Who is the Murderer on Murder on the Orient Express?
The Mysterious Murder
The Agatha Christie’s renowned novel, Murder on the Orient Express, has captivated readers with its intricate plot and surprise twist at the end. The story revolves around the murder of Ratchett, a wealthy businessman, on the famous Orient Express train during its journey from Istanbul to Paris. As the detectives and passengers gather to solve the crime, they realize that the truth behind Ratchett’s murder is far more complex and intriguing than they ever imagined. The big question on everyone’s mind is: Who is the murderer on Murder on the Orient Express?
The Investigation Begins
As the Orient Express train screeches to a halt due to a snowdrift on the tracks, Detective Hercule Poirot is called upon to investigate the murder. The famous detective, with his keen eye for detail and expertise in psychology, sets out to gather clues and interview witnesses. Ratchett’s body is found on the floor of his compartment, with multiple stab wounds and a pocket watch near his hand. Poirot notices that Ratchett was a heavy man, and his clothes seem to be stiff and unwrinkled, suggesting that the murder may have occurred just before the train stopped.
The Suspects
As Poirot interviews the passengers and crew, he comes across a long list of suspects with motives to kill Ratchett. Some of the prime suspects include:
- Cassetti, the train conductor, who had a personal vendetta against Ratchett
- Greta Ohlsson, a kind-hearted Swedish woman who may have been duped into helping Ratchett’s nefarious plans
- Pierre Michel, a French officer who was allegedly involved with Ratchett’s estranged wife
- Hildegarde Schmidt, Ratchett’s Austrian maid, who seemed hostile towards her former employer
Theories and Suspicions
As the investigation unfolds, Poirot and the other passengers begin to develop theories and suspicions about the murder. Some believe that Cassetti was the killer due to his rivalry with Ratchett. Others think that Greta Ohlsson may have been coerced into helping Ratchett’s evil plans. Meanwhile, Pierre Michel seems shaken by the crime, and his alibi is suspicious.
The Final Twist
Just when it seems like the mystery is almost solved, Poirot uncovers a stunning revelation that changes everything. Through a series of clever deductions and interviews, Poirot discovers that there were multiple assailants, and the real murderer was not who they initially thought. In a dramatic twist, Poirot reveals that Ratchett was, in fact, Cassetti’s kidnapped son, kidnapped and exploited by Cassetti and his accomplices.
The Mastermind Behind the Murder
In a shocking reveal, Poirot discloses that Cassetti and his accomplices were actually the ones who planned and executed the murder. The killer was the one who gave the watch to Ratchett, leading Poirot to mistakenly believe that Ratchett was the killer. The mastermind behind the murder was none other than Cassetti himself.
The Aftermath
As the truth unfolds, the passengers and crew are left reeling. The truth behind the murder is finally revealed, and the motives and relationships between the suspects are exposed in all their complexity. Poirot’s extraordinary detective skills have solved the case, but the investigation has left everyone with more questions than answers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mystery of Murder on the Orient Express is one of the most iconic and enduring in literature. The twists and turns of the plot, combined with Agatha Christie’s masterful storytelling, have captivated readers for generations. The surprising revelation that Cassetti is the mastermind behind the murder is a testament to Christie’s clever plotting and Poirot’s unparalleled detective skills. So, the next time you read Murder on the Orient Express, keep a sharp eye out for the multiple red herrings, clever clues, and masterful misdirection that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Table: Key Clues and Suspects
| Clue/Suspect | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Ratchett’s watch | Pocket watch near Ratchett’s hand | Red Herring |
| Cassetti’s rivalry | Cassetti’s personal vendetta against Ratchett | Strong Suspect |
| Greta Ohlsson’s alibi | Greta’s suspicious alibi for the time of the murder | Suspect |
| Pierre Michel’s reaction | Pierre’s emotional response to the crime | Suspicious Behavior |
| Hildegarde Schmidt’s hostility | Hildegarde’s hostility towards Ratchett | Suspect |
Bullets List: Takeaways from the Investigation
• The case was complicated by multiple motives and relationships between the suspects
• Poirot’s attention to detail and expertise in psychology were crucial in solving the case
• Red herrings, such as the watch, were cleverly used to misdirect the investigation
• Cassetti’s plan was executed with precision, using multiple assailants and manipulating evidence
