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Quotes from Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express is a Christie classic for a reason. With its array of captivating characters, its atmospheric setting, and its ingenious plotting, not to mention the much-loved Hercule Poirot as detective, this story has been entertaining fans around the world since 1934. The novel also has one of the most iconic denouements in the Christie canon. Below we explore some of the story's best quotes. Please note that we do go into some detail here so if you've not read the book yet, beware of spoilers!
Ratchett is found dead in his train compartment on board the luxurious Orient Express. Despite his demise, Poirot senses that the man is not someone he wishes to associate himself with upon meeting him for the first time.
Poirot’s instincts never fail him.
When he passed me in the restaurant,” he said at last, “I had a curious impression. It was as though a wild animal—an animal savage, but savage! you understand—had passed me by.
It may be so. But I could not rid myself of the impression that evil had passed me by very close
Murder on the Orient Express has one of the best casts of characters in a Christie story. Each passenger on the train has their own complex history and relationship with the victim. It is fascinating watching the characters interact with one another, especially when enjoying a reread and you know the full story.
M. Bouc and Poirot discuss the diverse group of people on the train who are united by the tumultuous journey.
All around us are people, of all classes, of all nationalities, of all ages. For three days these people, these strangers to one another, are brought together. They sleep and eat under one roof, they cannot get away from each other. At the end of three days they part, they go their several ways, never, perhaps, to see each other again.
Whilst every passenger onboard has a brilliant backstory, Mrs. Hubbard is a fan favourite with her glamorous lifestyle and outlandish flair. She always knows how to add a little drama to a conversation.
One passenger, the garroulous American Mrs. Hubbard, discusses her brush with danger in the middle of the night.
I’d gotten into bed and gone to sleep, and suddenly I woke up—all in the dark, it was—and I knew there was a man in my compartment. I was just so scared I couldn’t scream, if you know what I mean. I just lay there and thought, ‘Mercy, I’m going to be killed.’ I just can’t describe to you how I felt.
Poirot often comes out with brilliant phrases and Murder on the Orient Express isn't shy of them. Below are two of our favourites!
When Poirot doesn’t like someone, he doesn’t mince words.
If you will forgive me for being personal—I do not like your face, M. Ratchett.
I like to see an angry Englishman,” said Poirot. “They are very amusing. The more emotional they feel the less command they have of language.
As well as its eclectic assembly of characters, Murder on the Orient Express has a one of the most iconic settings of a Christie story. The opulent train gets brought to a halt when a snowdrift blocks the tracks. A great scenario for a murder mystery novel but perhaps less convenient for those on board...
A murder on a snowbound train is a tricky situation, legally and practically.
Certainly it is serious. To begin with, a murder—that by itself is a calamity of the first water. But not only that, the circumstances are unusual. Here we are, brought to a standstill. We may be here for hours—and not only hours—days! Another circumstance. Passing through most countries we have the police of that country on the train. But in Yugoslavia—no. You comprehend?
In this story we are introduced to Monsieur Bouc, director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagon Lits, who assists Poirot on this case. Being old friends, Monsieur Bouc has his ways with Monsieur Poirot.
M. Bouc knows how to flatter Poirot to get him to take a case.
Ah! mon cher.” M. Bouc’s voice became positively caressing. “I know your reputation. I know something of your methods. This is the ideal case for you. To look up the antecedents of all these people, to discover their bona fides—all that takes time and endless inconvenience.
Interview the passengers on the train, view the body, examine what clues there are and then—well, I have faith in you! I am assured that it is no idle boast of yours. Lie back and think—use (as I have heard you say so often) the little grey cells of the mind—and you will know!
Despite his flattery, Monsieur Bouc is uncertain whether Poirot will ever unravel the mystery. Afterall, it is one of the detective's most complex cases.
M. Bouc suspects that the crime may be insoluble.
If you solve this case, mon cher, I shall indeed believe in miracles!
Do you have a favourite quote that we've missed from the story? Send it to us on social media. You can also find out more about the UK and Ireland stage adaptation of this play and book tickets here.
