Murder on the Orient Express

Summary: Headed home to complete another case in London, Hercule Poirot finds himself taking the last available berth on the famous Orient Express. This particular trip, however, is destined to become anything but ordinary. Among the rather unusual mix of passengers is a ruthless millionaire, a man whose past is connected to a tragic incident that has haunted him for years. Just as the train encounters an imposing snowbank, this millionaire is discovered dead in his compartment, his lifeless body riddled with a dozen stab wounds. Trapped in the midst of a snowstorm, Poirot is thrust into a precarious situation where he must confront not only a murder but also the reality that the killer is likely among the remaining passengers. With a body that bears no marks of a violent struggle, his door locked from the inside, and a plethora of clues scattered throughout the dead man's compartment, the detective quickly realizes that unraveling this mystery will require all of his famed skills and intellect. As he begins his investigation, each passenger presents a unique puzzle, complete with intricate alibis, hidden secrets, and unexpected connections to the victim, complicating the matter further. While Poirot sifts through the tangled web of relationships and motives, he finds himself increasingly perplexed by the intricate puzzle crafted before him. The passengers, each with their own stories and backgrounds, begin to reveal layers of deception and intrigue that challenge his deductive reasoning. The stakes are high, and as he pieces together the narrative of the millionaire’s life and the motives of those around him, Poirot finds himself in a race against time to bring justice to a situation that he never anticipated encountering, but justice may not be what he expects. The challenge of solving a murder in such confined quarters, combined with the psychological games at play, leaves Poirot questioning his own abilities as he strives to uncover the truth behind the tragedy that has unfolded on the Orient Express.

Suggested age rating: 17+ based on minor language, sexual references, violence, as well as some racism.

Review: Marked as one of the most famous, if not the most famous, novels by the renowned author Agatha Christie, I was filled with anticipation and eagerness to open the book to the very first page. Christie's works are often celebrated for their intricate plots and compelling characters, and this novel is no exception. As with many of her other novels, the beginning unfolds at a measured pace, which, while it may seem slow to some readers, is absolutely crucial as it meticulously lays the groundwork for the entire plot. This deliberate pacing allows readers to become acquainted with the various characters, their backgrounds, and their relationships, all of which play a significant role in the unfolding drama. The moment the murder occurs, however, the story shifts dramatically, and the reader is instantly drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue and suspense. The narrative captures the essence of a classic whodunit, compelling the audience to scrutinize every character, analyzing their motives and alibis, and pondering who among them could possibly be the murderer. I found it particularly commendable that Christie managed to craft a plot so engaging that even the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot, known for his keen intellect and deductive reasoning, is left momentarily bewildered and uncertain about the identity of the culprit. Throughout my reading experience, I was genuinely challenged in my attempts to predict the outcome. Typically, I find myself piecing together the clues and deducing the identity of the murderer well before the big reveal, often halfway through the novel. However, in this case, I found myself challenged, which is a significant testament to Christie's skill as a storyteller. The intricate web of lies, deceit, and misdirection she weaves keeps readers guessing until the very last pages, making the eventual revelation all the more shocking and satisfying. In conclusion, this book not only met but exceeded my expectations in every way. It is a must-read for any fan of the murder mystery genre, as it is the essence of what makes a mystery thrilling and captivating.

Language: 3 da**, 1 he**, 1 use of the Lord's name in vain, and queer is used though meant as odd.

Indecency/Sex: A man and woman are said to be romantically intimate, a man tells a woman she is too old (meant sexually), a man undresses (not meant sexually) and the words pornographic details are used in reference to a man thinking about his wife though nothing more is said or described.

Violence and Gore: Mention of a character committing suicide, death, and wanting to flog someone. A character is described as a robber, is viciously stabbed, and killed. Blood, a gun, and a dagger are present. Descriptions of a dead body in detail, a child being kidnapped and killed, a character threatening someone, and a stillbirth are brought up.

Frightening Scenes: None present.

Substance Abuse: Several characters drink various types of alcohol and smoke, reference to tobacco, and sleeping drugs are present and used.

Spiritual Content: Heaven, sin, evil, a person's Christian name, praying, faith, and a missionary are all present and discussed.

Genres: Fiction, murder mystery, mystery, detective, adult.