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Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express is a detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1934.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Murder on the Orient Express is a detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1934. It features Hercule Poirot investigating a murder aboard the Orient Express, and it has become one of Christie's best-known and most frequently adapted works. In Canada, the novel is widely read through school curricula and library collections, and its film adaptations have been shown in cinemas and on television.

Synopsis

The novel follows Hercule Poirot as he investigates a killing aboard the Orient Express after the train is stopped by snow. The case involves a group of passengers whose connections to the victim form the basis of the mystery.

Publication history

Agatha Christie first published the novel in 1934. It also appeared in the United States under the title Murder in the Calais Coach.

Adaptations

The story has been adapted into multiple screen versions and other formats. Two of the best-known film adaptations are the 1974 version directed by Sidney Lumet and the 2017 version directed by Kenneth Branagh.

Legacy

Murder on the Orient Express is widely regarded as one of Christie's signature mysteries. Its enduring popularity comes from its unusual solution, ensemble cast of suspects, and strong association with Hercule Poirot.

Key facts

  • The novel was first published in 1934 and is one of Agatha Christie's most famous works.
  • It centres on Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and a murder on the Orient Express.
  • The plot is known for its locked-room-style mystery and multiple suspects.
  • The story has been adapted repeatedly for film, television, and stage.
  • A major film adaptation was released in 1974, and another in 2017.
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Canadian context

Agatha Christie is widely read in Canada, and Murder on the Orient Express remains a familiar title through school reading, library collections, and its film adaptations shown in Canadian cinemas and on television.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Murder on the Orient Express?
It was written by Agatha Christie.
When was it first published?
It was first published in 1934.
Who is the detective in the story?
The detective is Hercule Poirot.
Is Murder on the Orient Express a film or a book?
It is originally a novel, though it has also been adapted into films and other media.
What is the story about?
It is about Poirot investigating a murder aboard the Orient Express after the train becomes stranded in snow.

References

  1. Agatha Christie — https://www.agathachristie.com/stories/murder-on-the-orient-express
    Supports: Novel identification, synopsis, and significance as one of Christie's best-known stories
  2. Agatha Christie — https://www.agathachristie.com/film-and-tv/murder-on-the-orient-express/facts-about-murder-on-the-orient-express
    Supports: First publication date and adaptation history
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_on_the_Orient_Express_(1974_film)
    Supports: 1974 film adaptation and director/lead actor details
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_on_the_Orient_Express_(2017_film)
    Supports: 2017 film adaptation and director/lead actor details
  5. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_on_the_Orient_Express
    Supports: Basic identification of the work as an Agatha Christie book featuring Hercule Poirot