The Book Report Episode #42

Episode #41

Murder on the Orient Express By Agatha Christie

The Book

The novel was first published on January 1, 1934. In the UK by the Collins Crime Club. It was then published on February 28, 1934, in the United States by Dodd, Mead and Company under the title: Murder in the Calais Coach.

This beloved classic story has been republished, countless times and retold on stage, screen and radio. And also video games.

What Did I Think

Poirot is on holiday. He is stopping at a hotel before his next stop when he receives a letter from England stating they need his help. So he changes his plans and seeks a spot on the Orient Express home. Luckily someone doesn’t arrive but he has to double up with someone on the unusually full train for the season.

While reading this book I already knew who did it, because I watched various versions, during my childhood. But I couldn’t remember why. When I had nearly finished reading the book I watched the 2017 Kenneth Branagh version. Since when was Poirot a swashbuckler? The book has Poirot as someone who doesn’t need to run after people to get things done. A meticulous and tidy man to the point of OCD.

The Trailer

The ending I didn’t get. Yes, I understood the reason and the why but at the same time a murder occurred. It doesn’t matter who too. Yes, justice was long overdue and served. But for them to take justice upon themselves. And he let them go.

I suppose like the film Poirot needed balance. The scales were left unbalanced for far too long. It was the only way he could accept the actions of the murderer. Except: in the book, he didn’t get shot in the arm.

The book is set in three parts: The Facts, The Evidence and Hercule Poirot Sits Back and Thinks. They are separating, each section, although not necessary. So, like Poirot, there is some order and navigation through the plot of the story.

For a simple, well-told story I did enjoy it. It wasn’t an amazing story. But a story that held you in place to wonder and work out what happened next. The story went at a steady pace. It was not winded just straight to the point of what needed to be said and even though the main character is Belgium the story itself was one hundred per cent British.

The Audiobook

Would you like to listen to the story, read by my favourite Poirot: David Suchet? Here you go.

Would I Recommend

Yes, I most certainly would. This is a classic story; that will be retold many more times in the future.

Please give this story a go. Everyone should have at least one classic crime novel in their collection/ library.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/ USA, Barnes and Noble and eBay UK/ USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.