Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Book Summary:

"Murder on the Orient Express" is a renowned detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1934. The story follows Hercule Poirot, a meticulous and eccentric Belgian detective, as he embarks on a journey aboard the luxurious Orient Express from Istanbul to London. During the voyage, the train becomes ensnared in a snowdrift in Yugoslavia, and in the morning, a wealthy American passenger named Samuel Ratchett is discovered murdered in his compartment, stabbed multiple times. Poirot is enlisted to investigate the crime amidst a diverse group of passengers. Through his keen observation and logical reasoning, Poirot uncovers that Ratchett was actually John Cassetti, a notorious gangster responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a child named Daisy Armstrong years earlier. Poirot presents two possible solutions: one involving an external assassin and another implicating all the passengers in a collective act of justice. Ultimately, he suggests that the authorities endorse the first solution to protect the passengers from legal repercussions.

About the Author:

Agatha Christie (1890–1976) was an English writer celebrated for her extensive body of work in the mystery genre. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, she authored 66 detective novels, 19 short story collections, and numerous plays, making her one of the world's most translated and best-selling authors. Christie's works are renowned for their intricate plots, unexpected twists, and memorable characters, notably Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Her play "The Mousetrap" holds the record for the longest continuous run in London's West End. Christie's personal life, including her mysterious eleven-day disappearance in 1926, paralleled the intrigue found in her novels. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971 for her contributions to literature.

"Murder on the Orient Express" has been adapted into various films, television series, radio dramas, and stage productions, underscoring its enduring appeal and status as a classic in detective fiction.