‘The Mystery of the Blue Train’ by Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot Murder Mystery

Every once in a while, I like to immerse myself in a proper British mystery novel. And where else to turn to but to the Queen of Crime and her favorite detective, Hercule Poirot.

The Mystery of the Blue Train begins with the introduction of distantly related characters, each with their own nuances, dark secrets, and ambitions. The tone for murder is set early.

Also, if you have read enough of Agatha Christie, at least one of the following things will definitely be true.

• The murder will happen IN or ON or AT the subject mentioned in the title (in this case the murder occurs ON the blue train).
• Money will be involved in the crime, most likely a coveted inheritance or valuable jewels.
• At least one character will be cheating on their partner.
• Timing of the murder will be extremely crucial to solving the case.
• The murderer would be the least suspected character, and if you were paying enough attention you could figure out how.

Some of these clichés apply to The Mystery of the Blue Train, too, but it’s an interesting enough story where the fun part is actually discovering clues along with Poirot and putting them together.

Photo Credit: Gemma Evans @stayandroam

The premise is simple: Mrs. Kettering, an heiress, is murdered for priceless rubies as she travels on a train to meet her lover in France. Several people would have wanted her dead. Her husband stands to inherit her millions upon her death. Or could it be her lover who is famous for swindling women in high society? Or what about the French man who is interested in her jewels? Maybe it was just a robber who knew that the gems were aboard. Who could it be?

The famous detective Hercule Poirot is also on the train, and graciously offers his services to the French Police to help with the case, which he ultimately does. To find out more, read the book!

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