Murder on the Orient Express

First Published: 1934

Setting: Somewhere along the line of the Orient Express!

Starring: Poirot, M. Bouc, Dr. Constantine

Important Other People: Armstrong household

Murder on the Orient Express is Poirot in his element. The train is snowed in and cannot be moved, there is no chance of outside help being called in, and the witnesses and suspects are all trapped! The case has to be solved on deduction and intellect only, leading Poirot to triumph in his usual non-humble way, but also showing his compassionate side when he realizes that sometimes, you do have to work outside of the law.

The idea of individuals meting out justice is used again in Appointment with Death, and here, Poirot accepts an official version of the murder. He condones murder because sometimes, man is evil, but goes unpunished. Thus, when justice comes to them, he knows that they deserved it. Which sounds awful, but in both cases, is entirely warranted.

This novel is also rife with stereotypes. The book allowed Agatha to have an international cast of characters meeting in an unlikely place. She was able to assign them to different stations in life based on where they come from- the idea of class with her is quite established. She also exploits stereotypes of different countries, which is useful in assigning them jobs and personalities.

Interesting facts: I cannot find a mention of the book in her autobiography. I don't know why! The book is loosely based off the Lindbergh kidnapping, as well as Agatha's love for the Orient Express. Many parts of her autobiography are about her travels upon it.

Favorite? Of course! I know I say this a lot, but it really is unique among Agatha's novels, and it is so ingenious. (Let's be real; they're all unique.)

Death by: Stabbing (12 times!)

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 30

The Count: Poirot-8, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-5, Japp-4, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-2, George-1, Goby-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: The worst of Americans is that they are so sentimental and idealistic. The English are not sympathetic. If the impossible cannot have happened, then the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.

Up Next: Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (The Boomerang Clue)