Finished my first Agatha Christie last night - Murder on the Orient Express! It feels a bit silly to review such a classic author, but I’m doing it anyway.

This book is about one of Christie’s famous detectives, Hercule Poirot, and a cast of interesting characters aboard the train the Orient Express. When one of the passengers on the train is found murdered with twelve stab wounds, Poirot knows it must be a fellow passenger who committed the crime.

Part of my motivation for reading this books was that I wanted to read it before seeing the movie that comes out in November. When my dad and I decided to take the Amtrak to Portland while he was visiting me, I knew I HAD to read this book on the train!

This book definitely isn’t like the typical “murder mystery” books that I’ve read, which are mostly thrillers or very dramatic. Instead, it’s like a brain teaser or a logic puzzle with a cozy feel. I think I finally understand why they call this genre “cozy”! Clues are complex and detailed, and are weaved throughout the story as Poirot interviews each passenger. I did not predict the ending or pick up on most of the clues, despite trying! This book started out a bit slow (and confusing) for me, but picked up speed soon enough to keep me interested, and eventually I didn’t want to put it down and was DYING to finish it! I found myself wishing our train ride was a little longer.

This definitely won’t be my last Christie mystery! I’m excited to try out the Miss Marple series and read some of her standalone work (looking at you @stefiereads). If you haven’t read any Christie before, I think this book is a great place to start.

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Book review: My first Agatha Christie