There's Captain Hastings. He is Poirot's friend and often assists him in his investigations. Hastings is a bit of a bumbling but loyal character. Another is Inspector Japp, a police inspector who sometimes works with Poirot. He represents the more traditional police approach to solving crimes.
That's a tricky one. I don't have an immediate number off the top of my head. It could vary depending on the specific storylines and circumstances in each novel.
Definitely 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd'. Its plot twist is quite famous and has made it a classic among Poirot novels. The way the story unfolds and how Poirot uncovers the truth is really engaging. Also, 'Death on the Nile' is popular. The exotic location of the Nile River and the web of relationships among the characters make it a great read. The murder mystery set against the backdrop of a luxury cruise is full of suspense.
Well, 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' is often considered a top Poirot novel. It's full of twists and turns. Agatha Christie really plays with the reader's expectations in this one. Poirot's detective skills are on full display as he uncovers the truth behind Roger Ackroyd's murder in a small village filled with secrets and lies.
In my opinion, 'Murder on the Orient Express' is one of the best Poirot novels. It has a complex and engaging plot. The setting on the luxurious Orient Express train adds a lot of charm. Poirot has to solve a murder mystery where every passenger seems to have a secret. The ending is both unexpected and thought - provoking.
As of July 2023, 'Hallowe'en Party' was one of the relatively recent Poirot novels. It features Poirot's brilliant detective skills as he investigates a murder that occurs during a Hallowe'en party. The story is filled with Christie's signature twists and turns, and Poirot has to sift through the various alibis and motives of the characters present at the party.
The order of Poirot novels can be a bit complex as Agatha Christie wrote many. Some of the early and well - known ones include 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles'. Generally, they were published over a span of several decades, starting from the 1920s. However, different editions and collections may group them in various ways, but a chronological reading can give you a good sense of the development of Poirot as a character.
To be precise, there are around 33 Poirot novels. Agatha Christie's creation of Poirot has left a lasting impression on the literary world with this collection of intriguing tales.