My GoodsReads Review of Murder on the Orient Express - by Agatha Christie - romping good murder mystery

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I decided to read this book because I'd seen at least three adaptations on screen and finally wanted to find out what the original text said. Funnily enough, it was an odd combination of all of the versions I've seen.

Christie is quite a detached writer and Hercule Poirot is quite a cold fish, only solving the crime seems to matter to him. This is actually how I like my Christie, not too much examination of 'real' emotions, just a good delve into the psyche of crime itself, means, motives, opportunities. A damn good puzzle.

In a way, I would like to have been able to read this book not knowing how it ended, but I am never going to have that luxury with Agatha, since I've seen far too many adaptations. However, the beauty of Christie is that it doesn't matter. She can be watched and read over and over again just for the sheer, glee at her ingenuity of plot and the colourful cast of characters she provides.

Orient Express is no different, from the cool Ms Debenham to the outlandish Mrs Hubbard, all the characters are carefully observed and the plot beautifully crafted.

I didn't give this 5 stars, simply because I prefer Marple to Poirot. I find her more engaging, but this is a good ol' yarn. A real whodunnit! ;)

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