Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Perceptive Poirot Solves Another Case

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a quick but captivating ride packed with one mysteriously dead American and a dozen suspects. Called to solve a case in London, renowned detective Hercule Poirot takes the Orient Express train from Turkey to France. In the luncheon car, Poirot is sipping coffee with a liqueur chaser when who would interrupt him but an American with “false benevolence of the brow and the small, cruel eyes.” The American had been receiving threatening letters, and asks Poirot to look into it. Poirot, however, wants nothing to do with the ugly American and dismisses his request even after repeated offers of big money.  He explains that he only takes on cases that interest him, and adds that he also does not like the American’s face. Case closed.  

When the same American is found dead in his compartment, stabbed multiple times, Poirot suddenly finds interest. Case opened. He starts investigating and discovers that on this train, motives are like assholes—everyone has one. With astute observations and loads of logic, Poirot ultimately solves the crime, leading the reader through each step of the intriguing process.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Hercule Poirot amuses me with his egotistical attitude and extraordinary powers of deduction and reason.  I would like to sample a bit more of Christie’s famous works.  There are just too many of them.  I don’t know when I would squeeze in the dozens and dozens of detective novels into my other reading, so for now  I think I’ll put Death on the Nile on my list unless someone can persuade me otherwise.  What’s your favorite Agatha Christie book?  

Happy reading,
Annette

Comments

Anonymous said…
I love a good mystery but have not read this classic. I need to get on with my reading. Thank you.
Not much words to describe the sheer brilliance of Christie. Not to mention her creation "Poirot" ! Of all the "Poirot" editions this is one which kept me away from my 'general' studies,character presentation,plot sequence,choice of words,superiority of the protagonist,all these nano marvels add to the supremacy and universality of this novel,and this happens to be one of her best ! And do not forget to brush up on your French,you will be needing it,piecemeal. Bonne lecture !
You described her brilliance very nicely! Nice to hear from such an ardent fan of hers.

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