What are some of the most famous first mystery novels?

One of the most famous mystery novels is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic with a group of people trapped on an island and being killed one by one in a mysterious way.

Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a classic. The story is set on a train where a murder occurs, and Hercule Poirot, the famous detective, has to figure out who among the diverse group of passengers is the killer. The plot is full of twists and turns, making it a captivating mystery.

Another example is 'Call Me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This simple yet powerful first line draws the reader into the story of Ishmael's adventures on the whaling ship. It gives a sense of mystery and makes you wonder who Ishmael is and what his story will be about.

One of the most famous is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. This line immediately sets a tone of contrast and complexity.

Most famous murder mystery novels usually have a complex plot. For example, in 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie, there are multiple suspects and many hidden relationships among them, which keeps readers guessing.

There could be other mystery novels from 1887 that might not be as well - known globally. However, 'A Study in Scarlet' stands out. It was a ground - breaking work that combined elements of mystery, crime, and the unique character of Sherlock Holmes, which made it very popular and influential in the mystery genre.

A great first novel is '1984' by George Orwell. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. It shows a future world where the government controls every aspect of people's lives. Another well - known first novel is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. This novel explores the themes of creation, morality, and the consequences of playing God. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also a famous first novel. It follows the story of a disillusioned teenager, Holden Caulfield, and his experiences in New York City.

Another well - known first line is 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's a simple yet engaging start, making the reader curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be.

I think 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is very popular. It's set on a train where a murder occurs, and Poirot, Christie's famous detective, has to figure out who the killer is among the diverse group of passengers.

Another well - known one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex murder mystery with elements of financial corruption and a very unique protagonist, Lisbeth Salander. The story delves deep into a decades - old disappearance case filled with dark secrets and unexpected twists.