For many readers, their first exposure to Agatha Christie comes in the tale of And Then There Were None. First published in 1939 under a more problematic title, None has become one of the best-selling books in history, estimated to be among the top ten titles ever published by sheer . . .

Looking for a summer read that won’t break the bank? Try one of these public domain mysteries below. Each exists outside of copyright and can be downloaded and read for free. On a side note, should you always seek out authorized copies when purchasing books that have fallen out of . . .

In retrospect, the earliest days of mystery fiction feel much like the Wild West — anything is fair game. Victorian-era authors relied on unbelievable coincidences, absurd jumps in logic, and outright chicanery to wrap up their stories. Some 30 years later, a sheriff brought order this lawless land. Anglican priest . . .

Last month we took a look at many of the famed actors who have portrayed Hercule Poirot on our television favorites. These ranged from the obscure (Martin Gabel) to the legendary (David Suchet). Today, the little Belgian detective makes the jump to the big screen. Many readers, even those not . . .

Most readers of Agatha Christie already have a clear mental image of Hercule Poirot. In canon, the Belgian detective measures only 5’4”. Green eyes highlight a bald, egg-shaped head. His wardrobe reflects his clean, clinical mind and his precise, tidy nature. His famous mustache warrants another paragraph or two all . . .

In 2020, mystery readers around the globe celebrated the 100th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s first published work, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. In 1916, Christie’s sister and fellow author, Margaret Frary (Madge) Miller dared her to write a mystery. Inspired by the Belgian refugees of the Great War who had . . .