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Overview

Murder on the Orient Express is a classic detective novel written by Agatha Christie, first published in 1934. The story revolves around a fictional famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurs on the luxurious Orient Express train during its journey from Istanbul to Calais. The victim, Ratchett, is revealed to be a notorious gangster, and Poirot must unravel the intricate web of clues and motives among the passengers to solve the crime. Set against the glamorous backdrop of international train travel in the 1930s, the novel captures the essence of the time with its detailed descriptions of the train and the diverse group of passengers. Agatha Christie’s signature writing style, characterized by clever plotting and surprising twists, has made Murder on the Orient Express one of her most celebrated works.

Published during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, the novel exemplifies the whodunit genre and showcases Christie’s mastery in crafting intricate and suspenseful mysteries. The book has been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and stage productions, attesting to its enduring popularity and influence in the mystery genre. The two best known film adaptations of Murder on the Orient Express were the 1974 version directed by Sidney Lumet that starred  Albert Finney as Poirot and the 2017 version directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh in the role of the famous detective, Poirot.

Explore a full plot summary, an in-depth analysis of Hercule Poirot, and explanations of important quotes from Murder on the Orient Express.

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