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Murder on the Orient Express summary
Brief summary
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that takes place on a luxurious train. When a murder occurs, detective Hercule Poirot must use his exceptional sleuthing skills to uncover the truth.
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Murder on the Orient Express
Summary of key ideas
Uncovering a Web of Intrigue
In Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who finds himself unexpectedly aboard the luxurious Orient Express on his way back to London. The train is packed with an assortment of intriguing characters, including an American millionaire named Samuel Ratchett, who seeks Poirot's protection, claiming his life is in danger.
However, Poirot declines, sensing something sinister behind Ratchett's request. His intuition proves right when Ratchett is found murdered in his compartment the next morning. Poirot, alongside his friend M. Bouc, a director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, takes charge of the investigation at the request of the train's director.
Unveiling a Complex Crime Scene
The crime scene is complex, with no murder weapon in sight and a locked compartment from the inside. Poirot begins his investigation by interviewing the passengers, all of whom are potential suspects. These passengers include a Russian princess, a Swedish missionary, a British governess, an Italian car salesman, a Hungarian countess, a German maid, an American widow, a British colonel, a French conductor, and an American doctor.
As Poirot delves deeper, he discovers that Ratchett was, in fact, a criminal named Cassetti, responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a three-year-old girl named Daisy Armstrong. The girl's family, devastated by the tragedy, had committed suicide, leaving behind their surviving child, a toddler named Sonia Armstrong, who was raised by her aunt. The case had garnered widespread media attention, and the public had been outraged by the acquittal of the suspects due to a lack of evidence.
A Collective Act of Revenge
As Poirot continues his investigation, he begins to unravel the identities of the passengers. He realizes that each of them had a connection to the Armstrong family and were, in fact, on the train to collectively avenge Daisy's death. The passengers reveal that they had been planning to murder Cassetti for some time, and they had boarded the train to carry out their plan.
However, Poirot is faced with a moral dilemma as he uncovers the truth. He acknowledges that the passengers committed the murder, but he is also aware of the injustice of the original case. He is torn between his sense of justice and his respect for the passengers' motive. Ultimately, he decides to protect the passengers by creating a false narrative that clears them of suspicion.
A Twist in the Tale
In a surprising turn of events, Poirot presents two solutions to the case: one that he shares with the police and another that he keeps to himself. The solution he presents to the police is a cover-up of the collective crime, while the one he keeps to himself is the truth about the passengers' collective act of revenge.
As the train is finally freed from the snowdrift and continues its journey, Poirot is left to grapple with the moral implications of his decision. The novel ends with the detective contemplating the complexities of justice and the human capacity for both good and evil.
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What is Murder on the Orient Express about?
Murder on the Orient Express is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a murder occurs on a luxurious train journey, detective Hercule Poirot is called upon to solve the case. As the train is stranded by a snowdrift, Poirot interviews the passengers and uncovers a web of lies and deceit. The book is known for its clever plot twists and has been adapted into several films and TV shows.
Murder on the Orient Express Review
Murder on the Orient Express (1934) is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie that takes readers on a suspenseful journey aboard a luxurious train. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring a complex and intriguing plot with multiple twists and turns, it keeps readers guessing until the very end.
- The diverse cast of characters with unique backgrounds and motives adds depth and richness to the story, making it engaging and unpredictable.
- Through clever detective work and unexpected revelations, the book offers a satisfying resolution that will leave readers astonished and impressed.
Who should read Murder on the Orient Express?
Readers who enjoy classic murder mysteries with a twist
People who appreciate intricate and cleverly plotted whodunits
Those who are fans of Agatha Christie's works and want to explore one of her most iconic novels
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Murder on the Orient Express FAQs
What is the main message of Murder on the Orient Express?
Justice and morality in a tangled mystery unravel on the Orient Express.
How long does it take to read Murder on the Orient Express?
Reading time varies, but expect hours. Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is Murder on the Orient Express a good book? Is it worth reading?
Murder on the Orient Express is compelling, a classic mystery that keeps you guessing.
Who is the author of Murder on the Orient Express?
Agatha Christie authored Murder on the Orient Express.
What to read after Murder on the Orient Express?
If you're wondering what to read next after Murder on the Orient Express, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz