2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This is the discussion thread for Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie Chapter 9-16

How is everyone getting along so far? Have you noticed any inconsistencies in the passengers’ stories? Have you come up with any theories?

Well, so far I am mainly surprised that Poirot keeps telling everyone that Ratchett is Cassetti. Does he bases that conclusion on the small piece of paper only or did I miss something? Poirot is rather quick with his conclusions.

I think he based it on the burnt piece of paper that was in Ratchett's cabin it said something about remember Daisy Armstrong. I think that he's kind a quick to draw that conclusion.

I just finished chapter 16 today. I've got no theories but there seems to be something odd about Colonel Arbuthnott and Mary Debenham. I recall that Poirot takes note of their conversation very early in the book.

For some reason, the Count & Countess raise my suspicions. Maybe because the Count didn't want Poirot to talk to his wife until Poirot absolutely insisted. They both seemed cagey.

As for Poirot knowing Ratchett is Cassetti. That's Hercule for ya! lol He's never wrong.

well I finished. looking forward to watching the movie.

No real suspect for me yet... It should be a surprise so probably nobody that seems suspicious at the moment. And indeed, we’re working from the presumption that the victim is Cassetti, but we don’t know for sure of course. Up to the next 8 chapters!

Susy wrote: "And indeed, we’re working from the presumption that the victim is Cassetti..."

Good point. I thought about that early on in the story. Everyone seems in agreement that he is, but you never know...