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Read This Book: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Agatha Christie

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Tomorrow is Agatha Christie’s birthday! On September 15, 1890, Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller was born into a wealthy upper middle-class family in Devon, England. She became Agatha Christie in 1914 after marrying her first husband Archibald Christie. However, she didn’t see success as a writer until 1920 when The Mysterious Affair at Styles, featuring Hercule Poirot, was published. Detective Poirot is also featured in today’s book recommendation, Murder on the Orient Express.

Murder on the Orient Express Book CoverIncluded in the Mystery Writers of America’s Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time, Murder on the Orient Express is the 10th book in the Hercule Poirot series.

It is just after midnight, and a snowdrift has stopped the Orient Express in its tracks. This ride is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but it is now down one passenger. An American tycoon is dead in his compartment, but the door is locked from the inside. There is a killer in their midst who may have just committed the perfect murder. Detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer before they strike again.

Although I don’t read them often, I love a good mystery. Murder on the Orient Express is a good mystery. This was also the first time I read an Agatha Christie novel, and I am glad to say it didn’t disappoint. Something I enjoyed while reading Murder on the Orient Express is the humor sprinkled throughout the story. It would often sneak up on me with a throwaway line from a character that I didn’t see coming. Who can resist murder with a side of humor? I also liked that this story reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows, Monk. Specifically, it was the episode when Mr. Monk takes his first plane ride and basically foils a perfect murder. They would’ve gotten away with it too, if it hadn’t been for you meddling kids detectives.

If you are worried about not having read previous books in the Hercule Poirot series, then leave those worries behind! As previously mentioned, Murder on the Orient Express was my first Agatha Christie book, and I didn’t feel like I need information from other books. There may have been Easter eggs for people who have read other books in the series, but I didn’t feel I was missed anything if those went over my head.

Now, go forth and read Murder on the Orient Express, but avoid the adaptation like the plague because that is an abomination.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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