What to read after Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Book Summary

A Brief Overview In Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, detective Hercule Poirot embarks on a luxurious train journey that quickly turns grim when a wealthy passenger is found murdered in his compartment. As the train is halted by a snowdrift, Poirot must unravel a web of lies and secrets among the eclectic group of travelers, each with their own motive. Christie’s masterful plotting and sharp characterizations create a gripping whodunit that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation. Fans of mystery and intrigue will find this classic tale a compelling exploration of justice, morality, and the complexities of human nature — paving the way for your next thrilling read.

What Kind of Book Are You Looking for Next?

Intriguing Whodunits with a Psychological Twist

Delving into the darker corners of the human psyche, this category features stories that mirror the intricate motivations and moral complexities found in Murder on the Orient Express. Each narrative offers a suspenseful exploration of characters’ hidden depths, making for gripping tales that keep readers guessing. In Sharp Objects, Gillian Flynn weaves a haunting tale of a journalist confronting her own troubled past while investigating a series of murders, revealing chilling familial secrets. Similarly, In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes immerses readers in a disorienting psychological landscape, where suspicion looms large and the truth is elusive.

Classic Mysteries Revisited

For those who cherish the timeless charm of classic detective fiction, this category presents engaging titles that honor the tradition established by Agatha Christie. In The Body in the Library, Christie herself continues to showcase her hallmark style with twists and turns in a cozy yet suspenseful setting. Meanwhile, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie introduces the brilliant young sleuth Flavia de Luce, whose curiosity and intelligence shine through in her quest to solve a murder in the quaint English countryside, echoing Christie’s knack for memorable protagonists.

Community and Crime: The Intricacies of Small Town Mysteries

This category highlights the compelling connection between crime and community dynamics, akin to the relationships and moral dilemmas that unfold aboard the Orient Express. Louise Penny’s Still Life invites readers into the close-knit world of a village plagued by a mysterious death, where every character holds a key to the truth. Similarly, in Murder at the Mansion, Sheila Connolly intricately weaves historical elements with present-day sleuthing, engaging readers in a rich tapestry of local lore and buried secrets, underscoring how communities shape and are shaped by their pasts.

The Dark Side of Glamour and Fame

Exploring the seductive allure of the glamorous world juxtaposed with its hidden horrors, this category reveals the sinister aspects of fame and societal expectations. The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy plunges into the dark underbelly of Hollywood, where the quest for notoriety spirals into a tangled web of murder and obsession, paralleling the chilling motive investigations in Christie’s work. Similarly, Noah Hawley’s Before the Fall examines the tragic aftermath of a high-profile plane crash, peeling back the layers of character motivations and societal judgments that echo the themes of justice and morality found in Murder on the Orient Express.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

This psychological thriller delves into the dark corners of family relationships, mirroring the intricate character studies found in “Murder on the Orient Express.” Flynn’s exploration of trauma and suspense will resonate with readers who appreciate the psychological depth of Christie’s characters as they navigate complex motives. Read review

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

A delightful cozy mystery featuring young sleuth Flavia de Luce, this book offers a charming blend of wit and intrigue akin to Christie’s style. Its setting in post-war England provides a nostalgic feel, while Flavia’s sharp intellect will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie’s clever plotting and character-driven narratives. Read review

The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

Another masterpiece by Christie, this novel showcases Miss Marple, adding a familiar tone for fans of “Murder on the Orient Express.” The classic locked-room mystery setup and intricate unraveling of secrets will satisfy readers looking for more of Christie’s signature blend of suspense and engaging character interactions. Read review

Still Life by Louise Penny

This first installment in the Chief Inspector Gamache series introduces a small-town murder mystery with rich character development, reminiscent of Christie’s storytelling. The atmospheric setting and exploration of community ties echo the tensions and social dynamics present in “Murder on the Orient Express.” Read review

Murder at the Mansion by Sheila Connolly

Set against the backdrop of a historical mansion, this cozy mystery combines history with intrigue, similar to Christie’s approach. Its engaging plot and relatable characters offer a light-hearted yet suspenseful experience, perfect for readers seeking a contemporary twist on classic murder mysteries. Read review

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Though primarily a dystopian tale, the themes of conspiracy and survival resonate with the tension found in classic murder mysteries. Readers who enjoyed the strategic unraveling of motives in Christie’s work will appreciate Collins’s gripping plot, where characters navigate dangers that echo the suspense of a murder investigation. Read review

Engine House: A DCI Evan Warlow Novel (DCI Evan Warlow Crime Thriller Book 1) by Rhys Dylan

This contemporary crime thriller offers a detective’s perspective on complex cases, making it an engaging follow-up for fans of Poirot’s investigative flair. The moral dilemmas and intricate plotting will appeal to readers looking for a modern take on the classic detective story. Read review

Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

With its mysterious plane crash at the center of the narrative, this gripping story explores interconnected lives and secrets. Readers of “Murder on the Orient Express” will appreciate the unraveling of a complex mystery that delves into human motives and the search for truth. Read review

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

This hard-boiled crime novel delves into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles, echoing the atmospheric tension found in Christie’s stories. The intricate plot surrounding an infamous murder will captivate readers who enjoy a gritty exploration of crime and its societal impact. Read review

In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes

This noir thriller offers a psychological look into the mind of a troubled veteran entwined in murder, paralleling the suspenseful character depths found in Christie’s work. Its themes of isolation and danger will resonate with fans seeking a darker, atmospheric continuation of their reading experience. Read review