The Mystery of the Blue Train

Rating:
Summary: Great atmosphere and well drawn characters
Review: I first read this book at the age of 13 and loved the story. I was also struck by the great atmosphere of England and the French Riviera created by Christie. I found the characters of Katherine and Derek sympathetic and believeable and that of Lenox, very sad. I also liked the way Poirot is able to bring them together while simulataneously pursuing the killer. My only complaint was that I felt the actual mystery was less complex than some of Christie's other works (like "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd"). However, the overall story was so enjoyable that I don't think anyone would care. Definitely one of my sentimental favorites for its happy ending and the way it leaves you with a feeling of optimism at the end.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Ending
Review: The book offers all of the usual Agatha Christie touches: Hercule Poirot in fine form; a young woman who ends up getting married; a few rogues; and numerous likely suspects. As usual, she makes fun of Poirot and of some of the other characters.
The ending caught me completely by surprise - it is one the best endings in all of her books.
Unlike some modern authors, Christie did not pride herself on filling up endless pages. Her writing is lean and well plotted. Each scene has a purpose in the story. There is no excess language or bloated descriptions. She gets to the point quickly.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Return to Form
Review: The Mystery of the Blue Train is not Agatha Christie's most famous or best train mystery, that would come a few years later, but it is a worthwhile addition to the Hercule Poirot series. It marks a return to the kind of mysteries Christie wrote best and away from the earlier spy thriller, The Big Four. This novel is full to bursting with interesting characters from secretaries to jewel thieves to countesses to companions for crusty old ladies, and all drawn with effortless skill by the author in a few simple strokes. There may even be a few too many characters for some reader's tastes as a few of them are quite obviously not actively involved in the plot but it is fun to watch the author parade the cast of characters all about the villas of the Riviera and the streets of Paris. A very nice Christie whodunit.

Rating:
Summary: Weak by Agatha Christie Standards
Review: There's little doubt as to why Agatha Christie personally dislikes this book. Charming and warm though it is, this book is not the most exciting Christie book I've ever written.

It's also amusing how M. Poirot always seems never to be too far from the murder scene, and how so many characters, Katherine, Knighton and Kettering, all have the same initial, K, as inscribed on the cigaratte box.

As far as the mystery goes, it becomes very obvious very early as to who the culprit is.

The character development in this book is vague at best; not the easiest of jobs considering that we meet a maid-to-riches girl, an american businessmen, semi-bankrupt British aristocracy, a fake French comte, a French dancer, and an old English lady who takes great pride in outliving her friend. Whilst not having a central character, the story has not central location either, as the scenes gaily skip from Paris, to London, to St Mary's Head, to the French riviera.

Upon reading the book, I felt that Christie has made an almost half hearted effort to describe the dichotomy of the human nature. She has also, once again with little enthusiasm, tried to stick a love story in the book. Indeed, it is love that causes the criminal to give his game away pretty easily.

In sum, if you want to read a book about the lifestyles of the rich and the famous between the wars, this book is a good read. If you are looking for a mystery, by Christie's own admission, this is the worst.