Did you read Elephants can remember and if not, do read it. etina (cs) . The events of 1926 with the death of her mother and her husband's infidelity had left a deep psychological scar on Christie. 2 . The final chapter, called By the Sea in the book, was unnamed in the serialisation. - Philippians 4:8, thoughts of a preacher, minister, and aspiring theologian. (Unpaid endorsement), "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." This was the first of the adaptations of Poirot novels by BBC Radio. Then he meets Ruth Kettering. Agatha Christie. What is more, her precious rubies are missing. Poirot, still in retirement and also travelling on board the train, is asked by her father to take on the case. Van Aldin tries to buy Derek off, which he refuses, even though he faces mounting debts with no income besides Ruths. What part did the beautiful foreign dancer play? This blog is strictly for non-commercial purposes. Poirot solves the case only after digging into old and new secrets and seeing through multiple treachery. [2][3] The UK edition retailed at seven shillings and sixpence (7/6)[4] and the US edition at $2.00. Her biography recounts how the total number of words in the book were carefully tallied up, showing what an ordeal Christie found it to be. Poirot boards Le Train Bleu, bound for the French Riviera. Katherine, who is now being pursued by both Derek and Major Knighton is drawn into Poirots counsels. The story follows the wealthy American heiress Ruth Kettering as she travels on the luxurious Blue Train from Calais to Nice. He is suspicious of Ruth's husband, Derek Kettering, who was on the same train but claims not to have seen Ruth. But she will never wake again - for a heavy blow has killed her, disfiguring her features almost beyond recognition. [12] Her biography recounts how the total number of words in the book were carefully tallied up, showing what an ordeal Christie found it to be. The titular Blue Train appears again in Three Act Tragedy where Poirot boards the train with Sir Charles Cartwright to return to England. 1972, Greenway edition of collected works (William Collins), Hardcover, 286 pp. Her father, Rufus van Aldin, gifts her a fabulous ruby The Heart of Fire. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Aboard the luxurious Blue Train running from London to the Riviera, pampered millionaire's daughter Ruth Kettering is murdered, her expensive jewels stolen. Three chapters were given different names: chapter nine (eleven in the book) was called Something Good instead of Murder, chapter twenty-six (twenty-eight in the book) was called Poirot hedges instead of Poirot plays the Squirrel and chapter twenty-eight (chapter thirty in the book) was called Katherine's letters instead of Miss Viner gives judgement. Katherine saw what she thought was a boy getting off the train, but it was really Mason. You will find her tips and reviews on best travel destinations, books and movie/tv shows on Shades of Words. The case is closed. I would have liked to see them together againand perhaps Poirot would have as wellbut she makes a different choice that, depending on your perspective, may seem safe or alternatively reflect a mature self-understanding. [14] Curtain was written at the same time and similarly locked away, but publication of this latter book would not be possible until the end of her writing career, as it recounts the death of Poirot. A murder mystery adventure featuring Bernde's own popular detective, Chantecoq, the story is set in Paris and the plot is completely different. Format: Hardcover. Agatha Christie's most well-known train mystery is Murder on the Orient Express (1934). 3] Compartment number 7! This is the only major work by Agatha Christie in which the UK first edition carries no copyright or publication date. Required fields are marked *. It's the perfect mystery, filled with passion, greed, deceit. Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890 and became, quite simply, the best-selling novelist in history. Actually one of the reasons I think I had no problem concentrating on the book was because her narration was sharp, clear and generally quite entertaining. Her husband, her lover, her maid, a recently rich young woman with a past, and the money-grabbing distant relatives of the young woman are all aboard, and maybe more. A little man wi th a face like a rat. He advises her to keep it at home but instead she decides to take it with her on a trip on board the Blue Train through France. Another example would be Triangle at Rhodes - Evil under the Sun, or the whole book The Big Four is just a . The entire first two chapters were omitted from the serialisation and it therefore contained only thirty-four chapters. He is suspicious of Ruth's