Agatha Christie's The Plymouth Express Affair is a classic Poirot short story that wastes no time. A woman is found stabbed in her first-class compartment while the train is speeding to London. Her jewelry box is empty. The police quickly arrest a man seen near her compartment, but the victim's son isn't convinced. He brings the case to Hercule Poirot, asking the detective to find the truth before an innocent man goes to the gallows.

Why You Should Read It

This story is Christie at her puzzle-box best. It’s not about deep character studies; it’s about the pure, fun challenge of solving a crime. Poirot is in fine form here, using his 'little grey cells' to spot the tiny details everyone else misses. I love how the solution hinges on something so simple yet so brilliantly overlooked. It shows that the most obvious answer isn't always the right one, and Christie plays that card perfectly.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for fans of traditional mysteries and a great starting point for new Christie readers. It’s concise, clever, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for your commute, a lunch break, or anyone who enjoys seeing a master plotter at work. If you like a mystery that's neat, tidy, and brilliantly constructed, this express journey is for you.