Picking up Murder on the Orient Express, I didn’t expect to finish it in just two to three sittings. Yet, despite my busy schedule, I made time for it, proving just how gripping this book is. As one of Agatha Christie’s top-selling mystery novels and the first I’ve read, it completely captivated me. I even found myself reading the first chapter on the bus, immersing myself in the atmosphere, and I can only imagine how thrilling it would be to read it while actually on a train.
The story begins with the iconic detective Hercule Poirot, who, after completing a case in Syria, boards the luxurious Orient Express to return to England. He soon encounters a diverse group of passengers, and when one of them, Samuel Ratchett, requests protection, Poirot declines. The next day, Ratchett is found murdered, leaving Poirot with no choice but to unravel the mystery. With thirteen suspects and a complex web of motives, the premise promises a thrilling ride.
One of the central themes of the book is justice, explored through a lens of moral ambiguity. The murder case challenges readers to consider whether actions like revenge can be justified when they seem to balance the scales of justice. Poirot’s dilemma at the story’s conclusion forces both him and the reader to reflect on morality—whether the law is always right or if justice can take different forms. Christie invites us to contemplate the complexity of human motivations and the gray areas that exist between right and wrong.
What I particularly enjoyed about this novel is its straightforward yet mind-boggling narrative. It left me feeling discombobulated at times. Each character’s testimony is detailed, and their mannerisms are vividly described, making it seem like the solution would be obvious. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the case is anything but simple. Even though I had the ending spoiled by reading Goodreads comments midway through (oops), I still found myself questioning its accuracy until the very last page.
Despite the large cast, I was able to keep track of all the characters thanks to their distinct personalities and backstories. One of my favorite aspects of the book was how each character contributed to the overall intrigue, keeping me engaged throughout.
However, a few elements detracted from my experience. At times, key details were withheld from the reader, making it feel like you’d need to be Hercule Poirot himself to solve the mystery. I also wished for an epilogue to know what happened to the characters, but I suppose that circles back to the theme.
Christie’s writing style shines in this novel. She excels at keeping her prose concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details while providing enough substance to make the characters and mystery come alive. Each clue is carefully placed, subtle enough to avoid overwhelming the reader yet significant enough to keep us guessing.
In the end, Murder on the Orient Express for me was an enjoyable introduction to Agatha Christie’s work. Despite knowing the ending beforehand, I thoroughly appreciated the smooth plot, memorable characters, and twists that kept me hooked until the very last reveal.
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