estranged husband, Derek Kettering, who was on the same train but claims not to have seen Ruth. S10E01 The Mystery of the Blue Train Summary. It's the perfect mystery, filled with passion, greed, deceit. The Times Literary Supplement said, "The reader will not be disappointed when the distinguished Belgian on psychological grounds builds up inferences almost out of the air, supports them by a masterly array of negative evidence and lands his fish to the surprise of everyone". We're the largest independent bookstore in Texas. by Agatha Christie. "[18] Peter was also the subject of the dedication of Dumb Witness (on the dustjacket of which he is pictured), published in 1937, one year before his death. Charlotte Fisher, together with her sister Mary, also received a second dedication in a book in And Then There Were None in 1939. The tone for murder is set early. There was a BBC radio adaptation starring Maurice Denham as Poirot. She has just inherited a lot of money and is about to travel to visit relations in the South of France, but is nervous. The plot revolves around the murder of Ruth Kettering, daughter of American tycoon, Rufus Van Aldin. He tells them that Ada Mason is really Kitty Kidd, a renowned male impersonator and actress. The writing of this book (part of which took place on the Canary Islands in early 1927 - rather than February 1928, as Morgan suggests - given that the serialisation started on 1 February 1928)[11] was an ordeal for Christie. Grey may also have had enemies as she had recently inherited a very large sum of money and greedy relatives had suddenly taken an interest in her. Agatha Christie with Hugh Fraser (Narrator) . This is our blog. - Blaise Pascal, IFES Secretary for Dialogue and Social Engagement, "For we are God's workmanship . Rufus, Ruth's father, has a wife in the film, who became insane after Ruth's birth, and Rufus has ensured her (his wife's) safekeeping at a convent, where she has become a nun. chief among the latter group, Christie put Charlotte Fisher for her steadfast support. As I mentioned, I wasnt expecting the ending, which made this all the more fun. It also features the first appearance of the minor recurring character, Mr Goby, who would later appear in After the Funeral and Third Girl. One person who didn't was Charlotte Fisher (born c. 1901 died 1976), who had been employed by Christie in 1924 as both her own secretary and as a governess to her daughter Rosalind. Poirot says at 28 min 27 sec that he doesn't like odd numbers, only even numbers The story did not come easily to her and she referred to this novel in her autobiography stating that she "always hated it". [10] It was broadcast in six parts weekly, 29 December 1985 - 2 February 1986. stood for Order of the Faithful Dogs and both Carlotta, hired by Christie as a secretary and Rosalind's governess, and Peter, Rosalind's much loved dog were in that camp as opposed to the Order of the Faithless Rats who had turned away from her. When the train stops, the jewel is missing, and the woman is found dead in her compartment. Agatha Christies most well-known train mystery is Murder on the Orient Express (1934). Was this just a jewelry theft gone bad or something more? She is mistaken by Rufus's wife to be her daughter Ruth. The investigation leads him to the French Riviera, where he encounters a wealthy family with a tangled history and a cast of suspicious characters, including a notorious art thief.Through a series of clever deductions and surprising plot twists, Poirot ultimately solves the mystery and reveals the identity of the killer. THE MYSTERY OF THE BLUE TRAIN Agatha Christie Chapter 1 THE MAN WITH THE WHITE HAIR It was close on midnight when a man crossed the Place de la Concorde. Your statement on Poirot confused me a bitare you saying hes not modest at all? Publisher: Harper Collins. Crime Drama Mystery Poirot investigates the brutal murder of an American heiress and the theft of a fabulous ruby on the Blue Train between Calais and Nice. He asks Van Aldin and Knighton to come with him on the Blue Train to recreate the murder. In contrast to the book, the setting of the film appears to be the late 1930s, given the music styles played, including the song "Sing, Sing, Sing", as well as the clothing and hair fashions depicted. Sadly this time is no different. To find out more, read the book! The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie - Agatha Christie Stories Hercule Poirot Novel 1928 Aboard the luxurious Blue Train running from London to the Riviera, pampered millionaire's daughter Ruth Kettering is murdered, her expensive jewels stolen. Rufus Van Aldin: [Introducing himself] Mr. Poirot, Rufus Van Aldin. Never guessed whodunnit either. And Hercule Poirot is the perfect detective . I forgot that you had read this book. This is the only major work by Agatha Christie in which the UK first edition carries no copyright or publication date. [17] When the events of 1926 were starting to recede, Christie states that she "had to take stock of my friends". Publisher: . Heiress Ruth Kettering, daughter of American billionaire Rufus Van Aldin, is married to what her father believes to be a scoundrel, and has a lover that her husband believes to be another scoundrel. The prime suspect is Ruths estranged husband, Derek. They switch train compartments, and when Ruth is bludgeoned to death, making her features unrecognizable, Poirot speculates that the intended victim may have been Katherine. Now separated from Archie and in need of funds, she turned back to writing. Poirot realised that Mason was the only person claims to have seen anyone with Ruth in the compartment, so this could have been a lie. What Shows Have Been Renewed or Canceled. Katherine Grey is a single woman who has been an elder companion, whose service meant so much that she was left a sizable sum by the woman she cared for. A reference to the continental Daily Mail at the start of chapter six (chapter eight in the book) was changed to "the newspaper" to avoid mentioning a competitor to The Star. The police suspect that Ruth's lover, the Comte de la Roche, killed her and stole the rubies, but Poirot does not think he is guilty. Poirot soon discovers that there are several suspects with possible motives for the crime, including Ruth's husband, her former lover, and a mysterious woman who seems to be following the train.As Poirot investigates, he uncovers a web of lies and deceit that stretches from America to Europe. A great source for books reviewed here. This novel features (as the home of the heroine, Katherine Grey) the first mention in a novel of the fictional village of St Mary Mead, which had originally appeared in "The Tuesday Night Club" published in December 1927, which was the first short story to feature Christie's other famous detective Miss Marple. The international setting makes for a good varied read, but there is a plethora of sixth-form schoolgirl French and some deleterious influences from the thrillers. Agatha Christie's Poirot Series 10: The Mystery of the Blue TrainFollow us on Facebook: https://fb.me/BritTVChannelBuy me a coffee here: https://www.buymeaco. I think the latter and found her one of the most interesting of Christies characters, in her understated way. This was preceded by a lesser-known train mystery, The Mystery of the Blue Train, published six years earlier. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Mystery of the Blue Train is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie and first published in the United Kingdom by William Collins & Sons on 29 March 1928 and in the United States by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year. It had its effect on her in the middle of wartime when, nervous that at some future point she might be in need of funds and need a fallback, she wrote Sleeping Murder and locked it securely in a bank vault for future publication. And after the arrival of Katherine and Poirot at the Tamplins' villa, Katherine is also attacked. The novel concerns the murder of an American heiress on Le Train Bleu, the titular "Blue Train". Accept Read More, The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie. I particularly enjoyed the women Katherine cared for. The television film includes several changes from the original novel. Lets start with some positive comments about the book while I do not love the mystery, I think Christies writing continued to mature and the prose is pretty engaging. But she will never wake againfor a heavy blow has killed her, disfiguring her features almost beyond recognition. It wasnt one of her favorites and one she struggled to write. During the trains journey Ruths body is discovered in her compartment having been strangled and the jewel has vanished. It makes for an appealing backstory but I really do not love the way she is provided with a really unconvincing romance. The tone for murder is set early. Having read Chriss complete works, even her nonfiction, The Mystery of the Blue Train is one of my favorites. The final chapter, called By the Sea in the book, was unnamed in the serialisation. Ruth's father, the American millionaire Rufus Van Aldin, and his secretary, Major Knighton, convince Poirot to take on the case. The famous ruby, "Heart of Fire", which had recently been given to Ruth by her father, is discovered to be missing. The Mystery of the Blue Train is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie and first published in the UK by William Collins & Sons on March 29, 1928 and