'The Mystery of the Blue Train' by Agatha Christie follows the famous detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of an American heiress, Ruth Kettering, on a train to the Riviera. The plot revolves around the theft of priceless rubies that Ruth was carrying and the various suspects on the train, including her estranged husband, her lover, and a French dancer. Through Poirot's meticulous investigation, the story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, leading to a surprising resolution. Agatha Christie's writing style is praised for its engaging dialogue, intricate plot development, and the ability to keep readers entertained and guessing until the end.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Has Romance?
There is a moderate presence of romance in the story, primarily through the relationships and tensions between several key characters.
From The Publisher:
A millionaire strikes a deal on the seedier side of Paris and gives to his heartsick daughter, Ruth Kettering, the 'Heart of Fire', one of the world's legendary jewels that once adorned the crown of the Tsars. Legend has it that the possession of the jewel leads to death - but despite her father's protests, attractive young Ruth decides to take it with her when she boards the luxurious Blue Train to the French Riviera, where she has planned a reunion with her former lover.
But the legend proves true and a few days into the journey, Ruth is found dead and her priceless rubies stolen. The suspects line up: could the murderer be Derek, her weak and greedy husband; Ruth's former lover the Comte de la Roche who has a well-known weakness for ladies and expensive gems; or the beautiful but tempestuous dancer Mirelle, Derek's scheming and expensive mistress? Only master sleuth Hercule Poirot can unravel the mystery and find the truth.
Another perplexing mystery from the Queen of Crime, dramatised with a full cast including Anthony Smee and Judy Buxton.
Ratings (27)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (13) | |
Liked It (6) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (41):
Read It (30) | |
Want To Read (8) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (2) |
2 comment(s)
****4.0****
Sixth in Poirot series.
Poirot is travelling on a night train to the Mediterranean. A woman called
Ruth Kettering is found dead and her jewel, a famous ruby, "
Heart of Fire", which had recently been given to Ruth by her father, is discovered to be missing. Who killed Ruth in the running train? Is it a robbery or a pre-planned murder?
Main Characters:
Ruth Kettering : Murdered woman. Daughter of American millionaire, Rufus Van Aldin who had recently gifted her a famous ruby, "Heart of Fire".
Rufus Van Aldin : Murdered Woman's Father.
Derek Kettering : Murdered Woman's Husband.
Ada Mason :Murdered Woman's maid.
Katherine Grey : an ex-companion to Mrs. Harfield, to whom the other’s wealth is left in her will. And she had spoken last to Murdered woman.
Major Knighton :Van Aldin’s secretary.
Armand the Comte de la Roche : Murdered woman's lover.
Pierre Michel : the train’s attendant.
When Ruth's father Rufus Van Aldin and his secretary Major Knighton insists Poirot to take up the case, Poirot gets involved. Ruth's maid informs that she saw a man in the compartment in the night. Even Ruth's husband Derek was travelling on the same train but says that he never saw Ruth. Derek and Ruth's lover Armand the Comte de la Roche are both suspected of murder. But on various witnesses, Derek is arrested. Poirot has a different opinion on that and he solves the mystery as always.
Nice plot. Nice twists.
Happy Reading!!
Poirot gently uncrossed his knees, withdrew his gaze from the ceiling, and looked the young man full in the face. “My name is Hercule Poirot,” he said quietly, “and I am probably the greatest detective in the world.
Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 149). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.
I love Hercule Poirot. It's hard not to. Not only is he a fantastic detective he's a total character.
I never prophesy,” he declared pompously. “It is true that I have the habit of being always right—but I do not boast of it.
Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 85). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.
He may not boast but he won't hesitate to preen.
“He is a great admirer of yours, M. Poirot,” she said, and she related some of the things that Knighton had said. It amused her to see the little man plume himself like a bird, thrusting out his chest, and assuming an air of mock modesty that would have deceived no one.
Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 178). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.
There's nothing like reading Hercule Poirot investigate. There's amusing lines, complex mysteries and interesting characters - even if they're not always likeable.
The Mystery of the Blue Train was a strange one. I can't say it's my favourite but it's not a total loss either. My main disappointment came from having to wait until Chapter 10 to see Hercule make an appearance. I did enjoy the mystery though - I guessed bits and pieces and was totally lost on a bunch of others. And I always enjoy Hercule besting everyone.
“Can you tell us nothing more, M. Poirot?” urged the Commissary. “At present, no,” said Poirot, “but I may have news awaiting me at my hotel.” M. Carrège looked uncomfortable. “If the Marquis is concerned in this—” he began, and then stopped. “It upsets our ideas,” complained M. Caux. “It does not upset mine,” said Poirot. “On the contrary, I think it agrees with them very well.
Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 233). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.
3 stars.
What can you read after
The Mystery of the Blue Train?
About the Author:
Agatha Christie, the acknowledged 'Queen of Crime' (The Observer) was born in Torquay in 1890. During the First World War she worked as a hospital dispenser, and it was here that she gleaned the working knowledge of various poisons that was to prove so useful in her detective stories. Her first novel was The Mysterious Affair at Styles, which introduced Hercule Poirot to the world. This was published in 1920 (although in fact she had written it during the war) and was followed over the next six years by four more detective novels and a short story collection. However, it was not until the publication of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd that Agatha Christie's reputation was firmly established. This novel, with its complex plot and genuinely shocking conclusion, attracted considerable public attention and has since been acknowledged by many experts as a masterpiece. In 1930 the sharp-witted spinster sleuth Miss Marple made her first appearance in The Murder at the Vicarage. In all, Agatha Christie published over 80 novels and short story collections. The brilliance of Christie's plots, and her enduring appeal, have led to several dramatisations of her work on radio, television and film. In 1930 she was one of a number of crime writers asked to contribute a chapter to a mystery, Behind the Screen, that was broadcast on BBC radio on 21st June that year. More recently, June Whitfield portrayed Miss Marple on BBC Radio 4, whilst John Moffat starred as Hercule Poirot. On screen, Peter Ustinov, David Suchet, Margaret Rutherford, Joan Hickson, Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie have all memorably played Agatha Christie's famous sleuths. As her play The Mousetrap (the longest-running play in the history of theatre) testifies, Agatha Christie's detective stories are likely to appeal for a long time to come. Agatha Christie was awarded a CBE in 1956 and was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1971. She died in 1976.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
