Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express

In this classic Agatha Christie book, Hercule Poirot is travelling aboard the Orient Express on his way to Constantinople when one of his fellow passengers approaches him and asks him to try to discover who has been threatening his life. Although told he can name his price, Hercule Poirot declines and when asked the reason, replies, ‘If you will forgive me for being personal, I do not like your face.’

And it appears that this person’s fears were not ungrounded, because shortly afterwards, he is found stabbed to death in his carriage. One of the other travellers is undoubtedly the guilty party but which one? To add to the intrigue, the train has become snowbound and nobody is going anywhere for a while.

As the story unfolds, Agatha Christie manages to mix an exotic location with a feeling of claustrophobia and the tension produced when a number of people have to remain in one place against their will is very well drawn. There are some good character studies here with a wide range of age and nationality.

The story is brilliantly plotted and for those who have never read the book before, the denouement (one of Agatha Christie’s best in my opinion) is astounding.

There is added interest in the knowledge that this book is loosely based on an extremely famous real-life crime and it is perhaps morally challenging in that for once, Hercule Poirot shows more regard for the spirit, rather than for the letter of the law. It is a satisfying story, because justice is finally seen to have been done, albeit by unconventional (and not to be generally recommended!) means

Murder on the Orient Express ranks as an Agatha Christie classic. If you haven’t already read it, I urge you to do so. Because, even if you’ve seen the film and know the outcome, you will relish the sheer brilliance of dame Agatha's plot weaving.

You can get hold of this Agatha Christie classic via the following links.

Interview With David Suchet

Very interesting behind the scenes interview with David Suchet during the making of the Murder on the Orient Express video game.

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