in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year . The Mystery of the Blue Train is a work of detective fiction by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in the United Kingdom by William Collins & Sons on 29 March 1928[1] and in the United States by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year. The Mystery of the Blue Train Hercule Poirot #6. It passes into the possession of the beautiful American woman, Ruth Kettering, and doom follows swift upon it. She has been invited to stay with her cousin, the Viscountess Tamplin and her daughter, who also hope to benefit from Katherines new found wealth. The only way he will get anything from her is if she dies. The police then arrest Knighton. Agatha Christie's beloved detective Hercule Poirot solves the murder of an American heiress by restaging her final journey by night trainwith all of the suspects aboard. But Poirot is at hand to solve the case. They switch train compartments, and when Ruth is bludgeoned to death, making her features unrecognisable, Poirot speculates that the intended victim may have been Katherine. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Both her husband and her lover were on the train but she had changed rooms with another passenger, Katherine Grey, so the question naturally arises as to whether she was the intended victim. currently reading . ." Everyone is convinced the case is solved, but Poirot is not sure. There were slight amendments to the text, either to make sense of the openings of an instalment (e.g. An interesting fact about this book is that there are several references to St. Mary Mead (Jane Marples village), but there is no mention of Marple herself. Christie's dedication in the book reads: "To the two distinguished members of the O.F.D. A month or so ago I tweeted about how I have spent the past two decades of my life attempting to listen to the BBC Radio adaptation of this novel and never made it all the way through. There were slight amendments to the text, either to make sense of the openings of an instalment (e.g. Derek is then arrested. [citation needed]. The story follows the wealthy American heiress Ruth Kettering as she travels on the. Timing of the murder will be extremely crucial to solving the case. The novel concerns the murder of an American heiress on Le Train Bleu, the titular "Blue Train". After traveling on the Blue Train from Calais to Nice, Hercule Poirot is pressed into service to help solve the murder of heiress Ruth Kettering who is found savagely beaten in her compartment. The murderer would be the least suspected character, and if you were paying enough attention you could figure out how. When the train stops, the jewel is missing, and the woman is found dead in her compartment. It turns out she will end up far more involved than she could have imagined. Whose hand was it that struck her down? US industrial tycoon Rufus Van Aldin and his right hand Major Knighton tried everything to get suave British son-in-law Derek Kettering, an unfaithful gambling addict, to divorce his daughter Ruth, for whom he bought a priceless ruby with a bloody history. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Photography and infographics cannot be used without permission. The Mystery of the Blue Train was adapted for radio by BBC Radio 4, with Maurice Denham as Poirot. 3 Chapter 1 The Man with the White Hair It was close on midnight when a man crossed the Place de la Concorde. Eventually, the dancer Mirelle, who was on the train with her lover Derek but now spurned and vengeful, tells Poirot she saw Derek leave Ruth's compartment around the time the murder would have taken place. I actually rather liked the idea of Katherine the former companion who was left a huge bequest by her last employer and who is now travelling. In spite of the handsome fur coat which garbed his meagre form, there was something essentially weak and paltry about him. And Poirot, retired and seeking to enjoy the world, is also on the train, talks wisely to Katherine, who thinks detective stories are just something fictional people are part of. When she takes Le Train Bleu to Nice, she is not alone. One other detail troubles Poirot. Its got this element of humor I cant seem to shake off. The Sherlock Holmes Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, Jonathan Creek: The House of Monkeys (TV). Poirot investigates the brutal murder of an American heiress and the theft of a fabulous ruby on the Blue Train between Calais and Nice. The novel also features the first appearance of the minor recurring character, Mr. Goby, who would later appear in After the Funeral and Third Girl. But she will never wake again--for a heavy blow has killed her, disfiguring her features almost beyond recognition. These were events which disturbed her for the remainder of her lifeand Christie learned that people she expected to be allies in her time of need turned away from her. