Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express-A Hercule Poirot Mystery

Overview: Mr. Poirot’s leisurely return to London has be derailed by information on a previous case of his coming to light. So, he has to speed up his return. Good thing the Orient Express has room for him. After the train gets caught in a snowdrift, Mr. Poirot gets a new puzzle to solve. See, this one passenger was murdered in the middle of the night. Mr. Ratchett didn’t seem to have any enemies on the train. So, can Mr. Poirot figure out what happened?

Story Telling: This is a murder mystery similar to the locked room mystery style. It’s also part of a series.

Dislikes: Mr. Ratchett will never be a likeable character. His few speaking roles made his personality well.

Likes: Mr. Bouc truly wanted the case solved without a lot of fanfair or media attention.

And the passengers were paired up quite well.

Favorite Character: That would be Colonel Arbuthnot.

Favorite Quote: From the Colonel: “Say what you like, trial by jury is a sound system.”

Favorite Scene: That would by when Mr. Poirot found out Mr. Ratchett’s true identity.

Conclusion: This was a fun story. Enjoy it as a classical mystery. It’s a masterpiece in my opinion.

Agatha Christie’s Thirteen at Dinner–a Hercule Poirot Mystery

Overview: Hercule Poirot has a new puzzle to figure out. The Lady Edgeware, an American Actress by the name of Jane Wilkinson, has been accused of murdering her husband. Granted, the Lord Edgeware wasn’t ever going to win any congeniality awards. But, be that as it may, Jane bragged that she wanted the man dead. So, how does a woman kill her husband, when she’s seen at a dinner party?

Story Telling: This is a murder mystery. However this series from Miss Christie seems to be a bit more serious compared to her Miss Marple series.

Dislikes: That would be Jane Wilkinson. I disliked that woman within minutes of her introduction.

Mr. Poirot’s attitude can rub people the wrong way. Stay with the novel though, it makes sense in the end.

Likes: The way the case was resolved was pretty impressive.

Favorite Scene: That would be when Mr. Poirot threw his own dinner party. It scared many of the attendees speechless.

Conclusion: This probably isn’t the best Poirot novel to start with. That’s mostly the attitude issues. But enjoy the story.