Book Highlights
| Author Name | Agatha Christie |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Book Type | Fiction |
| Page Count | 288 |
| Genre | Detective Fiction, Mystery, Crime Fiction |
| Story Setting | A luxury train in snowy Yugoslavia |
| What to Expect | Intrigue, Sharp Dialogue, Misdirection, Surprises |
| Readability | Steady-Paced, Clear, Immersive |
Book Review
An Unsolved Crime on a Stalled Train
In Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie presents a classic whodunit that has stood the test of time. The story opens with Hercule Poirot boarding the luxurious Orient Express, a train bound for London. But what promises to be a routine journey soon turns into a tense thriller when a wealthy passenger, Ratchett, is discovered brutally murdered in his compartment. Trapped by a snowstorm, Poirot is called upon to investigate, and as he interviews the eclectic group of passengers, the mystery deepens.
Each passenger seems to have a secret, and the more Poirot uncovers, the more twisted the plot becomes. What makes this mystery so engaging is how Christie deftly misleads the reader, introducing red herrings that cloud the truth. Just when you think you’ve cracked the case, Poirot unveils something you didn’t see coming, leading to one of the most iconic revelations in mystery fiction.
Character Study: Poirot and a Cast of Suspects
Hercule Poirot is, as always, meticulous, methodical, and almost annoyingly self-assured. I couldn’t help but admire how Christie gives us access to his genius without making him feel overly detached. Poirot’s process of uncovering the truth—methodically interviewing each passenger—puts the reader in the same position as the detective, sifting through half-truths and deceptive alibis.
The train’s passengers—each representing different nationalities and backgrounds—are an interesting mix. Mrs. Hubbard, a brash American, is particularly fun to watch as she navigates the investigation with a flair for the dramatic. Then there’s the reserved Countess Andrenyi, whose quiet demeanor hides much more than it first appears. All the characters contribute to a carefully crafted puzzle, and you get the sense that even the smallest details matter.
Christie’s Mastery of the Craft
The writing style is sharp, concise, and perfectly suited to the mystery genre. Christie doesn’t waste words—every sentence propels the narrative forward, and the dialogue is laced with tension. What I loved most is how accessible the language is. Despite being written nearly a century ago, the prose feels modern and approachable. I flew through the book in just a couple of sittings, yet it lingered with me long after the final page.
Christie’s portrayal of race and nationality, while reflective of the period, can occasionally feel outdated. She uses sweeping generalizations to describe certain characters, which might rub contemporary readers the wrong way. However, it’s applied broadly, so no single group is unfairly targeted, making it more of a historical curiosity than an offensive distraction.
My Experience with the Mystery
I have to say, the twist floored me. Even though I’d heard about Christie’s reputation for clever endings, I still didn’t see it coming. It was one of those moments where I had to stop and go back through the chapters, realizing the clues were there all along. It felt like being let in on a secret, which made the whole experience even more fun.
Final Thoughts: A Classic for a Reason
Murder on the Orient Express isn’t just a mystery; it’s a masterclass in plotting. Every detail, no matter how small, serves a purpose, and Christie pulls off the ultimate twist in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable. While the methodical pacing of Poirot’s interviews might feel slow to some readers, the payoff is well worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery lover or a newcomer, this novel deserves its place as one of Christie’s most beloved works.
