Monday, June 7, 2010

BOOK: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, 256 pages

1930s Mini Challenge (published in 1934); 20-10 Charity Book buy

This is what a classic mystery is all about. Poirot is at his best, most condescending self. Condescending is the wrong word - he humours his 'helpers' in the investigation. And he just trusts his little grey cells to decipher the clues, and to ask the questions that are right in front of him.

Christie doesn't write a single extra word - this is tight, has all the clues, and the most excellent locked room case. The train is stuck in the snow, and someone has been murdered. Best mystery ever!

(I'm sure I read this years ago, but I have no recollection of it. I'm going to have to revisit some of Christie's best mysteries.)