If you're looking for a classic Christie puzzle, 'The Mystery of the Blue Train' delivers. The story starts with the murder of a wealthy American heiress, Ruth Kettering, on the luxurious Blue Train bound for the French Riviera. Her priceless rubies are stolen, and suspicion falls on everyone from her estranged husband to a charming but mysterious stranger she met on the journey. Luckily for the baffled police, the meticulous Hercule Poirot is traveling incognito on the same train. Using his 'little grey cells,' he begins to interview the passengers and crew, peeling back layers of deception to find a killer hiding among the privileged.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a fantastic snapshot of the 1920s glamour train travel was known for. Christie paints a vivid picture of that world, from the clinking glasses in the dining car to the whispered conversations in private compartments. While Poirot is, of course, the star, I found myself equally drawn to Katherine Grey, a sensible woman who inherits a fortune and gets swept into the mystery. Her grounded perspective is a great counterpoint to the drama. The plot is a classic locked-room-style mystery, but the 'room' is a moving train, which adds a fantastic sense of momentum and claustrophobia. You really feel like you're racing toward the solution alongside Poirot.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for fans of traditional, clue-driven mysteries. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend or a long trip (maybe not on a train, though!). If you're new to Agatha Christie, it's a solid introduction to Hercule Poirot's methods and the kind of intricate plotting she's famous for. And if you're a longtime fan, it's a delightful return to form. Just be ready to suspect everyone and trust no one until the very last chapter.