She got me again. I can sometimes identify the culprit before she reveals it but not on this one. There is a rich heiress in an unhappy marriage, a famous ruby, a powerful father to the unhappy daughter and a philandering husband (never mind that Mrs. Kettering is on the train to redezvous with her former lover, who is also a potential killer). Was Mrs. Kettering killed for her jewels or did her estranged husband seek to insure he would retain her wealth having discovered she is seeking a divorce? Or is her father enraged that she has taken up again with her former lover who he felt was unfit? It is a delightful read with false trails aplenty and I always enjoy the train as a settng. She has once again assembled a cast of likely culprits providing one and all with a motive or desire for the death that keeps the reader looking for suspects. But this one has a major red herring that threw me. I won't spoil it, but it is a good mystery and a great read! ( )

Interesting book ( )

Final queer count: 6

A great book! A bit slow on the uptake but sped through the last half. Absolutely was not expecting that twist at the end!! ( )

Poirot gently uncrossed his knees, withdrew his gaze from the ceiling, and looked the young man full in the face. “My name is Hercule Poirot,” he said quietly, “and I am probably the greatest detective in the world.

Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 149). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.

I love Hercule Poirot. It's hard not to. Not only is he a fantastic detective he's a total character.

I never prophesy,” he declared pompously. “It is true that I have the habit of being always right—but I do not boast of it.

Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 85). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.

He may not boast but he won't hesitate to preen.

“He is a great admirer of yours, M. Poirot,” she said, and she related some of the things that Knighton had said. It amused her to see the little man plume himself like a bird, thrusting out his chest, and assuming an air of mock modesty that would have deceived no one.

Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 178). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.

There's nothing like reading Hercule Poirot investigate. There's amusing lines, complex mysteries and interesting characters - even if they're not always likeable.

The Mystery of the Blue Train was a strange one. I can't say it's my favourite but it's not a total loss either. My main disappointment came from having to wait until Chapter 10 to see Hercule make an appearance. I did enjoy the mystery though - I guessed bits and pieces and was totally lost on a bunch of others. And I always enjoy Hercule besting everyone.

“Can you tell us nothing more, M. Poirot?” urged the Commissary. “At present, no,” said Poirot, “but I may have news awaiting me at my hotel.” M. Carrège looked uncomfortable. “If the Marquis is concerned in this—” he began, and then stopped. “It upsets our ideas,” complained M. Caux. “It does not upset mine,” said Poirot. “On the contrary, I think it agrees with them very well.

Christie, Agatha. The Mystery of the Blue Train: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 6) (p. 233). William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.

3 stars. ( )

A nice mystery on wheels ( )