Review: Murder on the Orient Express

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

This book is a fascinating study in story construction. The formula: Introduce the detective, introduce the subjects, experience the crime, interview the suspects, formulate hypothesis, re-interview suspects, deliver conclusion. All of the action happens in the interviews with the suspects and the unique method of interrogation from Hercule Poirot. Instead of a dry recitation of fact Agatha Christie takes us aspiring writers to school on developing back story and a unique voice for every single character.

Murder on the Orient Express is not for everyone. Half of my book club hated it, and half of us loved it.

Recommended for: students of writing, mystery buffs, and people watchers.
Not recommended for: those who need a lot of action in their novels, non-anglophiles, or people who don't know the time period.

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