Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express: The Suitcase That Held the Key

In Agatha Christie's classic mystery novel, "Murder on the Orient Express," the discovery of a suitcase holds the key to solving a perplexing crime. As the train races through the snowy landscape, a murder occurs, leaving the passengers in a state of shock and fear.

The Murderous Journey

The Orient Express, a luxurious train bound for Istanbul, becomes the scene of a brutal murder. Samuel Ratchett, a wealthy and enigmatic American businessman, is found dead in his compartment, stabbed multiple times. Among the passengers are a diverse group of individuals, each with their own secrets and motives.

The Suitcase's Contents

As Detective Hercule Poirot investigates the crime, he discovers a suitcase belonging to Ratchett. Inside, he finds an array of personal belongings, including a passport, a pocket watch, and a bundle of letters. However, one item stands out: a monogrammed handkerchief bearing the initials "H.R."

The Mystery Unraveled

Poirot's keen observation and deductive reasoning lead him to believe that the suitcase belongs to the murderer. He sets out to determine the identity of the person who owned the handkerchief and their connection to Ratchett.

The Passenger List

The diverse passenger list includes:

• Princess Dragomiroff: A Russian aristocrat
• Count and Countess Andrenyi: A Hungarian couple
• Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard: An American missionary couple
• Mary Debenham: A governess
• Greta Ohlsson: A Swedish nurse
• Antonio Foscarelli: An Italian car salesman
• Pierre Michel: A Belgian conductor
• Ratchett's Valet: A loyal servant

The Monogrammed Handkerchief

Poirot's investigation reveals that the handkerchief belongs to Helen Hubbard, the American missionary's wife. He confronts her, and she confesses to the murder, claiming that Ratchett was responsible for the death of her daughter.

The Identity of Ratchett

Further investigation uncovers that Ratchett's true identity is Cassetti, a man wanted for the murder of Daisy Armstrong, a young American girl. Daisy's family, disguised as passengers on the train, exacted revenge upon Cassetti for his heinous crime.

The Motive

The passengers, driven by their shared grief and desire for justice, conspired to kill Cassetti. They pooled their resources and ingeniously placed the clues leading to his identification, including the monogrammed handkerchief.

The Suitcase's Significance

The suitcase played a pivotal role in solving the murder. It provided a crucial link between Ratchett and his past crimes, exposing the truth behind his facade of wealth and respectability.

Conclusion

In Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express," the suitcase holds the key to unraveling a complex and intriguing mystery. Detective Poirot's meticulous investigation and keen observation lead to the truth, revealing the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of a luxurious train journey. The novel's timeless appeal lies in its exploration of justice, retribution, and the motivations that drive people to commit unspeakable acts.