Murder on the Orient Express: Chapter 1-8

[Winter, Group Reads]

This is the discussion thread for Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie Chapter 1-8

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I read the first 4 chapters while sitting at the mall waiting for my daughter and her friend to finish some Christmas shopping. Christie does a great job getting the characters introduced, establishing the setting and getting the story moving quickly. I'm starting chapter 5 now. I think I could tear through this book quickly if I set my mind to it but I'm going to pace myself. If I ever get out of the mall that is...

Also, I hadn't realized it until I did a Google search but Agatha Christie is the best selling novelist of all time, according to Wikipedia. Only the Bible and the works of Shakespeare have been more widely published. That is astounding.

[Alicia]

How has everyone enjoyed the first section of the book? I agree with Randy that Christie’s introduction to the characters and quick dive into the story is great. Have you started thinking about whodunnit yet or are you waiting for more information?

[Alicia]

I also wanted to add that I laughed out loud at my favorite line of the book so far, when Ratchett tries to hire Poirot and he refuses by saying:

“If you will forgive me for being personal - I do not like your face...”

[Ilona]

I am five chapters in, the pace is high and I am struggling a bit to remember who is who, but other than that I am enjoying it.

[Susy]

Same here, I’ve gone back a couple of times to the chapter where Poirot studies them all.

[Mark]

Really enjoying it so far. I absolutely love the setting—a train stranded by a snowstorm in middle of Yugoslavia.

Poirot's description of Mr. Ratchett in chapter 2 gave me the chills: "The body—the cage—is everything of the most respectable—but through the bars, the wild animal looks out."

So far, Mary Debenham has really caught my interest. She seems uniquely reserved and contemplative:

Poirot: "You are philosopher, Mademoiselle."
Debenham: "That implies a detached attitude. I think my attitude is more selfish. I have learned to save myself useless emotion."

Looking forward to part 2!

[Mark]

Alicia wrote: "I also wanted to add that I laughed out loud at my favorite line of the book so far, when Ratchett tries to hire Poirot and he refuses by saying:

“If you will forgive me for being personal - I do ..." Haha, at least he's honest I guess

[Brianna]

I've enjoyed it so far! I'm definitely already into this whodunit and am trying to remember all the clues and observations Poirot makes to see what could be important in the end.

[D.L.]

I started this book about an hour ago and have already made it this far. I am liking it although there are sooo many characters to remember. I'm getting them a bit confused. I saw the original movie (from the 70's?) and so I know how it ends but "seeing" (reading!) the build-up is fascinating.

I like Poirot and his "little gray cells" lol But I read Agatha Christie herself wasn't a fan of his, oddly enough. I read that she just kept writing him because her fans loved him. I will have to research to be sure this is accurate.

[D.L.]

I got this just now from Wikipedia:

By 1930, Agatha Christie found Poirot "insufferable", and by 1960 she felt that he was a "detestable, bombastic, tiresome, ego-centric little creep". Yet the public loved him and Christie refused to kill him off, claiming that it was her duty to produce what the public liked.

LOL

[Susy]

Mark wrote: "Really enjoying it so far. I absolutely love the setting—a train stranded by a snowstorm in middle of Yugoslavia.

Poirot's description of Mr. Ratchett in chapter 2 gave me the chills: "The body—th..."

I agree Mark, great setting!
Hopefully I will be starting part 2 this afternoon (still finishing a November read as well).

[Susy]

Daph wrote: "I got this just now from Wikipedia:

By 1930, Agatha Christie found Poirot "insufferable", and by 1960 she felt that he was a "detestable, bombastic, tiresome, ego-centric little creep". Yet the pu..."

Lol! 😂

[Scott]

I’m maybe 1/3 through and really enjoying it

[D.L.]

I too love the setting. Christie is the master (mistress?!) of the "locked room" mystery! I am trying to read other books too but this one keeps pulling me back.

[Alicia]

I'm glad everyone seems to be enjoying so far. I love that quote about Poirot. I've tried reading a Poirot collection and he definitely gets tiresome after a couple of stories.