Murder on the Orient Express Book Summary

Murder on the Orient Express is a gripping detective novel written by Agatha Christie. The story revolves around the murder of an American businessman on the luxurious Orient Express train. The protagonist of the novel, Hercule Poirot, a Belgian detective, is summoned to investigate the case. The novel is set in the winter of 1934 when the Orient Express gets stuck in a snowdrift en route from Istanbul to Calais. The discovery of the dead body of Samuel Edward Ratchett intensifies the mystery, and Poirot is tasked to find the culprit.

The novel is structured in a way that provides misdirection and leaves readers guessing until the very end. Christie uses red herrings and a limited number of possible suspects in a classic example of a “locked room” mystery, where the crime is committed in a confined space. The cast of characters who populate the Orient Express is diverse, from the methodical Poirot, the emotional Helena Goldenberg to the poised Colonel Arbuthnot.

The book has been hailed as one of the greatest mystery novels of all time, has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into over 50 languages. The novel was first published in January 1934, by the Collins Crime Club in the United Kingdom.

In 2017, a new film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express was released, starring Kenneth Branagh. Although it received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, grossing over $350 million worldwide. The novel has an impressive average rating of 4.16 out of 5, based on over 300,000 Goodreads reviews.

Christie’s intricately plotted, memorable characters, and the shocking twist ending make Murder on the Orient Express a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and an exemplary testament to the author’s writing skills.

Book Description

Murder on the Orient Express takes place during the winter of 1934. The Orient Express, a luxurious train, is making its way from Istanbul to Calais when it becomes stuck in a snowdrift. During the delay, American businessman Samuel Edward Ratchett is discovered dead in his compartment. With no clear motive or suspects, the train staff requests the help of renowned Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.

Poirot is initially hesitant to take on the case, but is eventually persuaded by Ratchett’s desperate plea for protection. As he begins to investigate, Poirot discovers that Ratchett was not the upstanding businessman he appeared to be. In fact, Ratchett was a criminal with a long list of enemies, any one of whom could have had a motive for killing him.

Despite the cramped and claustrophobic conditions of the Orient Express, Poirot methodically interviews each of the passengers, carefully piecing together the clues and motives. Along the way, Poirot uncovers a web of lies, deception, and hidden identities, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.

Character Analysis

In Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie creates a diverse and intriguing cast of characters to populate the luxurious train. One of the most memorable characters is Hercule Poirot, the fastidious and methodical Belgian detective who is tasked with solving the murder of Samuel Edward Ratchett. Poirot is meticulous in his observations and deductions, and his sharp intellect and attention to detail make him a formidable opponent for anyone trying to outsmart him.

Another character that stands out in the novel is Helena Goldenberg, a volatile and emotional woman who seems to be hiding something. Despite her turbulent nature, she becomes an ally to Poirot and provides him with valuable information about the other passengers on the train. The calm and collected Colonel Arbuthnot is also an important figure in the story, as he is one of the primary suspects in the murder investigation.

Throughout the novel, Christie masterfully uses each character’s unique personality and traits to keep the reader guessing about who might be the killer. The interactions and dynamics between the characters add depth and complexity to the story, making it more than just a simple whodunit.

• Hercule Poirot: fastidious and methodical Belgian detective
• Helena Goldenberg: volatile and emotional woman hiding something
• Colonel Arbuthnot: calm and collected man, one of the primary suspects in the murder investigation

Agatha Christie’s use of a diverse cast of characters adds depth and intrigue to Murder on the Orient Express. Each character brings something unique to the story, and their interactions and dynamics keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Analysis

‘locked room’ mystery, where the crime is committed in a confined space, and only a limited number of suspects could be guilty. The Orient Express train provides the perfect setting for this type of mystery, with its luxurious yet claustrophobic atmosphere, and the limited number of passengers onboard. Agatha Christie expertly uses misdirection and red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the very end.

The investigation by Hercule Poirot is a textbook example of deductive reasoning and careful observation. Poirot’s fastidious attention to detail, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of human nature, allows him to sift through the various clues and alibis provided by the suspects. The intricate plot is full of twists and turns, and the pacing is perfect, with tension building steadily towards the climactic reveal.

One of the most impressive things about Murder on the Orient Express is the depth of characterization provided by Agatha Christie. Each of the suspects has a complex backstory and personality, and none of them are mere caricatures or stereotypes. Helena Goldenberg, for example, is a passionate and volatile woman, with a tragic past and a fierce loyalty to her family. Colonel Arbuthnot, by contrast, is a calm and collected military man, with an enigmatic past and a hidden agenda.

Murder on the Orient Express is a masterful example of the mystery genre, with intricate plotting, memorable characters, and a shocking twist ending. Agatha Christie’s skill as a writer is on full display here, and the novel remains a must-read for anyone interested in the art of detective fiction.