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. [Agatha Christie; John Moffatt] -- When Miss Katherine Grey unexpectedly inherits a small fortune she books the famous Blue Train for a trip to the French Riviera. Poirot asks Van Aldin and Knighton to come with him on the Blue Train to recreate the murder. Bound for the Riviera, detective Hercule Poirot has boarded Le Train Bleu, an elegant, leisurely means of travel, free of intrigue. Katherine also saw a man around Ruths compartment and possibly enter it. "[8], British crime writer and critic Robert Barnard declared: "Christie's least favourite story, which she struggled with just before and after the disappearance. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. changing "She then" to "Katherine then"), or omitting small sentences or words, especially in the opening instalment where several paragraphs were missed. However, in a bit of foreshadowing, Poirot says that he would like to take the Orient Express someday, while Katherine talks about the romance of the train. Some of these clichs apply to The Mystery of the Blue Train, too, but its an interesting enough story where the fun part is actually discovering clues along with Poirot and putting them together. Then Mirelle, who Derek has decided to ditch in his interest in Katherine, goes to Poirot and tells him that she saw Derek leave Ruths compartment at about the time the murder was purported to occur. Marvel drops Loki through time to avoid the madness of the multiverse, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier bring the action back to the MCU, Wandavision - Marvel's REAL first TV show starts today on Disney+. About The Mystery of the Blue Train. The prime suspect is Ruth's estranged husband, Derek. Peter's devotion to Christie at this time was never forgotten by her and she returned that affection, writing to her second husband, Max Mallowan in 1930 that "You've never been through a really bad time with nothing but a dog to hold on to." Poirot is dining alone in a London restaurant and strikes up a friendship with Katherine Grey. Murder and violence have followed in their wake. Three chapters were given different names: chapter nine (eleven in the book) was called Something Good instead of Murder, chapter twenty-six (twenty-eight in the book) was called Poirot hedges instead of Poirot plays the Squirrel and chapter twenty-eight (chapter thirty in the book) was called Katherine's letters instead of Miss Viner gives judgement. by Agatha Christie. Frost, Review: James Patterson by JamesPatterson, Growing Up in Working Class Youngstown Hugh A. Maybe its time to go back and read it again. At the end of the film, the murderer, Major Richard Knighton, commits suicide by having himself run over by an oncoming train, instead of just being arrested by the French police as in the novel. Her husband stands to inherit her millions upon her death. Murder and violence have followed in their wake. I thought the ending was a bit rushed/compressed compared to the leisurely pace of the rest of the story. Katherine is saved by Lenox jumping on Mason and biting her on the neck. In the film, Ruth's lover is traveling on the train with her, and they are both fleeing her husband. See production, box office & company info, Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express, Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, UK. Reset in the late 1930s to match the rest of the Poirot TV series, the adaption by Guy Andrews was directed by Hettie Macdonald who also directed the 2013 adaptation of Curtain: Poirot's Last Case. Director Hettie Macdonald Writers Agatha Christie Guy Andrews Stars David Suchet James D'Arcy Alice Eve See production, box office & company info Watch on BritBox with Prime Video Channels Additionally, Ruth's lover is travelling on the train with her, and they are both fleeing her husband. I may tell you that I have heard of you from my old friend Rufus Van Aldin." What is the French language plot outline for The Mystery of the Blue Train (2005)? The murder will happen IN or ON or AT the subject mentioned in the title (in this case the murder occurs ON the blue train). But she will never wake again - for a heavy blow has . Poirot investigates the brutal murder of an American heiress and the theft of a fabulous ruby on the Blue Train between Calais and Nice. Lady Tamplin, Corky and her daughter Lenox also travel on the blue train. Then he meets Ruth Kettering. The book is the fifth of thirty-three full-length novels featuring her detective Hercule Poirot. The American heiress bailing out of a doomed marriage is