISTIE IS UNEQUALLED AS A RENOWED AND DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR OF INGENIOUS TALES OF MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE. This description comes from the 1970 Dell edition.

5

Golden Ball And Other Stories

Pub: 2012Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Double Sin And Other Stories".

"A collection of short stories where the answers are as unexpected as they are satisfying"--

6

While The Light Lasts And Other Stories

Pub: 1998Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Golden Ball And Other Stories".

Some of Agatha Christie’s earliest stories – including her very first – which show the Queen of Crime in the making… A macabre recurring dream … revenge against a blackmailer … jealousy, infidelity and a tortured conscience … a stolen gemstone … the haunting attraction of an ancient relic … a race against time … a tragic love triangle … a body in a box … an unexpected visitor from beyond the grave… Nine quintessential examples of Agatha Christie's brilliance are contained in this new collection of early short stories - including the very first one she ever wrote - and provide a unique glimpse of the Queen of Crime in the making.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the General Short Story Collections series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read General Short Story Collections?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "The Listerdale Mystery" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Agatha Christie intended.

Can I read General Short Story Collections books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the General Short Story Collections universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.