This is not the first time I’ve read Murder on the Orient Express, probably not even the second. I’ve always been a fan of Agatha Christie and devoured her Poirot books when I was probably in junior high, and have never really stopped reading them.
The famous Orient Express is stopped in the middle of the night by a snowstorm and in the morning the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett is dead in his compartment, stabbed twelve times. One of the passengers must be the murderer. Hercule Poirot, who happens to be on the train, takes control of the investigation, sifting through lies and truths, clues and red herrings, to arrive at the solution.
I remembered the ending, which is rather clever, and I do always enjoy Poirot denouncements, the way he takes the smallest clues and using his “little grey cells” solves the crime. This time through the characters caught my attention. Each is their own three-dimensional person, not merely another suspect. And their attitudes and class distinctions seem very fitting for a book first published in 1934. Parts of it are dated, but for me that adds to the charm.
I don’t want to spoil the ending, suffice it to say it works quite. I will always be a fan of the “Queen of Mystery”.
Purchase at Amazon or an Indie bookstore.
4 out of 5 stars
Category: Mystery & Detective – Traditional British
Hercule Poirot #9
288 pages
First published 1934
Julie at Booking Mama hosted the discussion for Murder on the Orient Express here.
Book source: Library
I keep saying this, but I REALLY need to read Agatha Christie. This one is at the top of the list.
This is my favorite Poirot novel. I love the way Christie tied everything and everyone together in this one.
You are sure reading many of these this summer 😀 And I have still only read that one
I’ve watched the TV shows, but never read the books. However, that cover would definitely tempt me!
I thought the ending of this book was clever too, but I was a little disappointed in the way Poirot solved the crime.
I liked reading the 2 books I had of Agatha’s. So glad you enjoyed this one, again. 😉 Thank you!
I enjoy Poirot, but I also loved Tommy and Tuppance. Looking forward to making my way through her novels.
I love this one. And I can read it over and over and it doesn’t lose a thing. Knowing the ending doesn’t even spoil it.
I’ve got you updated on the progress site.