Reviews

Murder on the Orient Express is widely regarded as one of Agatha Christie’s greatest works. It has been praised for its innovative plot, masterful storytelling, and memorable characters. Hercule Poirot’s methodical investigation into the murder of Samuel Edward Ratchett keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Christie expertly weaves misdirection and red herrings into the storyline to create a complex and captivating mystery.

The novel’s characters are equally impressive. Each passenger on the Orient Express is fleshed out with their distinct personality, motives, and secrets, adding depth and intrigue to the story. Notably, Helena Goldenberg and Colonel Arbuthnot stand out as fascinating and complex characters.

Due to its popularity, Murder on the Orient Express has been adapted into several films and television shows. The most recent film adaptation was released in 2017 and starred Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. While it received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, grossing over $350 million worldwide.

Murder on the Orient Express is a must-read for mystery lovers and a testament to Agatha Christie’s talent as a writer.

Details

The detective novel, Murder on the Orient Express, was originally published in the United Kingdom by the Collins Crime Club on January 1, 1934. Since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with over 50 translations and over 100 million copies sold. Agatha Christie’s intricate plot, memorable characters, and shocking twist ending have proven to endure the test of time and make Murder on the Orient Express a must-read for mystery fans.

Despite being almost 90 years old, the novel still holds up as a consummate example of detective fiction. The novel’s original publisher, Collins Crime Club, was a well-known British publishing company in the early to mid-1900s that specialized in publishing mystery novels. Today, the novel is still available through crime fiction publishers and in various formats, including paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

The novel’s global popularity can be attributed to its engaging storytelling, clever plot twists, and unforgettable characters. The book has won many awards including the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière in France. It has also been adapted into multiple films, television series, and theatrical productions.

Murder on the Orient Express has become a classic in the mystery genre, and, even to this day, it continues to win the hearts of readers worldwide. The book’s legacy has persevered due to its powerful narrative, expert pacing, and cunning plot construction. With a fascinating collection of characters and a beautifully woven storyline, this novel is a must-read for any fans of the mystery genre.

News about Murder on the Orient Express

Agatha Christie’s beloved novel, Murder on the Orient Express, has been adapted into several films and television shows over the years. In 2017, a new film adaptation of the book was released, starring Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot.

The film, directed by Branagh himself, received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised the film’s lush visuals and star-studded cast, while others felt that it failed to capture the essence of the original novel. However, despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $350 million worldwide.

One of the major criticisms of the film was its departure from the source material. Branagh’s interpretation of Hercule Poirot was seen as more action-oriented and less detail-oriented compared to previous on-screen portrayals of the detective. The film also made changes to the identity of the killer and the motive behind the murder, which some fans of the book found disappointing.

Despite these changes, the film managed to attract a star-studded cast, including Dame Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, and Penélope Cruz, among others. It also featured impressive visuals and cinematography that captured the grandeur of the Orient Express train.

the 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express may not have pleased everyone, but it was certainly a commercial success. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Agatha Christie’s original novel or simply looking for an entertaining murder mystery, the film is definitely worth a watch.

Ratings

The novel Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie has received high acclaim from readers all over the world. It currently holds an impressive rating of 4.16 out of 5 on Goodreads, a popular online platform for book reviews and recommendations.

This rating is based on the feedback of over 300,000 readers who have read and reviewed the book. Many readers have praised the intricate plot and the masterful storytelling of Christie, which keeps them guessing until the very end. The book’s memorable characters, particularly Hercule Poirot and the passengers aboard the Orient Express, have also received high marks from readers.

The average rating of 4.16 out of 5 suggests that Murder on the Orient Express is a must-read for mystery lovers and is a testament to Agatha Christie’s skill as a writer. The book has stood the test of time and continues to engage readers to this day, as evident from the high number of reviews it has received on Goodreads.

If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and test your detective skills, Murder on the Orient Express comes highly recommended. With its fascinating plot, well-crafted characters, and shocking twist ending, it is a classic that should be on every reader’s bookshelf.

Book Notes

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a masterpiece of the mystery genre, and stands out for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and shocking twist ending. The novel is a must-read for anyone seeking an excellent detective story from one of the greats of crime fiction.

Christie’s expert use of misdirection and red herrings keeps readers guessing until the very end. The plot is carefully crafted and plays out like a game of chess, with each move leading to an explosive reveal that will leave readers stunned.

The cast of characters is also a highlight of the novel, with each passenger on the Orient Express possessing a unique personality and backstory. The fastidious Hercule Poirot, the emotional Helena Goldenberg, and the calm Colonel Arbuthnot are just a few examples of the novel’s well-written characters.

Agatha Christie’s skill as a writer is on full display in Murder on the Orient Express. She is able to create a rich and immersive world on the luxurious train, while also keeping readers engaged with a plot full of twists and turns.

The book has been adapted into several successful films and television shows, but nothing compares to the experience of reading the original novel. With its unforgettable characters, intricate plot, and shocking ending, Murder on the Orient Express is a true classic in the world of crime fiction.