Hercule Poirot is a world-renowned Belgian private detective, famous for his brilliant mind, his fastidious habits, and his magnificent mustache. Created by Agatha Christie, he first appeared in The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) and became the central figure in over 30 novels and 50 short stories.
Poirot is a former Belgian police officer who fled to England as a refugee during World War I. He eventually settled in London, establishing a successful career as a private investigator. He is often accompanied by his loyal friend Captain Arthur Hastings and sometimes works alongside Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard.
Personality and Traits
Poirot is characterized by his obsession with order and method. He is extremely fastidious about his appearance, particularly his mustache, which he grooms with great care. He has an egg-shaped head and often refers to himself in the third person.
In his investigations, Poirot relies on his “little grey cells”—his intellect and psychological insight—rather than physical evidence like fingerprints or footprints. He believes that by sitting back and thinking logically, he can solve any crime. He often says, “Order and method, that is the secret.”
Legacy
Hercule Poirot is one of the most recognizable characters in literature. He has been portrayed by numerous actors in film, television, and radio, most notably by David Suchet in the long-running TV series Agatha Christie’s Poirot. He remains the only fictional character to have received a full-page obituary in The New York Times, following his death in the novel Curtain.
Reading Order
See the complete Hercule Poirot reading order for all books and short stories in the series.