Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Description

“Murder on the Orient Express” is one of Agatha Christie’s most famous and beloved mystery novels, featuring her iconic detective, Hercule Poirot. The novel was first published in 1934 and has since become a classic of the detective fiction genre.

Summary of “Murder on the Orient Express”:

The story begins with Hercule Poirot boarding the luxurious Orient Express train in Istanbul, planning to travel to Calais and then on to London. The train is unusually full for the time of year, and Poirot finds himself sharing a compartment with an eclectic group of passengers from various backgrounds and nationalities.

During the journey, the train becomes stranded in a snowdrift in Yugoslavia. To everyone’s shock, one of the passengers, a wealthy American named Ratchett, is found brutally murdered in his compartment. Poirot is asked by the train’s director to investigate the murder, and he agrees.

As Poirot delves into the investigation, he uncovers a complex web of secrets, motives, and connections among the passengers. It becomes clear that many of them have hidden identities and questionable backgrounds. Poirot interviews each passenger, examines the evidence, and gradually pieces together the truth behind the murder.

The climax of the novel occurs when Poirot gathers all the suspects together and reveals his solution to the mystery. He presents two possible solutions, challenging the passengers and readers alike to consider the moral implications of justice and retribution.

“Murder on the Orient Express” is celebrated for its ingenious and intricate plotting, as well as its thought-provoking exploration of morality and the nature of justice. The novel is a masterclass in the locked-room mystery subgenre, where the crime takes place in a confined space with a limited number of suspects.

The book has been adapted into various films, television shows, and stage productions, and its central mystery continues to captivate and intrigue audiences to this day. If you enjoy classic detective stories with a touch of international intrigue and a brilliant detective at the helm, “Murder on the Orient Express” is a must-read.