Agatha’s most controversial whodunnit is voted her best

WHEN asked to think of an Agatha Christie novel, it may be one starring detectives Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple which first comes to mind.

But when choosing a favourite, it seems we shun these much-loved characters in favour of something with a more controversial past.

For a poll of readers has revealed that murder mystery And Then There Were None is in fact the world’s most popular novel by the British author.

First published in 1939, the book has a complex plot and is said to display Christie’s impressive skills as a writer. However its title has proved less enchanting, and has been changed over the years to reflect shifting social attitudes.

On its release in the UK, it went by the name of Ten Little N*****s – and continued to be printed as such until the 1980s. It was changed for the US edition due to the racially insensitive word and in 1964 appeared as Ten Little Indians before this too was dropped to avoid upsetting native Americans. Over 15,000 people voted for their favourite Christie novel in a global poll to mark what would have been the author’s 125th birthday on September 15. Murder On The Orient Express came in second place, with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd in third.

And Then There Were None is the best selling crime novel of all time, with more than 100million copies sold worldwide. It is currently being turned into a series for BBC1 starring Poldark actor Aidan Turner. Set on an island off the coast of Devon, the book tells the tale of eight strangers who are invited there under different pretences. That evening they hear a recorded message accusing each of them of an historic murder. One by one, the characters are killed before the plot reaches its surprising finale.

Christie’s grandson Mathew Prichard – who is also the chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd, which is leading commemorations for the anniversary – said: ‘It has been genuinely exciting to see fans from all around the world cast their votes for the world’s favourite Christie.

‘In And Then There Were None, my grandmother has crafted a staggeringly complex plot, which has baffled, entertained and surprised readers since it was first published and will, I hope, do so for years to come.’

Christie’s works have enjoyed enduring appeal since her death at the age of 85 in 1976. She published 83 books – including novels, poetry, plays and short stories – and sold an estimated 300million copies during her lifetime.

Her first detective book, The Mysterious Affair At Styles featuring Hercule Poirot, came out in 1920.

‘Baffled, entertained and surprised’