The 1930s saw the rise of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, and many of the most iconic mystery novels were published during this period. Here are 10 popular mystery books of the 1930s:

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (1934):

This classic novel features Christie’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, as he investigates a murder that occurs aboard the luxurious Orient Express.

The Nine Tailor by Dorothy L. Sayers (1934):

In this intricate novel, Lord Peter Wimsey must solve a murder mystery that centers on the intricate ringing of church bells in a small English village.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939):

In this chilling novel, ten strangers are invited to a remote island and find themselves being killed off one by one.

The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett (1934):

This witty novel features the husband-and-wife detective team of Nick and Nora Charles as they investigate a murder case involving a missing inventor.

Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers (1930):

Lord Peter Wimsey investigates a murder case that involves a poisoned lover and a false accusation.

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler (1939):

Chandler’s debut novel features the private investigator Philip Marlowe as he navigates the seedy underworld of 1930s Los Angeles to solve a case involving blackmail and murder.

Death Sits on the Board by John Rhode (1937):

Dr. Priestly must discover who is killing off the board members of Porslin, Ltd.

Death of a Ghost by Margery Allingham (1934):

Albert Campion is invited to an art show and finds himself at the scene of a baffling murder with no shortage of deadly suspects.

The Dutch Shoe Mystery by Ellery Queen (1931):

Ellery Queen is sitting in on Abigail Doorn’s surgery, but before the first incision is made she’s found strangled to death on her hospital gurney.

The Case of the Lame Canary by Erle Stanley Gardner (1937):

Perry Mason is handling a difficult divorce case where everybody involved is pulling a scam, until one of them ends up dead.

Are any of your favorites listed here?