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rae42's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Moderate: Violence, Racism, and Murder
thequeeraunt's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is the point at which I would recommend readers begin the Hercule Poirot mysteries. Not to disparage Christie's earlier Poirot novels, but they are a very different reading experience. The Mystery of the Blue Train is the first of the Poirot novels that is told in a third-person point-of-view, which is a much more familiar narrative structure to modern readers than the previous second-person stories.
While the racism isn't as prevalent in this novel as in some of the previous ones (looking at you, The Big Four), there is still language and some characterizations which are less-than-savory to modern sensibilities. If you can get past the 1920's-era casual racism and misogyny, The Mystery of the Blue Train is a fairly well-plotted whodunit with a surprising reveal.
While the racism isn't as prevalent in this novel as in some of the previous ones (looking at you, The Big Four), there is still language and some characterizations which are less-than-savory to modern sensibilities. If you can get past the 1920's-era casual racism and misogyny, The Mystery of the Blue Train is a fairly well-plotted whodunit with a surprising reveal.
Minor: Racism, Sexism, Antisemitism, and Misogyny
b_harrington's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Not one of Agatha’s best.
Quite a lot of casual racism, specifically antisemitic stereotypes. Clumsy potholes.
Quite a lot of casual racism, specifically antisemitic stereotypes. Clumsy potholes.
Moderate: Antisemitism, Racism, and Misogyny
It’s written in 1928 and the representations of women and minorities is not handled wellpassionfordeadleaves's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Murder and Racism
correct_rper's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Racism
tarnishedcopper's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
An interesting basis but in my opinion, the fake accusation made more sense than the actual solution . The main characters, especially Grey, are interesting and well developed, though on the stereotypical side, and Poirot was Poirot as always. The writing was fun to read. The final romance felt forced, however, and this is not a mystery the reader can solve on their own, as some key details are left out until the end.
Moderate: Infidelity and Murder
Minor: Misogyny and Racism
dorsetreader's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Antisemitism, Death, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Racism, Classism, and Antisemitism
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