Murder on the Orient Express

Detective Hercule Poirot boards the luxurious Orient Express after completing a case in the Middle East. Unbeknownst to him, this journey will soon turn tumultuous with a shocking turn of events.

As Poirot settles in, he reunites with his friend Bianchi, the director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. They chat about the train's unusually full passenger list, sparking Poirot's curiosity.

Wealthy American businessman Ratchett approaches Poirot with a lucrative offer for his protection services, citing death threats he has received. Poirot, finding the case uninteresting, politely declines.

As the train departure progresses, a fierce snowstorm engulfs the Balkans, causing the Orient Express to become stuck. This severe weather sets the stage for the ensuing mystery.

The next day, the train passengers are rocked by the discovery of Ratchett's lifeless body, discovered brutally murdered in his cabin. A cold realization dawns: the murderer is likely amongst them.

Determined to unlock the truth about Ratchett's death, Poirot enlists the help of Dr. Constantine, a discreet Greek doctor on the train. Together, they begin to piece together the clues surrounding the murder.

Poirot discovers that Ratchett was actually a notorious gangster named Cassetti, linked to the heart-wrenching tragedy of the Armstrong family. This revelation adds layers to the investigation.

As Poirot interrogates the passengers, he uncovers their connections to the Armstrong family, each having personal motives for wanting Cassetti dead. The list of suspects grows, complicating the case.

Dr. Constantine's examination indicates Ratchett had been stabbed twelve times, confirming the brutal nature of the murder. The evidence points to a calculated act, further deepening the mystery.

The middle-aged French conductor, Pierre Michel, originally a suspect, becomes a crucial ally, providing insights that guide Poirot through the investigation. He plays a vital role in attempting to uncover the truth.

Poirot reveals a shocking twist: several passengers had sedated Cassetti, allowing each one to inflict a fatal wound. This cooperative murder scheme raises questions about justice and morality.

Poirot presents two potential explanations for the murder: the intricate plot involving all the suspects or the simpler theory of an intruder. He grapples with the implications of both scenarios.

Bianchi chooses to report a less complex narrative to the local police regarding Cassetti's murder. He decides that the gangster's dark past justifies his violent end, leaving Poirot to ponder ethical dilemmas.

As the truth unfolds, Poirot reflects on the nature of justice. He finds some comfort in the belief that the scales have been balanced for the Armstrong family, debating morality against revenge.