The Mysterious Case of Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit, Murder on the Orient Express, has been a beloved puzzle for readers and moviegoers for generations. Published in 1934, the novel follows the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a wealthy businessman, Ratchett, on the luxurious Orient Express. The question on everyone’s mind is: Who is the murderer? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the case, highlighting the key clues, suspects, and motives. Buckle up, and let’s embark on the journey to uncover the identity of the killer.
The Crime Scene
On the night of November 20, 1935, the Orient Express travels from Istanbul to Paris when Ratchett, an American businessman, is stabbed to death in his cabin. The train is packed with a diverse group of passengers, including royalty, aristocrats, and ordinary people. The murder takes place around 11:00 PM, and the first hint of something amiss is discovered by the steward, Pierre Michel, around 12:30 AM.
The Suspects
As Poirot begins his investigation, he identifies 13 suspects with potential motives for the crime:
| Name | Nationality | Occupation | Motive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratchett’s Staff | Steward, Waiter | Disgruntled employees with a grudge | |
| Count Andrenyi | Hungarian | Diplomat | Political motives |
| Greta Ohlsson | Swedish | Missionary | Ratchett’s association with the Russian Orthodox Church |
| Princess Dragomiroff | Russian | Royal | Ratchett’s blackmailing of her niece |
| Countess Andrenyi | Hungarian | Socialite | Ratchett’s connection to the Count’s diplomatic work |
| Hector MacQueen | American | Secretary | Loyalty to Ratchett’s business partner |
| Antonio Foscarelli | Italian | Businessman | Rivalry in the business world |
| Mrs. Hubbard | American | Socialite | Infatuation with Ratchett |
| Mary Debenham | British | Schoolteacher | Ratchett’s acquaintance with her sister |
| Dr. Constantine | Greek | Physician | Professional rivalry with Ratchett |
| Countess Roska | Hungarian | Socialite | Ratchett’s connections to the aristocracy |
| Pierre Michel | French | Steward | Motivated by personal gain |
The Investigation
As Poirot interviews each suspect, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies. The investigation takes him from the train to the streets of Istanbul and back again. Poirot’s remarkable powers of observation and deduction lead him to several crucial discoveries:
• The missing button: Ratchett’s coat was found with a missing button. This small detail becomes crucial in identifying the killer.
• The torn paper: A piece of paper was found near the crime scene with a torn-off corner. The paper matches the stationery used by the Russian Orthodox Church, leading Poirot to suspect Greta Ohlsson.
• The train schedule: Poirot discovers that the Orient Express was delayed due to a snowstorm, and some passengers had to adjust their travel plans. This revelation helps him pinpoint the killer’s identity.
The Reveal
As Poirot pieces together the evidence, he reveals that the murderer is a collective effort by a group of people. The key players are:
• Ratchett’s family: The murderer is none other than Ratchett’s own family, including his wife and daughter.
• The Russian Orthodox Church: Greta Ohlsson, a member of the Church, plays a crucial role in the murder.
• Hercule Poirot’s own family: Yes, you read that correctly! Poirot’s own family, including his niece, are involved in the plot.
The murder was orchestrated to avenge the kidnapping and murder of the 14-year-old Daisy Armstrong, whose fate was sealed by Ratchett’s involvement. The family, the Church, and Poirot’s family worked together to ensure Ratchett’s demise. The motive was not driven by personal gain or professional rivalry but by a collective desire for justice and redemption.
Conclusion
Murder on the Orient Express is a masterclass in storytelling, with a plot that twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. By the time the truth is revealed, it’s hard to believe that the murder was committed by a collective effort. The novel has been adapted into numerous film and stage productions, including a 1974 movie directed by Sidney Lumet and a 2017 film directed by Kenneth Branagh. The question, Who is the murderer?, remains one of the most iconic and debated topics in detective fiction.
As we conclude our journey to uncover the identity of the killer, remember that the truth is often shrouded in complexity and nuance. In the world of Agatha Christie, nothing is as simple as it seems, and the truth lies in the intricate web of relationships and motivations.
