Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express is a celebrated work of detective fiction by the renowned British writer Agatha Christie. Released in the United Kingdom in 1934 and published in the United States shortly after under the title Murder in the Calais Coach, the novel is known for its intricate plot and the introduction of Christie's iconic Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.

The story unfolds aboard the opulent Orient Express train, where Poirot finds himself amidst a diverse group of passengers. As the train is halted by a heavy snowstorm, a murder is discovered. Samuel Ratchett, an American tycoon with a hidden past, is found dead in his compartment, which is locked from the inside. His body bears 12 stab wounds. With the train stranded, the murderer could only be one of the passengers. Poirot, initially on vacation, is compelled to unravel this compelling mystery.

Employing his keen sense of observation and deductive prowess, Poirot begins his investigation into Ratchett's murder, only to uncover a complex web of deceit tied to a tragic event from the past—the kidnapping and murder of a young girl named Daisy Armstrong, which devastated her affluent family and other loved ones. Through meticulous examination and interviews, Poirot reveals that each passenger has a connection to the Armstrong tragedy, leading to a conclusion that challenges conventional perceptions of justice.

The novel is celebrated not only for its suspenseful narrative but also for Christie's masterful construction of the plot, which orchestrates an array of characters each with their own secrets and motives. Hercule Poirot's resolution of the case, proposing two possible explanations, pushes the boundaries of traditional detective stories and explores the moral complexities of retribution. A global bestseller, Murder on the Orient Express has inspired numerous adaptations across film, radio, television, theater, and even video games, affirming Agatha Christie's enduring status as the "Queen of Crime."