an adventure in reading: BOOK: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Monday, June 7, 2010

BOOK: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, 256 pages

1930s Mini Challenge (published in 1934); 20-10 Charity Book buy

This is what a classic mystery is all about. Poirot is at his best, most condescending self. Condescending is the wrong word - he humours his 'helpers' in the investigation. And he just trusts his little grey cells to decipher the clues, and to ask the questions that are right in front of him.

Christie doesn't write a single extra word - this is tight, has all the clues, and the most excellent locked room case. The train is stuck in the snow, and someone has been murdered. Best mystery ever!

(I'm sure I read this years ago, but I have no recollection of it. I'm going to have to revisit some of Christie's best mysteries.)

Comments (8)

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Susan B. Evans · 773 weeks ago

I really need to get started on the Marple/Poirot/Holmes challenge! This one is definitely on my tbr list for this summer, along with other Christie classics. Thanks for the review :)

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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raidergirl3 91p · 773 weeks ago

This would be a great place to start, but it might set too high a standard. Sounds like a great summer - Marple/Poirot/Holmes.

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jennysbooks 89p · 773 weeks ago

This is my favorite kind of Christie mystery too, with the locked doors and all the suspects were more or less in one place at one time (like manor house murder mysteries). Love her.

1 reply · active 773 weeks ago

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raidergirl3 91p · 773 weeks ago

Poirot is the best at these mysteries. And they really all were on the train, with no where to go. I usually like all mysteries about the same, but this one was that much better that I noticed how great it was.

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Hannah Stoneham · 773 weeks ago

It is really cracking isn't it? Glad you enjoyed it!

1 reply · active 773 weeks ago

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raidergirl3 91p · 773 weeks ago

Cracking! perfect description.

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Tiny Librarian · 773 weeks ago

I read it years ago, like when I was in middle school. Someone left in our vacation trailer. But I should read it as an adult - I'm sure I don't remember whodunnit. After adoring And Then There Were None last year, I really should read all the Christies.