This was my first Agatha Christie book. I thought I should read it before I saw the movie remake, even though I knew who committed the murder. It's crazy to think that it was written in 1934. I think it's interesting that Poirot and the doctor discuss the type of weapon, the depth of the blows (some "glancing" and some strong enough to sever blood vessels), right-handed stabs vs. left-handed stabs. It was like reading an episode of CSI. ;)
I thought it was clever how AC strung the reader along. The kidnapping and murder of Daisy Armstrong was mentioned in relation to Samuel Ratchett, but no one else seemed tied to it. Poirot spent time thinking about the eclectic group of people gathered together on the train: an Italian chauffeur, an English governess, a Swedish nurse, a French lady's amid, etc and came to the conclusion that only in America would there be a household comprised of so many different nationalities.
Poirot proposes two theories to the assembled group about who committed the murder - and the timing of it all. After laying out both theories, it was decided unanimously that the first theory would be presented to the police. Now THAT would NOT happen on a CSI episode, where truth always wins out, no matter what the consequences.
This was a quick read. An old-time detective novel. It was almost like playing a game of Clue. I enjoyed it and will definitely watch the movie now.
Wendy's Rating: ****
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