logo

43 pages 1 hour read

Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1934

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is traveling on the Orient Express when a passenger named Mr. Ratchett is murdered. Stranded by a snowstorm, Poirot investigates and discovers that Ratchett was actually a notorious gangster named Cassetti. Through careful analysis, Poirot ties the murder to twelve passengers who all had a motive to kill Cassetti due to his involvement in a tragic kidnapping case. The book includes depictions of murder, death of a child, kidnapping, xenophobia, and racism.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express has garnered acclaim for its ingenious plot, compelling characters, and the brilliance of Hercule Poirot. Critics praise its intricate mysteries and unexpected twist. Some find the resolution implausible, yet most agree it’s a masterful example of Christie's storytelling, offering a gripping and satisfying read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Murder on the Orient Express?

Fans of classic whodunits and intricate plot twists will revel in Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. Ideal for those who enjoy Sherlock Holmes mysteries and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, this novel captivates with its intellectual puzzles and richly drawn characters, making it perfect for mystery aficionados.

RecommendedReading Age

12+years