en route to reconcile with her former lover. yet at 34 min 12 sec into film, he puts caviar on his 9 crackers, an odd number. to read read. The next morning, though, Ruth is found dead in her compartment, a victim of strangulation. I also quite like the way Poirot is brought into this story and the awkward relationship he forms with van Aldin. The Mystery of the Blue Train is a work of detective fiction by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in the United Kingdom by William Collins & Sons on 29 March 1928 and in the United States by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year. . To tie in with the rest of the series, the setting is changed to the late 1930s. When the train stops, the jewel is missing, and the woman is found dead in her compartment. 317 pages first pub 1928 ISBN/UID: 9781579126957. On board the train Grey meets Ruth Kettering, an American heiress leaving her unhappy marriage to meet her lover. Yes, Agatha actually developed a lot of her short stories into full-length novels. Part of that is that I really just dont dig that production but it also reflects that this plot is, for me, a bit of a snooze. A mysterious woman, a legendary cursed jewel, and a night train to the French riviera -- ingredients for the perfect romance or the perfect crime? Purists will probably be angry at this, but it's my guess (never having read the book, mind you) that most of the changes must have been improvements. The UK edition retailed at seven shillings and sixpence (7/6) and the US edition at $2.00. She has decided that there are things to see and experience that are now possible. Solving Crimes From Los Angeles to Kolkata, The Palace of Illusions Draupadis Story. Additional changes in the film include Ada Mason trying to kill Katherine (because Knighton had fallen in love with Katherine and Ada was jealous). It seems likely, however, that Bernde was hoping to benefit from Poirot's popularity. Were the jewels the motive for the murder, or were they only taken as a blind? There's nothing like reading Hercule Poirot investigate. And then Ruth gets huged on the train in a gruesome and disfiguring attack, and at the same time her ruby is stolen. \"The Mystery of the Blue Train\" is a classic detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1928. [7], The New York Times Book Review of 12 August 1928 said, "Nominally Poirot has retired, but retirement means no more to him than it does to a prima donna. Were the jewels the motive for the murder, or were they only taken as a blind? And where else to turn to but to the Queen of Crime and her favorite detective, Hercule Poirot. After recounting the set-up of the story the reviewer concluded: "The reader will not be disappointed when the distinguished Belgian on psychological grounds declines to suspect the arrested husband and, by acting on the suggestion of an ugly girl who consistently derides her preposterous mother, builds up inferences almost out of the air, supports them by a masterly array of negative evidence and lands his fish to the surprise of everyone". Rufus, Ruth's father, has a wife in the film, who became insane after the birth of Ruth, and Rufus has ensured her (his wife's) safekeeping at a convent, where she has become a nun. The famous detective Hercule Poirot is also on the train, and graciously offers his services to the French Police to help with the case, which he ultimately does. Robbery and brutal murder aboard a luxury transport ensnares the ever-attentive Hercule Poirot in The Mystery of the Blue Train, from Queen of Mystery Agatha ChristieWhen the luxurious Blue Train arrives at Nice, a guard attempts to wake serene Ruth Kettering from her slumbers. That line was retained in the television film, even though Death on the Nile was broadcast first. fiction classics crime mystery mysterious medium-paced Description Robbery and brutal murder aboard a luxury transport ensnares the ever-attentive Hercule Poirot in The Mystery of the Blue Train, from Queen of Mystery Agatha Christie When the luxurious Blue Train arrives at Nice, a guard attempts to wake seren. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. A cigarette case found in the compartment is thought to be his. Poirot finds himself dealing with several crimes at once. * We earn a small commission on purchases made through any Amazon affiliate links on this page. The better known St. Mary Mead which is associated with Miss Marple is always described as being west of London. The blurb of the first edition (which is carried on both the back of the jacket and opposite the title page) reads: Since the beginning of history, jewels have exercised a baneful spell.
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the mystery of the blue train summary