The Mystery of the Blue Train, by Agatha Christie (first published 1928). These are the first lines of Chapter One:
It was close on midnight when a man crossed the Place de la Concorde. In spite of the handsome fur coat which garbed his meagre form, there was something essentially weak and paltry about him.About the Book:
When the luxurious Blue Train arrives at Nice, a guard attempts to wake serene Ruth Kettering from her slumbers. But she will never wake again—for a heavy blow has killed her, disfiguring her features almost beyond recognition. What is more, her precious rubies are missing.Initial Thoughts:
The prime suspect is Ruth’s estranged husband, Derek. Yet Hercule Poirot is not convinced, so he stages an eerie reenactment of the journey, complete with the murderer on board. (--Harper Collins)
This was Agatha Christie's 6th book in her Hercule Poirot series, and my first thought is that the man mentioned in these lines can't possibly be the famous Belgian sleuth. There's nothing paltry or weak about Poirot. But that handsome fur coat does sound like something he might wear.
Also, it's not the most thrilling first paragraph. But I like the sound of this one and I've had it on my TBR shelf for quite a few years now. And you really can't go wrong with Agatha Christie, so I'm looking forward to getting this started.
So far, the summer has been sort of a busy one around here, but I think it's slowing down a little now and I'm hoping to get more reading done in August than I have this month. I guess I need a vacation from my vacation!
Happy Friday, everyone! And have a lovely weekend.
Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday. As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc. It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.
I have never read Agatha Christie, and I know I'm missing out. This one sounds good....thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love Agatha's books, but haven't read all of them. I must go back and start them again :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend here is my Friday56 and Book Beginning!
Read a lot of Agatha when I was teenager. Love a good mystery and trying to figure out the who done it. Not sure I've read this one, but then maybe I wouldn't remember as that was long time ago. :) Will have to add this one to my reading list.
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